AC Aceca seen for sale

[Elmo]

Hello,
   
   SLJ Hackett is offering an AC Aceca with genuine Bristol engine. As I know the engine is modificated unit. Is the asking price for this car a realistic one? I do not have any experience but interseted to buy a good example. Prefferebly an original, not restored an well maintained car. I am gratefull for any information. Thank you.
   
   Best regards
   John

[BE774]

Great specification and checks out with the register, except last known trim colour was red, but originally trim was beige so probably now been reverted to original. Engine rebuild by renowned company. Looks lovely. Radiator possibly uprated? Has electric cooling fan, a good upgrade, as is the wooden steering wheel, a period accessory. I would check the wheel size and tyres fitted, as they don't look like the period Michelins, but not necessarily a problem. At just over half the price of a similar spec Ace, priced about right too, in my opinion. Good luck and be quick, I don't think it will hang around.

[Exowner]

If I were looking for an Aceca Bristol, I would be doing all I could to get the money together to make an offer on this car. It appears to be ready for years of good motoring. I would advise that a knowledgeable expert on the model takes a look at it before money changes hand though. To be honest, I'm surprised that it isn't being offered at a slightly higher price, what with Ace Bristol prices going through the roof.
   I am continually dabbling with the idea of letting my Aceca go to a new owner, and I haven't really got any idea of it's value, although my car is more difficult to value than this car with it's original power unit.
   My first paragraph says it all.

[Elmo]

Thank you very much for your reply. I do not have any contacts to AC experts so have to try myself to make the best possible inspection. Are there any special information or advices about the Aceca cars originality points in the internet? Perhaps this could be a small help for the first. Is it possible to recognize the original car/Chassis number and engine number tags? Also one question to the original 16" wire wheels. Are these originally Dunlop made items or perhaps genuine Borrani? Thank you all.

[BE774]

Two suggestions: 1. Join the AC Owners Club and ask the Aceca Registrar for some advice, and 2. Buy a copy of 'Original Ace and Cobra' by Rinsey Mills, it won't be cheap but will repay the price many times over.

[Exowner]

John, regarding my suggestion to get an expert to inspect the car - can I suggest Neil Fisher of Redline Engineering. He is based near Woking in Surrey. He inspected my Ace Bristol for the person who was buying and was very thorough. His contact details can be found on the web. The people at Spencer Lane-Jones are also very knowledgeable and helpful.
   There maybe more, and perhaps the registrar can point you in further directions. I agree that joining the ACOC and contacting the relevant registrar is wise, however I think that an expert opinion is money well spent. Rinsey's book is excellent to show what 'original' really is, but it cannot hope to cover all of the little (and sometimes very expensive) things that a good inspection might reveal. I don't wish to appear negative, but these are specialist cars, and can harbour expensive problems for a newcomer to the marque. Caveat emptor.

[Elmo]

Thank you. Unfortunately I can not come shortly to a copy of Rinsey's book. Is there a possibility ot see some detailed photos from the engine compartement, the boot, the interior, the inner surround trim of the rear window frame and the areas, where the car numbers are stamped on the chassis etc. in the world wide web for a meanwhile "inspection"? Also not sure if the Smiths heater box is the right one for this car/year. I am thankfull for any help.