Errol Flynn and his AC

[Old Crock]

Although born in Tasmania, Australia, a part of Errol Flynn's private education was in London. His acting training also was in Britain so when recommended for film work in Hollywood it wasn't unusual that many there saw him as the archetypal Englishman and he was soon cast as a dashing character in action films.

It is said that he owned an AC, a 16/80 Competition Sports. The prewar US importer was 'English Motor Cars Ltd' of New York and this model, with the fastback tail (not the slab tank), was AC's attempt to enter the American market in 1936. He may well have bough the car or the marketing may have meant that Errol Flynn was approached with an offer to use one of the cars (not unusual then, nor now) for promotion - just the right image; a sporting English car for the successful 'English' actor!  The US venture did not prove successful however and most of the cars were returned to the factory in 1938. Photos below:

[musicman]

I think I know who now owns this car, he lives close to Rotherham and the car has been almost restored.