AC Ace
The sophisticated British roadster that provided the DNA for the legendary Shelby Cobra.
- Power
- 120 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.1 s
- Top speed
- 116 mph
- Est. value
- $210k–$380k
About the AC Ace
The AC Ace Bristol represents the definitive evolution of the Ace, replacing the ageing AC engine with a more powerful 2.0-litre unit derived from BMW's pre-war 328. Its lightweight aluminium bodywork, hand-rolled on a steel tube chassis, was inspired by the Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta and offered exceptional handling for the era. This specific combination of a sophisticated Bristol engine and a nimble chassis made it a dominant force in production sports car racing, including class wins at Le Mans. Its historical significance is cemented by the fact that it served as the direct foundation for Carroll Shelby's V8-powered Cobra.
AC Ace specs
The AC Ace produces 120 bhp (89 kW) and 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 9.1 seconds and has a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h).
| Make | AC |
|---|---|
| Model | Ace |
| Trim | Bristol |
| Years | 1954–1963 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 466 built |
| Original price | About $5,400 when new |
| Engine | 2.0-litre Bristol straight-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,971 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 120 bhp (89 kW) at 5,750 rpm |
| Torque | 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 9.1 s |
| Top speed | 116 mph (187 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 895 kg (1,973 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 134 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an AC Ace worth?
A typical AC Ace is estimated to be worth $210,000 – $380,000 (about £157,000 – £283,000).
Its original price when new was about $5,400.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
AC Ace rarity in CarSpot
The AC Ace is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
AC Ace fun facts
- The Ace's chassis was designed by John Tojeiro and featured independent transverse leaf spring suspension at both the front and rear.
- The Bristol engine used in the Ace was essentially a refined version of the BMW 328 engine, featuring a complex pushrod system to operate overhead valves.
- An AC Ace Bristol finished 7th overall and 1st in the 2.0-litre class at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.
