AC Ace Revived With 2.3L Ford EcoBoost Power

AC Ace Revived With 2.3L Ford EcoBoost Power

Posted on October 31, 2024

AC Cars is reviving its legendary models, the AC Ace and AC Bristol, now powered by Ford’s 2.3L I4 EcoBoost engines. Founded in 1901, AC Cars has a rich history as a sports car manufacturer known for producing ultralight vehicles with classic aesthetics. This revival not only honors their legacy but also brings modern performance to these iconic roadsters, ensuring they capture the essence of their racing pedigree while offering contemporary technology.

The AC Ace made its mark in competitive racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the late 1950s, where it achieved notable success, including a victory in the two-liter GT Class. In the U.S., the AC Ace excelled in SCCA National Championships and won multiple titles in the E Production class at the 12 Hours of Sebring, showcasing its capabilities as a track-ready yet street-legal sports car. This blend of performance and style has solidified its place in automotive history.

The newly reintroduced models will feature original-type chassis and lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork, combined with the modern 2.3L EcoBoost engine producing approximately 304 horsepower. This powertrain is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, allowing the vehicles to sprint from zero to 62 mph in around 4.6 seconds. With a design inspired by the golden age of roadsters, these new AC models pay homage to their predecessors while leveraging current technology for enhanced performance.

The order books for the AC Ace are now open, with a starting price of £175,000 (approximately $228,568 USD). This release continues AC Cars' tradition of incorporating Ford power into their vehicles, reminiscent of the original Shelby Cobra, which famously utilized a Ford V8 engine. With these modern iterations, AC Cars aims to attract both classic car enthusiasts and new buyers eager to experience the thrill of driving a piece of automotive history.