Messages

Thanks Graham. The MOT history does not look too encouraging.

I e-mailed the seller via the website to ask more, but have had no reply. The website sent a message saying I should have heard by now so I assume there is a reason for not replying. Not a good sign.

I have looked into the differences a bit more. A Car article from 1992, testing the prototype  with the pop up lights, says it would be re-engineered for production. A year later and Setright seems happy enough with an early production car. He also gives the same weight as the later, South African V8 car so I am not clear where the 120kg came from, or went to.

The 1998 press info almost makes the re-engineered version sound like a new car. Overall, I am not clear what an Ace is anymore! The one Setright drove seems, and looks, good though.

David/Nigel,

Thanks. 120Kg weight loss must make a difference, but surely the original bonnet was made of lead to save that? Would have altered the balance too, which may explain the bad review. Is it an overall saving (chassis etc. too)?

I like the Ace as it is not 'all out' like a TVR, but can be used everyday, although it wouldn't be.

Does seem cheap, but the Midlands beckon it seems, if only to see why. Not much chance to get the top down in this weather though.

Since spotting an Ace in north London (1996 or 97) I have thought about getting one. Not possible until recently. And now this:

https://www.buyyourcar.co.uk/used-car/adv/ac/ace/sat_3068_560232303108102

Simple question - are the post-Angliss cars not as good as the earlier ones?

I understand the chassis is different and the bonnet is plastic. The road tests were less favourable in 1998 than in 1994.

I do prefer the twin headlight/line on the door look, and have (aeroplane) connections to Brooklands, but recognise this could be my one chance before I am talked out of it by my better half.

Terry,
   
   Did you get any pictures of it? Would be interested to see how it is faring.

I think the front seats are pushed right back in these photos.

Having just read the 1981 Car articles, it is interesting that Derek Hurlock was not terribly keen on the Ghia, nor on sorting out the alleged 3000ME handling issues.
   
   However, the articles indicate the Ghia could have been put into production, and other web pages seem to confirm this. Do AC owners think it would have been a success? Car quotes Hurlock as saying that the chassis tooling at Hampton Court would allow much higher production rates.
   
   Are there any photos of the AC Ghia alongside a 3000ME from it's visit to Thames Ditton?

Happy New Year to all.
   
   I wonder if anyone knows anything more about the 'town car' AC planned in the early 1970s?
   
   I assume it led to the Sociable and Petite prototypes shown here:
   http://istenbizony.hu/tag/sociable/
   
   I assume the three wheeler was based on the Model 70 Invacar mechanicals that AC designed and built, although wih a possible Bristol engine rather than Steyr Puch?
   
   I know these were not the type of cars AC's image relied on, but my interest is in how they kept the business alive in that period. The picture of the Diablo/3000ME prototype amid Invacar doors shown here:
   
   http://www.ac3000me.com/ac3000me/images/stories/site/production-05.jpg
   
   is illuminating, but maybe there were plans for a wider family of vehicles?

The Ghia/Lincoln Quicksilver is up for auction again next month (second time in a year):
   
   http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=FL0114-173583

http://www.auctionsamerica.com/events/feature-lots.cfm?SaleCode=AS13&ID=r380&Order=runorder&feature=&collection=&grouping=&category=Cars

An interesting article comparing the two cars from 1986:
   
   http://www.lotusespritworld.com/ERoadtests/ClassicnSportscar_Jan86.html
   
   includes comments from Derek Hurlock and details of the company's travails during 1973-85.

I am researching the history of AC Cars, a 'spin off' from work on the history of Sopwith/Hawker at Kingston (http://www.kingstonaviation.org), where some AC car bodies were built in the 1920s.
   
   Although books and the internet are useful (inc. this forum - http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2091&SearchTerms=thames,ditton,factory), there is a gap for much of the period 1973-1985. The 428 had ended production, the Invacars went out of production (76/77) and the 3000ME was in development or low rate production, but what else was the factory doing?
   
   I used to cycle to my school sports field through Thames Ditton in the early 1980s and the factory seemed very large to justify the few 3000MEs built each year.
   
   I have found a few things that are of interest, but wondered if forum members knew more.
   
   1. The link to Unipower. AC were building Unipower fire engines (chassis at least) in the 1970s. I have found a few mentions (Wikipedia - I know!!!) that AC bought Unipower in the 1970s. Is that true? Also, was there a link from the Unipower GT to the 3000ME?
   
   2. There was a 1973/74 'new' Petite 3 wheeler and 4 wheel 'Sociable' (see http://home.clara.net/peterfrost/acpetite.html and http://www.shorey.net/Auto/British/AC/htmltree.html). Anyone know more?
   
   3. Any idea of employee numbers/turnover for the period?
   
   Thanks in advance for any help you can give.