Allan Greenfield
Specialist
Lot 16
Beautifully restored approximately two decades ago and subsequently enjoyed on two 1,000-mile rallies
1958 AC Aceca Coupe
1958 AC Aceca Coupe
1958 AC Aceca Coupe
Chassis no. AE650
Chassis no. AE650
1,991cc Inline-6 Cylinder Engine
3 SU Carburetors
90bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Rear Suspension w/ Leaf Springs
Front Disc Brakes and Rear Drum Brakes
Rear-Wheel Drive
* Originally delivered in right drive to a home-market buyer in Bright Blue over Beige
* 'AE650' is one of just 151 Aceca's powered by the venerable 1,991cc AC six
* It was treated to a high-quality, bare-metal refurbishment costing over $90,000
* Finished in Red over Beige
* A veteran of two 1,000-mile rallies
THE AC ACECA
The AC Aceca (pronounced "A-See-Ka") is one of Britain's most elegant and historically significant sports cars.
Introduced in 1954 as the closed-roof sibling to the legendary AC Ace roadster, the Aceca was a masterpiece of British craftsmanship — hand-built with lightweight aluminum coachwork over a tubular steel and ash-wood frame. Its front-end styling reportedly traces back to a design suggested by Pinin Farina for AC in the late 1940s.
One of the Aceca's most notable features was its hatchback at the rear, making it only the second car after the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 to incorporate this element.
The Aceca was only slightly heavier than the open Ace, and thanks to better aerodynamics was actually slightly faster, with a top speed of 128 mph. Large 16-inch spoked wheels and near 50/50 weight distribution allowed exceptional handling.
The car originally used AC's own 90 hp, 1,991 cc overhead camshaft engine, but the Bristol-engined Aceca-Bristol was also available from 1956, using a 125 hp unit sourced from Bristol Cars. A small number were later built with a 2.6-liter Ford Zephyr engine.
151 standard Aceca's, 169 Aceca-Bristols, and just 8 Ford-engined models were built when production halted in 1963 — only 328 total.
It's a remarkably rare and beautiful car that sits at the intersection of 1950s motorsport culture and refined grand touring.
THE CAR OFFERED
Originally delivered in right drive to a home-market buyer, 'AE650' is one of just 151 Aceca's powered by the venerable 1,991cc AC six. Previously published records reveal this car left the Thames Ditton factory on April 23, 1958, finished in Bright Blue with beige upholstery. Past DVLA registration documents list previous owners Henry Moon of Bedford, and David Still of Chichester, and in 1986, it was offered for sale by the respected UK dealer Nigel Dawes. The Aceca eventually found a new American owner, making its way across the pond to land in Texas. It was subsequently treated to a high-quality, bare-metal refurbishment, refinished in red over beige upholstery, and over $90,000 in receipts are on file.
The Aceca eschews fussy detailing, as AE650 so aptly demonstrates with its simple chrome bumperettes and silver painted wire wheels. The vibrant red paint is in outstanding condition, and in recent ownership, the seats have been reupholstered in black leather and black Wilton wool carpets fitted. It also features a stainless-steel exhaust system, and grippy, period-style Avon Turbosteel tires. AE650 is very well sorted mechanically and is a veteran of two 1,000-mile rallies while it still looks beautifully crisp and fit for concours display.
AC's fabulous Aceca and Ace are highly regarded by driving enthusiasts, and it is of little surprise that Carrol Shelby chose this as the basis for his iconic Cobra that car's enduring legacy only underscores the brilliance of John Tojeiro's fundamental design. Aceca coupes like AE650 are increasingly sought after for use in exclusive vintage touring events like the Colorado Grand or New England 1000. This presents a wonderful opportunity to add a beautiful, well-sorted, 'on the button' example of AC's brilliant and beautiful coupe to your collection.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 30 May 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 EDT
- 31 May 2026, 08:30 - 10:00 EDT
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
1911 Delaunay-Belleville 26HP Tourer
£70,000 - £100,000
