Chassis No.
BEX1003
Earning success in international competition and establishing a reputation for exceptional balance, performance, and handling, the AC Ace truly is one of Britains finest sports cars ever conceived. Produced in limited numbers through 1963, the Ace Bristol provided the foundation for what would become the iconic Shelby Cobra, but not before it took racetracks in all four corners of the world by storm.
As an avid motorsport enthusiast, Charles McDonald took the art of racing seriously. By 1959, his Southwest SCCA region had become increasingly competitive, and McDonald began to look beyond his trusty Triumph to further progress up the ranks. Like many, his eyes turned to AC Cars' international racing successes with the Ace Bristol. Presumably, after much convincing, his father co-signed the loan from his credit union to obtain his new AC from Motorsport Corp. of Santa Fe, New Mexico on September 5, 1959. Truly ahead of his time, McDonald acquired his AC years before the first Shelby Cobra made its mark in the United States.
As the 1960 SCCA season kicked off, McDonald and his AC were ready for competition. McDonald piloted his Ace at the newly opened Continental Divide Raceway in Castle Rock, Colorado and at La Junta Raceway in the southeastern part of the state. The car's performance was nothing short of spectacular, clinching class victories in three of the first four races, including the feature race. Over the next two seasons, McDonald's AC continued to dominate, securing an impressive 12 victories. McDonald fondly recalled this period as the best time of his life, having shared the track with legendary cars like the Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage, Scarabs, and even Ferrari 250 TRs.
In 1962, McDonald was drafted into the U.S. Army, and the car was put into storage. After his military service was completed, McDonald used the AC as a streetcar. In 1972, it was returned to storage due to an oil pressure issue. In 1999, it was decided to commence a full frame-off restoration to return the AC to its former glory. A minor section of the aluminum body was replaced due to electrolysis, which is a common issue due to the aluminum bodywork wrapped on the steel tube frame, along with the two small tubes that run from the wheel wells to the cabin. The body and frame were reunited using the original rivet locations and the car was refinished in its original Old English White. Gary McGlasson Racing Engines of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was tasked with making the car go, stop, and handle as good as it looked. A new red interior was fitted at great expense by Farland Classic Restoration in Denver, Colorado, to original specifications, including carpet and other materials. Back with McGlasson, the instruments restored by Nisonger Instruments of Mamaroneck, New York, were installed before final testing. After four years and more than $100,000 in receipts, the car was returned to its owner of 44 years in a condition as close as possible to when it was delivered new in Santa Fe in 1959.
After more than 50 years of enjoyment, McDonald parted with his beloved Ace Bristol, selling it to its most recent owners in 2017 who were regularly seen at the Monterey Historics, Le Mans Classic, Mille Miglia and other events. Retaining its original bodywork and color, an exceptional history, and fully known provenance, the car earned First in Class at the 2018 St. Michaels Concours, Best European Sporting Car at the 2019 The Elegance at Hershey, and it was shown at the 2020 The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
This outstanding example remains in spectacular condition today, with many hours spent on the car to ensure it is in prime condition. Included in the sale are history file binders with the car, containing the original purchase agreement, restoration receipts and photos, dozens of spectacular old photos from the period races the car took part in with McDonald, and newspaper clippings from these races. Also offered with the car are the restored factory-correct red soft top and top bows, as well as side curtains, and the correct grease gun in the engine compartment. Whether on show fields or countless desirable driving events around the world, this beautifully restored 1959 AC Ace Bristol is sure to be a sensation anywhere it gs.
* Retained by its original owner for 58 years; Just two owners from new
* Highly correct, numbers-matching example that retains its original aluminum coachwork
* Exciting, documented period race and competition history
* Thoroughly documented, factory left-hand-drive example delivered new to the U.S.
* Recipient of a nut-and-bolt body-off-the-frame restoration by noted specialists
* First in class at the St. Michaels Concours and Best European Sporting Car at The Elegance at Hershey
From the Kruse Auctions
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