Powered by a 1,971-cc cast-iron six-cylinder Bristol engine with hemispherical heads, the Aceca-Bristol was a spiritual ancestor of the storied Shelby Cobra. Choosing the 125-bhp Bristol engine over the standard 90-bhp Ace powerplant added $1,000 to the already hefty $5,400 price tag. Only 171 such examples were built, of which 83 were left-hand drive (and approximately 25 are believed to have been fitted with factory overdrive). The Aceca has the decided advantage in that it is comfortably appointed and, most importantly, enclosed and suitable for whatever conditions the driver may find themselves in.

According to records of the Aceca-Bristol registrar, BEX 632 was completed on December 2, 1957 and delivered to Precision Autos in Dallas, Texas. Renowned enthusiast Peter Sachs, of Goldman-Sachs fortune, purchased this car new in 1958. He then sold the car in 1965 to Jim Mullen, of Mullen Advertising, on a handwritten Bill of Sale, which is included on file. This car was the subject of adoration by its second owner, who kept meticulous records of the car’s every moment with receipts and invoices for the entire ownership period of some 50 years. There is a detailed dossier of its mechanical condition as well as communication handled between him and curator Jay Dow, who looked after the Mullen collection for decades. The car’s current owner purchased the car from Mr. Mullen in 2015, making this a documented three-owner example.

The file is also complete with invoices and shipping details when the car was sent back to AC Cars UK in 2007 for re-commissioning. It would be the last car they restored before their doors were shuttered forever. Wearing the color combination of black over an immaculate red interior, the Aceca-Bristol is a truly stunning car that begs to be driven. The exhilarating exhaust note of a properly fettled Bristol engine, the superb throttle response of the three downdraft Solex carburetors, and the excellent road feel all combine to make this an excellent choice for vintage rally and touring events.

The AC Aceca is perhaps the finest example of arguably one of the best British GT cars of its time. It is properly sorted and ready for the most arduous rally or competition events you wish to entertain.