First it was 428`s...

[nikbj68]

...Anyway. Back to Shizophrenia.
   I don`t understand how, with 20+ years unaccounted for, the car is credited with 'continuous' history, and although it may well be the original chassis & engine, it`s value should still be pitched somewhere around that of a mint Aceca, being as it does appear to have been well restored, No?
   Also, having read the sales brochure, I`m a little confused as to how the registration came to find it`s way onto another vehicle and then back again.
   
   As an interesting comparison, THIS ACECA, with 1 owner from new, in fair condition is currently £44750, albeit with AC rather than Brizzle power, but that`s continuous history, and very original, and you can`t replace originality!
   

[AC Ace Bristol]

quote:Originally posted by nikbj68
   
It`s possible to purchase an existing desireable registration, from around £50 - £Stoopid (go on, guess before you click the link.... you will be way off!), and then, for an £80 fee, to transfer registrations from vehicle to vehicle, (with various conditions, of course see here: The DVLA).
   

   
   Well the plot thickens,  A real can of worms.
   
   REST OF THE TEXT  REMOVED.......... as requested by Barry Howsley
   on  22nd August 2010. [V]..  ..  [V]
   
   Keith

[nikbj68]

quote:Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol...Still love to see a picture or two of the Fibreglass coupe bodied Aceca...
   There is a Gap of 20 years missing in the history file, during which time, DMT70 - Aceca BE774 lost its body, was seperated from its engine and possibly its gearbox and according to coloured photographic evidence ended up derelict in a Field exposed to the elements...Keith

   Well. Looky here, Keith. Ask, and ye shall receive!
    I have recently recieved( in an unmarked envelope, with no covering letter!)the following photographs, showing our subject in shall we say 'unloved' condition, circa 1982.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   ]
   
   

[left4dead]

AC Aceca Bristol 'Ace Bodied' - Auction 21/7 For Sale by Auction (1960)
   Estimate:£70000 - 80000 Registration No:DMT 70 Chassis No: BE774 Engine No:100D2 1057 CC:1971 Colour: Silver Trim Colour:Red MOT:March 2011 This car was originally built by AC Cars Ltd as an Aceca-Bristol two-seater fixed-head coupe. The notable Motor Dealer and Racer, Mr Ken Rudd supplied it to first owner, Mr F K Sharpe of Lincoln on 11th February 1960. As delivered the car was finished in Princess Blue with red leather interior and silver wheels, it also sported the desirable options of an overdrive gearbox and front disc brakes. The AC was next heard of during 1980, when a Mr P Ward rescued the non-running car from a garage in Bristol. By that time it had lain dormant for many years and along the way had acquired a one-off coupe body. Deterred by the estimated quote for repairs that he received from AC Cars Ltd, Mr Ward decided to sell the two-seater. Thereafter, it passed through the hands of several well-known AC Owners' Club members who began the process of restoration. The chassis and suspension were completely refurbished and a new aluminium Ace body was commissioned from renowned metalworkers Shapecraft, copied from the earliest known surviving AC Ace (chassis number AE24). The current owner acquired the unfinished project, less engine and gearbox, in 1999 and spent several years completing the work. A correct specification engine and gearbox were fitted and the AC reunited with its original registration mark, 'DMT 70' (non-transferable), having been reserved by the DVLA pending completion. The AC Owners' Club committee accepted the car as being the original vehicle, and it appears in their Aceca-Bristol register with the comment that it is now Ace-bodied. Sensible upgrades were incorporated to make the two-seater better suited to today's road conditions but these can easily be reversed by a new owner should they so wish. The uprated components comprise: rack and pinion steering (original steering system is supplied); stainless steel manifolds and exhausts; better headlamps; higher efficiency oil pump; electric fuel pump; stainless steel fuel tank; locking filler cap; spin-on oil filter conversion; diaphragm clutch; thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan and dual-circuit brake master cylinder. After 2,000 miles the opportunity arose - and was taken - to acquire the car's original Bristol 100D2 engine. The straight-six was then entrusted to a professional firm for an extensive overhaul which included the fitting of new pistons and bearings and the conversion of its original cylinder head to take unleaded valve seats and valves etc. Since being re-installed, it has been run-in and set-up on a rolling road to ensure that it performs as a 100D2 unit should. After being off the road for the best part of 30 years, the AC now looks stunning in a subtle metallic silver colour. While to the interior, its red leather upholstery and similarly hued carpets are offset by a Mota-Lita wood rim steering wheel and black-faced instruments. Having been zeroed during restoration, the odometer stands at less than 5,000 miles, with the original engine having done about 2,000 miles since being refreshed. No hood is fitted. The bodywork, paintwork and trim are described as generally excellent, acquiring a nice patina. The five Michelin X tyres are almost new. Tasked with fitting replacement Solex carburettors and attending to various minor items last year, the specialist firm Spencer Lane-Jones reportedly commented that 'DMT 70' was the fastest AC Bristol they had ever tested. Recent car tax (historic) and MOT. This car is therefore in a very presentable condition and is crying out to be used and enjoyed. It combines the advantages of the Aceca's heavier-duty chassis and flexibly-mounted rear differential with the open-air motoring of the Ace.

[left4dead]

Car achieved £89,100 on the 21 July 2010
   
   http://www.classic-auctions.com/lotdetail.php?lotid=29412&aucid=29987

[REV]

Not much has changed though as its back up for sale at £139,995. I wonder if it was ever actually sold?
   
   http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C173523/

[AC Ace Bristol]

Hopefully whoever has bought DMT .. enjoys his/her new set of wheels.
   
   
   
   Keith

[ACOCArch]

BE774 is well known in the ACOC. The standard of workmanship in the clearly advertised re-build & conversion to an Ace-style body appears to be high. However, it is my recollection that, after much discussion, the car was not deemed eligible by the Club for recording as an Ace in the ACOC Registers.
   This may have been a factor in determining the advertised estimate and selling price at the H&H Auction of 21 July (Lot 31), which was about half the current going rate for a good Ace-Bristol.
   If you are tempted, I would recommend contacting the ACOC Registrars for the latest on the Club's position.

[nikbj68]

Good points, well made, John & Keeeeeeff. There is no attempt to hide the fact that this car ain`t what it was born as, in fact, sales spin suggests that that`s a good thing, and I quote: "...It combines the advantages of the Aceca's heavier-duty chassis and flexibly-mounted rear differential with the open-air motoring of the Ace..."
   BUT...just `coz it walks like a duck & quacks like a duck, does that mean it`s worth the same as a duck? (or a little less, Billy bargain!!)
   It`s a lovely looking car, a credit to all who worked on it even, but hopefully the next owner will pay no more than for a good Aceca, I mean, a £50k mark up??? Phewey!

[left4dead]

I called in Nutley Sports Cars this past weekend. Car looked great I have to say...
   
   Car was also marked as *SOLD*[:0]

[left4dead]

Forgot to add... I hope the new owner knew what he/she was buying!!!
   
   And, if it did sell for near asking price, someone has made themselves a tidy little profit in a very short space of time...

[ACOCArch]

That could be interesting if the new owner turns up at the Concours on Sunday!

[left4dead]

Available again from Nutley. It appears the last buyer didn't go through with it....

[nikbj68]

Hmmm... I wonder who was driving it at The Goodwood Revival then?
   I spotted it driving in on the Friday, then later, it was in the GRRC pre- `66 enclosure, and as you can see, there is no doubting what it`s origins are!!!
   
   Arriving in style:
   
   
   Former Ace Bristol owner finds it hard to believe it is (was?) an Aceca:
   
   
   
   Beautiful. Simply beautiful, whatever it is or was.
   
   
   
   BUT... the DVLA know what to call a spade: (even if it looks like a shovel![;)])