Although described as a "16/60", this fairly complete, gorgeous looking 1936 AC 16/70 restoration project is on EBAY
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#61
Vintage, PVT & 2 Litre Forum / 16/70 'Barn find' on eBay, ends 24/04, 8pm
April 15, 2012, 17:23:53 #62
Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Help identifying Ace Bristol from ClubCobra
April 14, 2012, 14:40:57
I came across this thread on ClubCobra, posted by Marty R from California.
Quote:
"I have acquired my Dad's 1957 AC Bristol. My dad bought the car in the early 70's. He tore the car down to restore, so all the parts are in boxes. The motor/trans were sold in the early 80's and put into a drag boat. The motor was actually a built Ford 260. I have pulled the car out from his storage unit and is currently at my house. I am having a hard time locating any identification numbers (VIN) on the car. We do not have the title to the car because his briefcase (with the title) was stolen years ago. The car has been out of DMV's records since the 70's because he did not update information with them. I do not know where to start by putting the car in my name, nor do I want to devalue the car in any way. Looking at the tires and the slight damage to the driver front fender and door, I almost think this car had track time. But it still has the 6 number (blue) CA license plate on it. Any feedback is much appreciated."
What do you reckon, Chaps, can we be of any assistance?
Quote:
"I have acquired my Dad's 1957 AC Bristol. My dad bought the car in the early 70's. He tore the car down to restore, so all the parts are in boxes. The motor/trans were sold in the early 80's and put into a drag boat. The motor was actually a built Ford 260. I have pulled the car out from his storage unit and is currently at my house. I am having a hard time locating any identification numbers (VIN) on the car. We do not have the title to the car because his briefcase (with the title) was stolen years ago. The car has been out of DMV's records since the 70's because he did not update information with them. I do not know where to start by putting the car in my name, nor do I want to devalue the car in any way. Looking at the tires and the slight damage to the driver front fender and door, I almost think this car had track time. But it still has the 6 number (blue) CA license plate on it. Any feedback is much appreciated."
What do you reckon, Chaps, can we be of any assistance?
#63
General Forum / GUMBALL!!!
April 05, 2012, 13:43:42
Happy Easter from Nik!
#64
428 Frua Forum / 1967 Motor Show Pathé Newsreel
February 17, 2012, 16:44:31
From the Earl`s Court Motorshow Comes this British Pathé Newsreel. PC, the commentary was NOT!!!
"...This is the year when women have a say in what goes...Ladies, perhaps for the first time, the choice is yours, if Hubby doesn`t want to give up those pleasant pints, you`re going to do a lot of driving...how about the AC Fastback? Put your foot down on this and he`ll be sober in a flash..."
Enjoy the AC 428 Fastback at 22 seconds in and 3 minutes 22 as well. [:D]
"...This is the year when women have a say in what goes...Ladies, perhaps for the first time, the choice is yours, if Hubby doesn`t want to give up those pleasant pints, you`re going to do a lot of driving...how about the AC Fastback? Put your foot down on this and he`ll be sober in a flash..."
Enjoy the AC 428 Fastback at 22 seconds in and 3 minutes 22 as well. [:D]
#66
General Forum / Merry Christmas AC folk, one and all!
December 19, 2011, 14:53:10
Tidings of joy to you all, it was great to meet up with a few members this year, and with the Cobra`s 'BIG 5-OH' next year, I hope to see many more of you.
CHEERS!
Nik.
#67
General Forum / Aceca at NEC Classic 2011
November 22, 2011, 00:14:30
I spotted this gorgeous blue Aceca taking charity runs for the Sporting Bears at the NEC Classic Show in Birmingham:
Still sporting some Mugello Stradale stickers, I wonder if the Sproting Bears runs were as 'spirited' as that?! [8D]
Still sporting some Mugello Stradale stickers, I wonder if the Sproting Bears runs were as 'spirited' as that?! [8D]
#68
General Forum / Thames Ditton Visit, 1979, in pictures.
November 04, 2011, 14:12:52
This story, posted for & on behalf of Tim Isles, comes courtesy of Harley Van de Loo, the owner of AEX 115. It relates to a trip to Thames Ditton, undertaken by his brother Rob in 1979. He sent me this tale and asked that I share it with other enthusiasts. For those who remember the old factory at Thames Ditton I'm sure all will agree that it captures the really friendly atmosphere that was always so apparent.
Tim Isles. (Photo captions also by Tim.)
Hey Harley,
Well, I found my notebook for that trip, and it had an entry for Sunday, 22 July 1979 that I'd been to Thames Ditton. It was my last afternoon in England on that trip, as I was to turn-in my Kenning Car Hire MINI the next morning and fly back home from Heathrow.
I'd looked for and found the factory late in the afternoon, had taken a photo of the outside and was taking a closer look at the property through a gate when I was approached from within the property by an older gentleman & his very large Alsatian dog who inquired as to what I was up to. When I identified that I was an American tourist and was looking up the factory that built my brother's 1956 AC ACE, he said he was the night-watchman and asked if I would like to come in for a look-around as long as I didn't try to pet his dog whom he said was old, deaf and would bite. I agreed, and he unlocked the gate and let me in. Over the next hour I was shown around the rambling property by this friendly man and his dog. He explained all the areas of the factory to me to the best of his abilities and told me of the projects that were ongoing. There was a beautiful modern GT car that the watchman said belonged to the "Guv'nor" and was off-the-road and being fettled. I was allowed to see and photograph everything. After an enjoyable time at the factory, when I'd seen everything at least once, I said my goodbyes to this kind man and his loyal dog and went down the road to have dinner.
-Rob
Greyhound 8 LPA was the prototype and used by the factory for a number of years but I think by 1979 it was in the hands of a private owner.
Two nice pictures of the prototype AC 429 (on its all new square section chassis). What a pity it never went into production.
Ace 2.6 659 CGT is RS 5003 in its younger days. It was the London Motor Show car.
Some excellent shots of 3000 MEs being assembled - SPG 773R is ME #108, the 5th prototype and works demonstrator.
Finally this Ace is Harley's AEX 115.
Tim Isles. (Photo captions also by Tim.)
Hey Harley,
Well, I found my notebook for that trip, and it had an entry for Sunday, 22 July 1979 that I'd been to Thames Ditton. It was my last afternoon in England on that trip, as I was to turn-in my Kenning Car Hire MINI the next morning and fly back home from Heathrow.
I'd looked for and found the factory late in the afternoon, had taken a photo of the outside and was taking a closer look at the property through a gate when I was approached from within the property by an older gentleman & his very large Alsatian dog who inquired as to what I was up to. When I identified that I was an American tourist and was looking up the factory that built my brother's 1956 AC ACE, he said he was the night-watchman and asked if I would like to come in for a look-around as long as I didn't try to pet his dog whom he said was old, deaf and would bite. I agreed, and he unlocked the gate and let me in. Over the next hour I was shown around the rambling property by this friendly man and his dog. He explained all the areas of the factory to me to the best of his abilities and told me of the projects that were ongoing. There was a beautiful modern GT car that the watchman said belonged to the "Guv'nor" and was off-the-road and being fettled. I was allowed to see and photograph everything. After an enjoyable time at the factory, when I'd seen everything at least once, I said my goodbyes to this kind man and his loyal dog and went down the road to have dinner.
-Rob
Greyhound 8 LPA was the prototype and used by the factory for a number of years but I think by 1979 it was in the hands of a private owner.
Two nice pictures of the prototype AC 429 (on its all new square section chassis). What a pity it never went into production.
Ace 2.6 659 CGT is RS 5003 in its younger days. It was the London Motor Show car.
Some excellent shots of 3000 MEs being assembled - SPG 773R is ME #108, the 5th prototype and works demonstrator.
Finally this Ace is Harley's AEX 115.
#69
Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Aceca Bristol BEX 709 at RM Auction 26/10/11
October 29, 2011, 01:25:56
Sold for £89,600... and I must say looks absolutely perfect!
(Click pic for full description)
(Click pic for full description)
#70
Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / 5 BPG, Racing History & Restoration.
October 07, 2011, 21:29:48
Following on from the excellent Octane Magazine feature (November 2011).
With the Permission of owner Tony Bancroft & Steve Gray of The Brooklands Motor Company (AC Heritage) who carried out the restoration, this thread is intended to expand on the story of 5 BPG (chassis number BE212), the fastest Ace in Britain in it`s heyday.
Starting with Early racing, here is Ian Smith in 1957:
And at Brands Hatch in 1958:
The following week, Smith was at Goodwood:
But by 1960, Peter Bolton had taken ownership & carried out much development of the engine & suspension:
The Autosport caption tells us that Bolton`s mods were effective!:
But maybe it was more than David Alexander could handle by 1963?!:
Sold to Gerry Bagshaw for £175, the wreck of 5 BPG sits outside it`s new home in Barnet.
Although the soft Aluminium body is virtually destroyed, the running gear had survived the accident much better:
You could look down and see the inside of the rear wheel from above! The bootlid is virtually the only part of the Ace`s body to escape damage during the crash!:
Where do you begin? [xx(]
Over the winter of 1963/64, Gerry set about straightening the Ace out with a rubber hammer & tyre lever, a truly mammoth task for an experienced panelbeater, let alone a complete novice!
The beautiful, flowing lines of the Ace are a little bit less graceful now...
...But not long ago she looked ready for the scrap-heap!:
Summer 1964 saw the return of 5 BPG to racing, at Silverstone:
Due to the stretching of the aluminium whilst repairing the rear wing, the Ace ALWAYS looked like it was taking a right-hander flat out, but in this case, she is!
OH NO!!!! The only part of the Ace that survived the Snetterton crash gets a bloody good THUUMMPP! That`s just not fair!
By 1965`s season, 5 BPG was now professionally repaired and painted dark green. Beautiful again, seen here on new wide 15" wheels, swapped for the 16" road wheels:
On the circuit, the new wheels have little clearance to the rear wing!
Gerry Bagshaw beams with pride as he prepares to race, (on the old narrow 15" wheels ):
But, then along came the ex-Willment Cobra, and the Bristol 6 couldn`t match the V8 grunt, so 5 BPG went into retirement.
In 1974 Gerry sold the Ace to Ron Stern(who had bought the Cobra from him in 1973), who then sold it on to Ken Rodgers, who by the Bentley Drivers` Club meeting in 1975 had painted it red.
Despite the fact that it was sold without registration & issued the new number 314 JGY, 5 BPG remains on the boot!
Now seen at Le Mans for the 'Historique', 1978, the Ace is black, but with the correct registration number :
For many years 5 BPG resided in the museum at Spa Francorchamps, showing her age and signs of a hard, hard life. [:(]
But given a polish & sat in the sunshine at the ACOC 50th anniversary in 1999, looks hardly any different to how she did
34 years before, does she? [8D]
(Still got the naughty wrong number on the front, but correct on the rear!!!)
Tony Bancroft had been in contact with Ken Rodgers for many years, and finally persuaded him to sell the Ace to him in September of 2005.
Around November `05, Steve Gray`s Brooklands Bashers got their hands on 5 BPG (Now re-issued that registration due to Tony`s hard work).
The chassis was checked for straightness & some minor repairs were carried out, and then it was in to the paint booth:
Meanwhile, the body is tended to. Some parts are just too far gone, like this headlight surround:
Ouch, nasty burn there, fella![:0]
A new segment for the lip around the nose is created on the original AC body buck.
Finessed back to the lines that AC intended, British craftsmanship at it`s best:
The original & new sections of Aluminium may be visible, but you can`t feel the join!
It`s amazing how little of the body needed to be replaced! [8D]
A new section is grafted into place around the door reveal, one of only a handful of replacement pieces required.
Dashboard modifications are repaired to original configuration.(Compare photos of the Ace in red, then in Spa museum, above.)
40 years on, the wheel arch is the right shape again, after much hard work.
Another small section of new metal, blended perfectly into the original.
Beauty isn`t just skin deep on this Ace.
All running gear is returned to perfect condition, Tony even managed to retrieve the original cyinder head from an Aceca owner!
Body & chassis reunited after months of painstaking restoration.
It almost seems a shame to hide all that hard work under paint!
The bonnet scoop, missing since 1965, is recreated as an essential aid to getting air into the carbs at full chat!
She may look like new, but the battlescars are all still there, under the paint.
The original mirror which had sat in a workshop for nigh on 50 years is reunited with the Ace & provides the colour she will be restored to.
Nearing completion at Brooklands. Paint so deep, you could swim in it!
The extra suspension spring, an early competition upgrade, wrapped in Denso Tape in the restored engine bay.
Better than new? Brooklands Motor Company`s craftsmen are second to none!
A new hood is made to complement the interior colourscheme.
The sign at the back of the garage seems most appropriate! [:D]
Looking better than ever!
The Hardtop fits for the first time in 40+ years!
It has taken over a year to complete, but the results are stunning.
But that doesn`t mean that this is a 'Trailer Queen'.
5 BPG is used regularly on the road, for instance having driven down from Yorkshire to Brooklands for the ACOC 60th Anniversary in 2009 (seen here at Denbies Vineyard the day before)...:
...Or Silverstone (with myself & Jack sears in front!!! What a day!):
...Or in Cork, Ireland for the ACOC 2010 International Meeting:
...Or Oulton Park, for the Gold Cup, where Gerry Bagshaw was reunited with 5 BPG, for the first time since 1974.
So there you go. Probably the finest example of AC`s Ace Bristol.
Good for another 50 years at least!
AC... Bloody Well Done!
With the Permission of owner Tony Bancroft & Steve Gray of The Brooklands Motor Company (AC Heritage) who carried out the restoration, this thread is intended to expand on the story of 5 BPG (chassis number BE212), the fastest Ace in Britain in it`s heyday.
And at Brands Hatch in 1958:
The following week, Smith was at Goodwood:
But by 1960, Peter Bolton had taken ownership & carried out much development of the engine & suspension:
The Autosport caption tells us that Bolton`s mods were effective!:
But maybe it was more than David Alexander could handle by 1963?!:
Sold to Gerry Bagshaw for £175, the wreck of 5 BPG sits outside it`s new home in Barnet.
Although the soft Aluminium body is virtually destroyed, the running gear had survived the accident much better:
You could look down and see the inside of the rear wheel from above! The bootlid is virtually the only part of the Ace`s body to escape damage during the crash!:
Where do you begin? [xx(]
Over the winter of 1963/64, Gerry set about straightening the Ace out with a rubber hammer & tyre lever, a truly mammoth task for an experienced panelbeater, let alone a complete novice!
The beautiful, flowing lines of the Ace are a little bit less graceful now...
...But not long ago she looked ready for the scrap-heap!:
Summer 1964 saw the return of 5 BPG to racing, at Silverstone:
Due to the stretching of the aluminium whilst repairing the rear wing, the Ace ALWAYS looked like it was taking a right-hander flat out, but in this case, she is!
OH NO!!!! The only part of the Ace that survived the Snetterton crash gets a bloody good THUUMMPP! That`s just not fair!
By 1965`s season, 5 BPG was now professionally repaired and painted dark green. Beautiful again, seen here on new wide 15" wheels, swapped for the 16" road wheels:
On the circuit, the new wheels have little clearance to the rear wing!
Gerry Bagshaw beams with pride as he prepares to race, (on the old narrow 15" wheels ):
But, then along came the ex-Willment Cobra, and the Bristol 6 couldn`t match the V8 grunt, so 5 BPG went into retirement.
In 1974 Gerry sold the Ace to Ron Stern(who had bought the Cobra from him in 1973), who then sold it on to Ken Rodgers, who by the Bentley Drivers` Club meeting in 1975 had painted it red.
Despite the fact that it was sold without registration & issued the new number 314 JGY, 5 BPG remains on the boot!
Now seen at Le Mans for the 'Historique', 1978, the Ace is black, but with the correct registration number :
For many years 5 BPG resided in the museum at Spa Francorchamps, showing her age and signs of a hard, hard life. [:(]
But given a polish & sat in the sunshine at the ACOC 50th anniversary in 1999, looks hardly any different to how she did
34 years before, does she? [8D]
(Still got the naughty wrong number on the front, but correct on the rear!!!)
Tony Bancroft had been in contact with Ken Rodgers for many years, and finally persuaded him to sell the Ace to him in September of 2005.
Around November `05, Steve Gray`s Brooklands Bashers got their hands on 5 BPG (Now re-issued that registration due to Tony`s hard work).
The chassis was checked for straightness & some minor repairs were carried out, and then it was in to the paint booth:
Meanwhile, the body is tended to. Some parts are just too far gone, like this headlight surround:
Ouch, nasty burn there, fella![:0]
A new segment for the lip around the nose is created on the original AC body buck.
Finessed back to the lines that AC intended, British craftsmanship at it`s best:
The original & new sections of Aluminium may be visible, but you can`t feel the join!
It`s amazing how little of the body needed to be replaced! [8D]
A new section is grafted into place around the door reveal, one of only a handful of replacement pieces required.
Dashboard modifications are repaired to original configuration.(Compare photos of the Ace in red, then in Spa museum, above.)
40 years on, the wheel arch is the right shape again, after much hard work.
Another small section of new metal, blended perfectly into the original.
Beauty isn`t just skin deep on this Ace.
All running gear is returned to perfect condition, Tony even managed to retrieve the original cyinder head from an Aceca owner!
Body & chassis reunited after months of painstaking restoration.
It almost seems a shame to hide all that hard work under paint!
The bonnet scoop, missing since 1965, is recreated as an essential aid to getting air into the carbs at full chat!
She may look like new, but the battlescars are all still there, under the paint.
The original mirror which had sat in a workshop for nigh on 50 years is reunited with the Ace & provides the colour she will be restored to.
Nearing completion at Brooklands. Paint so deep, you could swim in it!
The extra suspension spring, an early competition upgrade, wrapped in Denso Tape in the restored engine bay.
Better than new? Brooklands Motor Company`s craftsmen are second to none!
A new hood is made to complement the interior colourscheme.
The sign at the back of the garage seems most appropriate! [:D]
Looking better than ever!
The Hardtop fits for the first time in 40+ years!
It has taken over a year to complete, but the results are stunning.
But that doesn`t mean that this is a 'Trailer Queen'.
5 BPG is used regularly on the road, for instance having driven down from Yorkshire to Brooklands for the ACOC 60th Anniversary in 2009 (seen here at Denbies Vineyard the day before)...:
...Or Silverstone (with myself & Jack sears in front!!! What a day!):
...Or in Cork, Ireland for the ACOC 2010 International Meeting:
...Or Oulton Park, for the Gold Cup, where Gerry Bagshaw was reunited with 5 BPG, for the first time since 1974.
So there you go. Probably the finest example of AC`s Ace Bristol.
Good for another 50 years at least!
AC... Bloody Well Done!
#71
General Forum / Ace Bristol 5BPG in Octane Magazine, November 2011
September 26, 2011, 20:07:37
Just read the excellent article in Octane about Tony Bancroft`s Amazing Ace, 5BPG.
See how it went from this:
to this!
Hitting a news-stand near you soon. Click pic for details.
See how it went from this:
to this!
Hitting a news-stand near you soon. Click pic for details.
#72
General Forum / Goodwood Revival on ITV4, Tuesday 27th Sept, 8pm
September 26, 2011, 11:42:17
The Goodwood Revival is televised on ITV4 tomorrow, Tuesday 27th September, at 8pm, with repeats on Thursday 29th September at 12:05am on ITV1 (HD for ITV London!)and Sunday 2nd October at 6:00pm on ITV4.
Hopefully the coverage will be better than last year`s woeful effort, with good racing time being filled by the presenter learning to wrestle with dwarf clowns or similar! [:o)]
[EDIT] Sorry to early readers, the date was wrong, Tuesday is the 27th, not 26th as I originally posted! Other dates are correct. [:I]
Hopefully the coverage will be better than last year`s woeful effort, with good racing time being filled by the presenter learning to wrestle with dwarf clowns or similar! [:o)]
[EDIT] Sorry to early readers, the date was wrong, Tuesday is the 27th, not 26th as I originally posted! Other dates are correct. [:I]
#73
Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Mystery Ace Bristol at Goodwood Revival
September 22, 2011, 20:55:48
Despite the best efforts of Keith & Tim, This long-boot Ace Bristol that was in the Pre-`66 GRRC car park at the Goodwood Revival is unknown to the Club!!!
Is it yours? Do you know who owns this little beauty?
Please could you confirm chassis / engine numbers and whether the owner is an ACOC member so that the Ace Bristol Register can be brought up to date? Thanks!
Is it yours? Do you know who owns this little beauty?
Please could you confirm chassis / engine numbers and whether the owner is an ACOC member so that the Ace Bristol Register can be brought up to date? Thanks!
#74
Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Greyhound radiator cap?
August 06, 2011, 17:03:10
Does anyone know of a source for a radiator cap to fit the Greyhound(Bristol).
It is a 4lb cap, made by AC(not the same one!) reference no. H9709.
Thanks. [:)]
It is a 4lb cap, made by AC(not the same one!) reference no. H9709.
Thanks. [:)]
#75
Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Greyhound rear window seals?
August 06, 2011, 17:01:21
Does anyone know of a source for the rubber seals to fit around the opening rear windows on the Greyhound...thanks. [:)]
#76
General Forum / Cholmondley Pageant of Power 2011
June 23, 2011, 12:25:01
It`s the Cholmondley Pageant of Power on the 15-17th of July, a really really good event which is ever-increasing in popularity & appeal, with some very interesting vehicles turning up.
Is there to be any Club presence there this year? There`s no mention of it in the 'Events guide'.
If I recall correctly, Richard Wright organised a club pitch last year, but I don`t think it was very well publicised and only a few cars made it (Sadly one MkIV suffered an accident & couldn`t return[xx(]).
Following on from REV`s comments about many events being South-East based, it would be nice to see some support for the 'Goodwood Festival of Speed of the North' [;)] (OK, it`s nothing like Goodwood, but IS a cracking weekend for the Petrolhead).
Click link below to visit the website:
Is there to be any Club presence there this year? There`s no mention of it in the 'Events guide'.
If I recall correctly, Richard Wright organised a club pitch last year, but I don`t think it was very well publicised and only a few cars made it (Sadly one MkIV suffered an accident & couldn`t return[xx(]).
Following on from REV`s comments about many events being South-East based, it would be nice to see some support for the 'Goodwood Festival of Speed of the North' [;)] (OK, it`s nothing like Goodwood, but IS a cracking weekend for the Petrolhead).
#77
Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / Un AC Ace Bristol au Le Mans 24 hr 2011 malheureux
June 14, 2011, 23:26:04
Before:
OUCH!
That ain`t gonna buff out with T-Cut! [:(]
*Photos from the UltimateCarPage Le Mans 2011 Report Gallery, with thanks.
OUCH!
That ain`t gonna buff out with T-Cut! [:(]
*Photos from the UltimateCarPage Le Mans 2011 Report Gallery, with thanks.
#78
Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / HELP! 15" spare tyre needed please.
May 09, 2011, 01:46:44
Unfortunately, on the Greyhound`s first real run out, we picked up a huuuuge screw which has destroyed a previously perfectly good Michelin 185 x 15" XVS(93H) tyre.
Does anyone have a surplus similar tyre which we could purchase as we currently have 3 Michelins & an Avon fitted, and NO spare! [:(]
Anything would do as long as it`s legal.
Please send a personal message by clicking on my username.
Thanks in advance,
Nik.[:)]
#79
General Forum / Sew-on or iron on patch needed
April 18, 2011, 20:57:06
Does anyone have a spare Cobra, AC or AC Owners` Club patch that I could purchase, as I want to put one on some racing overalls for the The 289 Register & GT40 Enthusiasts` Club`s joint track day!
Our regalia secretary is unable to supply in time for the event, as is the bloke on eBay I just purchased 2 from!!!
Thanks in advance( & hope!)
Nik.
Our regalia secretary is unable to supply in time for the event, as is the bloke on eBay I just purchased 2 from!!!
Thanks in advance( & hope!)
Nik.
#80
General Forum / Classic Car catalogue online resource
April 01, 2011, 12:09:22
Stumbled across Classic Car Catalog.com which lists many makes & models from 1930 - 1969, searchable by year or marque.
Check out the AC Listings from 1930-`39 & `47 -`69, there are quite a few pictures I`ve not seen before!
Good stuff! [8D]
Check out the AC Listings from 1930-`39 & `47 -`69, there are quite a few pictures I`ve not seen before!
Good stuff! [8D]