AC Cars Resurrects Legendary Sports Cars with 21st Century Performance

• AC Cars combines traditional styling with modern engineering in reintroduced Ace and Ace Bristol models

• New models feature 300+ bhp, carbon-fibre bodywork, and EcoBoost engine for enhanced performance

• Production starts at UK facility, with deliveries expected in 2025 and prices from $315,000 CAD (£175,000)

AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has announced the relaunch of its historic AC Ace and AC Ace Bristol models through its newly formed heritage division, AC Cars Classics. The company aims to blend traditional styling with modern engineering in these performance-oriented sports cars.

The new AC Ace and Ace Bristol will feature over 300 bhp and weigh approximately 1,100 kg. These vehicles will utilize an original-type chassis with carbon-fibre bodywork, combining classic design elements with contemporary construction techniques.

Powering the new models is a 2.3-litre straight-4 EcoBoost engine, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. AC Cars reports that the vehicles will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.6 seconds and produce around 277 lb-ft of torque. The cars will retain the classic 15″ wire wheels of their predecessors.

The reintroduced models reflect two distinct iterations of the original AC Ace’s 10-year production run. One version features the early ‘smiling face’ Ace Bristol design, while the other showcases the streamlined finish of the final iteration.

David Conza, CEO of AC Cars, stated, “The new AC Ace and Ace Bristol Classics prove that a classically styled car can have outstanding performance and handling.”

The AC Ace first debuted in competition 70 years ago and achieved notable success, including a first-place finish in the 2-litre GT class at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. The model also dominated the E Production class in SCCA National Championships in the United States.

Production of the new AC Ace and Ace Bristol will take place at AC Cars’ facility on the UK’s southern coast. Deliveries are expected to begin in summer 2025, with prices starting at $315,000 CAD (£175,000). Reservations and orders are currently open.

Each vehicle will receive an official chassis number, designating it as a true AC and a descendant of the respective historic model. The company states that these new models represent a return to AC Cars’ engineering roots, focusing on lightweight construction and classic design.