AC Ace
by Marc Orphanos
Title
AC Ace
Artist
Marc Orphanos
Medium
Digital Art
Description
The John Tojeiro-designed chassis that underpinned the 1953 introduction of the AC Ace roadster and its closed Aceca coupe sibling featured four-wheel independent suspension and transverse leaf springs. Early Ferrari Barchettas served as inspiration for the sleek body.
The problems with engine availability that developed as production went on—and ultimately encouraged AC's favourable response to Carroll Shelby's inquiries—are well known, as both the Bristol 2-liter and AC's own 2-liter six engines saw their supply run out in the late 1950s.
The best-known successor that AC sought out was the tiny, thin-walled Ford V-8 that drove the Cobra. However, Ford of England's 2.6-liter (2,553 cubic centimetre) pushrod overheadvalve inline-six, which was also used in the Zephyrs and Zodiacs, was also employed by AC to power a small number of Ace Roadsters.
This model, with its altered body, served as the chrysalis from which the Shelby Cobra emerged.
Uploaded
March 22nd, 2023
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