Basil contacted me via a photography forum we both subscribe to. He had asked about a picture of a car I had posted, and invited me to join you all here.
I've paraphrased my original comments to Basil as a way of introduction, not realizing at the time, that with his forum and all, Basil was up to speed on Brit cars, I added a bit more information on the AC's than was probably necessary, like its relationship to the Cobra. I've been a member of the AC Owners club in the UK since 1966.
1st Response to Basil: The picture is one of our AC's, it is a 1956 AC Aceca Bristol. My wife and I have two AC's, hers is the AC Aceca. My AC is a 1957 AC Ace (a roadster). It looks like an AC (Shelby) Cobra. Actually, the Shelby Cobra looks like an AC Ace Roadster since the Cobra came out roughly 10 years after the Ace. Shelby bought the AC Ace roadster chassis/bodies from AC Cars England then put in a 260, then a 289, then a 427 Ford engine along with some chassis and drivetrain upgrades to handle the power, and called it the Cobra. I bought mine in 1965, she bought hers in 1966, before we were married, but we were going "steady" at the time. It was her first car. I also had a 1964 Corvette Roadster at the same time. I proposed to her in the Ace at the end of an SCCA road rally in 1967. How many people still have the car they proposed to their wife in after over 50 years of marriage. Thanks for the question, brings back great memories!
I've paraphrased my original comments to Basil as a way of introduction, not realizing at the time, that with his forum and all, Basil was up to speed on Brit cars, I added a bit more information on the AC's than was probably necessary, like its relationship to the Cobra. I've been a member of the AC Owners club in the UK since 1966.
1st Response to Basil: The picture is one of our AC's, it is a 1956 AC Aceca Bristol. My wife and I have two AC's, hers is the AC Aceca. My AC is a 1957 AC Ace (a roadster). It looks like an AC (Shelby) Cobra. Actually, the Shelby Cobra looks like an AC Ace Roadster since the Cobra came out roughly 10 years after the Ace. Shelby bought the AC Ace roadster chassis/bodies from AC Cars England then put in a 260, then a 289, then a 427 Ford engine along with some chassis and drivetrain upgrades to handle the power, and called it the Cobra. I bought mine in 1965, she bought hers in 1966, before we were married, but we were going "steady" at the time. It was her first car. I also had a 1964 Corvette Roadster at the same time. I proposed to her in the Ace at the end of an SCCA road rally in 1967. How many people still have the car they proposed to their wife in after over 50 years of marriage. Thanks for the question, brings back great memories!
2nd Response to Basil: I went and registered with your British Car Forum, it took a bit as the timeout on the human identification was a bit quick, I had to fill out the form three times before I got it completed before the time out. I think I've got it now. Looking forward to joining the discussion. I listed the Brit cars I currently have (AC Ace, AC Aceca Bristol, MGB roadster, Mini Cooper S R56/2009). The ones I've had in the past 50-plus years and let get away are: '63 XKE roadster, '60 MGA (my first Brit car, traded it for the '64 Corvette, wish I'd kept the MGA and E-type now!) My new Mini Cooper S is painted the same as my original Mini Cooper 1275s (long gone) complete to the Brit Flag on the roof. Various triumphs, TR3, TR4, some prepared and used as race cars in the early '60s, '67 Rover 2000TC. Being in the USA, it probably seems strange I was so attracted to British cars, but having lived all my life (except for military duty) within 30 miles of the Watkins Glen Grand Prix race track, it's not so strange, as there were MANY British cars around, as well as many representatives from other brands and countries. Hard to believe but at one time there were 4 AC Ace's (one Bristol) and 5 AC Aceca's (two Bristols) in the area. That's how I ended up with one of each. Visited the AC Cars Works in Thames Ditton a few years before they tore it down and replaced it with housing. Fortunately I bought quite a few spares for my cars while I was there.
Looking forward to the discussions on this forum.
Paul
ACOC (AC Owners Club) #1392