Gallery Aaldering is offering this AC ACE Bristol Le Mans Roadster “Le Mans ’57-entry” for sale.
- Magnificent ’57 Le Mans history – 2nd in class & 10th overall
- Certified by AC Heritage as the ex-Le Mans car
- Remarkably comprehensive historical file with lots of photos from back then
- Extensively restored to original Le Mans specifications of the time
- Most significant AC with the boys’ dream history
- “The ex-Ken Rudd” AC Works racer
Very special: this is the official AC Heritage certified ex Le Mans Works car. The very AC that was prepared in 1957 by Ken Rudd for participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The AC that finished second in the 2 liter class and tenth overall as the only production based car in the field.
This Ace was extensively reengineered by Ken Rudd specifically for Le Mans. The original engine was replaced with a race prepared Bristol 100D2 unit, paired with a Bristol gearbox featuring revised ratios and a differential with a modified final drive.
The engine was upgraded with a 9.5 to 1 compression ratio, a more aggressive camshaft and specially tuned Solex carburetors, optimized for the long stretches of Circuit de la Sarthe. The fuel tank was enlarged, while the original filler opening in the rear fender was carefully covered to reduce aerodynamic drag. The oil pan was fitted with baffles to prevent oil surge during sustained high speed running. At the front, drum brakes were replaced with Girling disc brakes, combined with modified discs and Triumph TR3 calipers. Separate hydraulic reservoirs were installed for the braking and clutch systems. The original 15 inch wire wheels were replaced with 16 inch units.
The bodywork was modified at AC Works in Thames Ditton, featuring a lower front profile, a completely flat underbody, additional ventilation openings ahead of the doors and an extra air intake in the hood. The windshield was replaced by a low plexiglass unit in accordance with Le Mans regulations. The car was finished in AC Works Green and the AC logo was applied to the nose for identification.
The result was remarkable: 3,780.473 kilometers covered at an average speed of 97.9 mph, finishing just 55 miles behind a Ferrari 500 TRC Testa Rossa. An exceptional achievement.
In 1958 the car was shipped to the United States where it was actively campaigned in SCCA competition. Highlights include a second place finish at the 1958 Watkins Glen Grand Prix and a class victory in 1959. The previous owner acquired the AC in 1963, and in 1972 the car was carefully stored.
Between 2019 and 2021 the car underwent a comprehensive restoration and mechanical overhaul by Gassman Automotive in Virginia, with the objective of returning it precisely to its 1957 Le Mans specification. The result is a rare and highly accurate restoration of a Works AC, accompanied by an exceptionally complete historical file including period photographs.
Since completion the AC has been presented at various concours events including Hilton Head and The Greenbrier. Awards include Best in AC Class and Historically Significant Sports Car.
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