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Yes, this Frua coupe belonged to Dean Versaw who was an avid AC enthusiast for many years here in the Phoenix area. His Ace and Aceca Bristol are visible in the background of one of the photos. Sadly Dean passed away in September of 2011.

My finger slipped before I had finished - I meant to
   say "with BE772 still in the garage"
   
   Tom

In deed - AEX456 was sold for $214.5K inclusive of the buyers fee. My thanks to Shelby Walker(d), Tom Ellsworth, and Dr.James Kanedy for the obvious care and attention that the car received in the 53 years prior to my stewardship. The car needed very little other than fluid changes, a new fuel loom and some attention to minor leaks to be road-worthy. It ran perfectly even in the early summer heat in Phoenix. In an area rife with Cobras of various species, the Ace drew lots of knowing admirers at local Cars and Coffee shows.
   
   Lots of fun, but time for someone else to enjoy.
   
   Tom Innes, AZ
   with BE772

quote:Originally posted by Gus Meyjes
   
I have been in touch with Rinkens International, who do this all the time and ship 1500 cars every month. They did not mention this and they claim to have experience with shipping cars and motorcycles for temporary use in the US for clubs and tours. I will not ignore your suggestion and shoot an email immediately.
   
   Gus
   
   
   

   
   Gus - for several years in the '90s and early '00s, Morgan owners did a 30+ day tour called Morgans Over America. It was sponsored by the UK Morgan Owners Club and the NCal Morgan Owners. I believe that they ran this at least 4 or 5 times with the last one in 2005.
   
   Here is a link that might be useful -
    http://www.morgansoveramerica.co.uk/
   
   There are some names from the NCal Morgan Owners club that might be helpful.
   
   Good luck - tom i in AZ
   AEX456, BE772

John -
   
   The last set that I remember seeing was on eBay about 2 years ago. A gentleman in southern CA had a complete set listed at $700. I offered $500 and was politely declined.
   
   Good luck - Tom I in AZ

Here is a link to the Bring a Trailer website archives of early 2009. This car sold for $40k and was flipped quickly for $65K. Hard to tell if any additional work has been done on it since.
   
   Tom in AZ,
    BE772
   
   http://bringatrailer.com/2009/03/13/new-wife-wants-it-gone-1956-ac-aceca-v8/

Ken - You may have seen this already, but the Bonhams link below from their January auction catalog supplies a little bit of info on Woodbury.
   
   My car AEX456 was also imported thru  AC Imports in June of 1958
   
   tom i
   
   http://www.bonhams.com/eur/auction/19680/lot/354/

Two Ace Bristols sold during the January auctions here in AZ. BEX329(RM) was recently restored and sold for $231,000 inclusive of 10% buyers premium. BEX175(Gooding) was unrestored - perhaps re-painted at some point - but lots of patina included - and sold for just about the same -$221,500.

Nik -
   
   It certainly is spectacular! As far as I can determine, very little, if anything, has been done to the car since it sold at RM's January 2011 auction for $217,000! The dealer's write-up is copied straight out of the RM catalog.
   
   tom

Hi Peter -
   
   The car is also featured today on Bring A Trailer with lots of, mostly, demeaning feedback from the ardent followers. When the car was listed here in Phoenix this past January, I tried reaching  the seller but got no response. BaT listing can be found at:
   
      http://bringatrailer.com/2011/11/05/something-real-1963-ac-ace-roadster/
   
   tom i. in AZ
   AEX456

For lots of photos of BEX278 when it was last for sale see the following
   link:
   
        http://www.fantasyjunction.com/cars/497-AC%20Bristol-Roadster-Inline%206%20Cyl
   
   tom i in AZ

Jerry -
   
   Have you tried one of the many different types of paint thickness gauges that are on the market? they are generally used to determine overall paint thickness or to detect area where paint might cover body filler. They make a type that will work on alumin(i)um but I do not how sensitive they are. On a relatively flat surface such as a door panel i would think that paint thickness would be relatively uniform and perhaps an  additional layer added as a 2 or 3 digit number might register. You might have to try several locations across the panel. Most body shops will have one.
   
   tom i in AZ

Tim
   
   On-line white pages shows two listings for an
   Edmund A. Hamburger in the L.A. area. One of the
    listings shows an age of early '80s. I will try to get more
   information
   
   tom i in AZ

quote:Originally posted by AEX566
   
Suspect this Aceca will go the way of BE 774, on offer at --wait for it--140,000 pounds:
   http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/114922
   Rather than attempting to get it all straight again, just order up a nice new aluminum body, drop in a Bristol, and now you have a $220,000 authentic AC Ace, with a profit margin for the job of $$$ ????.   Same thing happened to the 428, with a number become 427 Cobras.
   
   Art
   

I suspect Art is spot on - either that or there is more than one optimistic restorer out there. The bidding pattern looks very real, although you can never know for certain.
   
   tom i

Tim -
   
   The car fits your description - photos can be seen at http://www.azcentral.com/class/auto/ - click on the classic cars option.
   
   I have a call into the seller, but so far no response. I will keep you posted if he calls back.
   
   regards, tom