Aceca for sale in CA

[AcecaRacer]

Nice Aceca for sale - AEX688
   302 conversion
   http://www.fantasyjunction.com/cars/1007-AC-Aceca%20Coupe-Ford%20302%20c.i.%208-Cylinder

[jrlucke]

I'm wondering if this is the same Aceca/Ford that I had a conversation with the owner at a shop in Livermore in about 1973. This shop seemed to do work on several AC's. The owner indicated that there had been some linkage to the development of the Cobra.
   
   There is another highly modified Aceca/Ford in a collection near the Microsoft offices near Seattle.

[Aceca289]

quote:Originally posted by jrlucke
   
I'm wondering if this is the same Aceca/Ford that I had a conversation with the owner at a shop in Livermore in about 1973. This shop seemed to do work on several AC's. The owner indicated that there had been some linkage to the development of the Cobra.
   

   
   Was the car you saw in 1973 red? If so it was likely my father's Aceca (AEX521, which I now own and not the one at Fantasy Junction) as my dad's Aceca was serviced in Livermore during that time. And...the shop you are referencing would most likely have been International Auto-Car located on Second Street in Livermore owned by Walt Petersen who was one of the top west coast AC experts and maintained many bay area AC's from the early 60's up till the mid to late 70's, including many AC's that were raced locally. Walt also worked for a West Coast AC distributer in the 50's before opening his shop in Livermore.
   
   The Aceca in the link at Fantasy Junction claims to have been converted in 1963 (which may be true), but it's engine pictured appears to be a later 289, or has had many modifications as evident by the many newer parts and lack of the oil fill spout at the front of the engine which is a trade mark of the early 289's. Rinsey Mills "Original AC Ace and Cobra" details what some of the early unmolested 289 motors looked like. <correction - I see the listing states that the engine is a 302, which were introduced in 1968...now that I think about it I think this car appeared on e-bay a few years back>
   
   John

[jrlucke]

It most likely was your car. As I recall it was red and possibly the owner lived in San Jose.
   
   This was during a period when I owned RS5024 and commuted from Calaveras county to Sunnyvale by the shop in Livermore in a 912 Targa (long commute during the 1970's oil embargo but the Porsche got 40 mpg).
   
   My presumption on the conversion was that it was done earlier but currently was running a 302 rather than the original 289.
   
   Glad to hear of another long term owner. I wish I still had the 2.6.

[Ian Rogers]

Not strictly the same thread but can any of you fellow Stateside AC members who own Acecas or Aces advise me as to the best source of photo records for classic racing when racing under the VSCCA banner. My car competed at a variety of venues including Meadowbrook, Mid Ohio, Ponoco and the Pittsburgh GP. It raced between the Mid 1980's to early 2000 when owned and driven by the late Warren Wegele. The car was fitted with all the major mechanical part from a factory 2.6 Ace that tragically burnt the body out following a race at Cascais (Portugal) The nose was also modified to 2.6/Cobra spec. see
   
   http://www.acaceca.de.tl/AEX-525-464-UXY.htm
   
   Any help would be appreciated.
   
   Many thanks
   
   Ian

[jrlucke]

A couple of sites that I'm aware of (plus they tend to have links to others):
   www.tamsoldracecarsite.net
   www.racingsportscars.com (this one has a search capability by manufacturer, track and even by serial number if available). It has some information but it's only complete to the extent someone has provided information. I recall a white Aceca (2.6) raced on the west coast for which there doesn't seem to be any info.
   
   In addition Vintage Motorsports magazine generally has good coverage of vintage events (although I don't recall ever seeing your Aceca).
   
   John

[Aceca289]

quote:Originally posted by jrlucke
   
It most likely was your car. As I recall it was red and possibly the owner lived in San Jose.
   

   
   We lived near the San Jose area at that time so it was likely my father you spoke with. Your reference to understanding that my Aceca had "some linkage to the development of the Cobra" probably had something to do with the fact that the detailed records I have on the engine conversion indicate that the engine installer (West Weisenborn of Grand Prix Automotive in Chicago – another AC specialist of that time) contacted Shelby to source parts and get advice on the conversion as early as Jan 1963 and they received "fine cooperation (from Shelby) if they weren't out racing somewhere"...
   
   I really enjoy the history of our vintage cars and vintage racing in general...wish I had more time to devote to research. The forum seems like a good way to begin such research...who knows what will be unearthed.
   
   John

[nikbj68]

quote:Originally posted by Aceca289...Your reference to understanding that my Aceca had "some linkage to the development of the Cobra" probably had something to do with the fact that the detailed records I have on the engine conversion indicate that the engine installer (West Weisenborn of Grand Prix Automotive in Chicago – another AC specialist of that time) contacted Shelby to source parts and get advice on the conversion as early as Jan 1963 and they received "fine cooperation (from Shelby) if they weren't out racing somewhere"...John

   
   It makes a lot more sense that way around...by `63 they would have been well into the swing of production (& destruction, via racing!!!) of Cobras to not resort to using a significantly different vehicle as a testbed! It`s a cool yarn though.[:D]

[aceaceca]

Walt Petersen built the "MONGOOSE". It was one of the early V8 powered AC roadsters. The guy he built it for took driving lessons from Shelby at Sears Point I think it was. He drove the car in those sessions and I think Shelby was impressed with the thing. There is a Hot Rod magazine article detailing the Mongoose. I have it here somwhere but could not put my hands on it. Walt is still about and retains an Aceca. A friend of mine owns the Bristol engined roadster his wife once raced. Walt lives up in Washington state now.

[aceaceca]

I watched the white Aceca with a 2.6 Ford race at Sears Point way back when early classic racing began. The guy driving it was a master. He played that car within inches of the wall at the hairpin turn at the end of the straight away.

[Aceca289]

quote:Originally posted by aceaceca
   
Walt Petersen built the "MONGOOSE". It was one of the early V8 powered AC roadsters. The guy he built it for took driving lessons from Shelby at Sears Point I think it was. He drove the car in those sessions and I think Shelby was impressed with the thing. There is a Hot Rod magazine article detailing the Mongoose. I have it here somwhere but could not put my hands on it. Walt is still about and retains an Aceca. A friend of mine owns the Bristol engined roadster his wife once raced. Walt lives up in Washington state now.
   

   Interesting bit about the MONGOOSE...I know of at least one V-8 Ace (I believe it was a Buick 215ci) that Walt built for the son of the guy who had the 289 installed in my car. His name was Dennis Snook and was the link to my father's purchase of my Aceca. I don't think this was the "Mongoose", although you prompted me to do some on-line research. I discovered that Shelby did open the "Shelby School of High Performance Driving" at Riverside International Raceway (in Southern Cal) in 1961...just after his decision to quit racing and before the development of the Cobra. I'd be interested in seeing the Hot Rod Magazine Article if you can find it. I believe Walt may have been located in the Southern California area around that time. I will have to contact Walt sometime to see what light he can shed on this story. It is a good idea to retrieve as much history as we can from these custodians of AC history...before it's too late!
   
   btw - My dad still stays in contact with Walt and informed me that Walt got rid of his Aceca a few years ago (AC engined one I believe). He also confirmed that Walt's wife (Fran) did race back in the 50's...in fact "that's how they met"...as Paul Harvey would say..."and that's the rest of the story"...
   
   John

[AC Ace Bristol]

John
   
   Re; The Mongoose
   
   I have a photocopy of a 2 page  article published in  August 1963 pages 68 &  69 ... "The Mongoose".
   
   A  Red 1958 Ace fitted with a F85 Olds V8 coupled to a 62 Corvette transmission,  installed by Jerry Scheberies and Walt Petersen.
   The five pictures were taken by John O'Donnel.
   
   Please confirm your email address and I will scan and email copy to you.
   
   In the meantime,  Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New year
   
   Keith .. [;)]

[jrlucke]

There is another thread from Jan 3 2010 around BEX1045 and Jerry Scheberies referring to this same Hot Rod article.
   
   John

[jrlucke]

Per Keith's request, here are is the article:
   
   
   
   

[AC Ace Bristol]

John  (Jrlucke)
   
   Thank you for posting the two page article on Mongoose, Interesting that you live within a few miles of Walt,  Maybe it's possible to contact him / visit him.?
   
   Has he any period photos or has he any old documentation that could help ID this particular Ace..[?]
   
   There were a few Ace in the USA fitted with Olds & Buick V8s in the early 1960's some before or about the same time as "Carroll Shelby"  launched The AC Cobra.
   
   Tony Bancroft & Tim Isles the ACOC Ace Registrars, have a wealth of historic data on our Aces, But require more information on these V8 conversions, especially what happened to the original AC or Bristol engines and unfinished or crashed/scrapped projects.
   
   Any additional information, however small would be appreciated. Might even help substantiate history on a known Ace or locate one of those lost in time, Which have slipped off the Radar.. [;)]
   
   Keith .. [:)]