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A collection of images of classic AC cars, and cars that are likely to become classics, taken at numerous visits to car shows, motoring museums, motoring events and on the road when the opportunity arises.
AC Cars, originally incorporated as Auto Carriers Ltd., is a British specialist automobile manufacturer and one of the oldest independent car makers founded in Britain. As a result of bad financial conditions over the years, the company was renamed or liquidated many times until its latest form. In 2022, the new corporate structure began the production of new AC Cobra models, with a slightly modified structure to adapt it to modern safety and technology requirements and obtain the European road homologation certificate.
The first car from the company that eventually became AC was presented at the Crystal Palace motor show in 1903; it was a 20 HP touring car and was displayed under the Weller name. The Weller brothers of West Norwood, London, planned to produce an advanced 20hp (15 kW) car.
However, their financial backer and business manager John Portwine, a butcher, thought the car would be too expensive to produce and encouraged Weller to design and produce a little delivery three-wheeler.
1950
1955 AC Ace, UTU 574
Image taken at the NEC Classic Car Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 16th April 1955.
1991cc petrol engine.
Vehicle first registered on 16th April 1955.
1991cc petrol engine.
1955 AC Ace, UTU 574
Image taken at the NEC Classic Car Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 16th April 1955.
1991cc petrol engine.
Vehicle first registered on 16th April 1955.
1991cc petrol engine.
1970
1979 AC 3000ME, HBD 331T
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered in May 1979.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Manufactured by AC Cars Ltd., Thames Ditton, Surrey, England & AC (Scotland) plc, Hillington, Glasgow.
In 1972 the prototype Diablo was built by Peter Bohanna and Robin Stables (of Lola) with an Austin Maxi engine and transaxle. BLMC decided that they needed all the E series engines they could make to power their own models, so the Diablo project appeared likely to collapse for lack of an engine.
AC soon acquired the rights and at the 1973 London Motor Show, showed their own version, the mid-engined ME3000 with the 3.0 litre Ford "Essex" V6 engine installed transversely using an AC designed gearbox.
New Type Approval regulations were introduced in 1976 and a prototype failed the 30 mph crash test so the chassis had to be redesigned which enabled the car to pass on the second attempt. When the first AC 3000 ME (re-named) were delivered in 1979 after a troubled development they were in direct competition with the lotus Esprit. Derek Hurlock (Chairman of AC) called a halt to production after 71 cars were sold as his health was suffering and the company was struggling during a period of recession.
In 1984 the AC name was licenced to a new company - AC (Scotland) plc run by David McDonald in a new factory in Hillington, Glasgow. Here, 30 more cars were built, including a development car tested with Alfa Romeo's 2.5 litre V6 engine and a nearly complete Mark 2 prototype of the same. Regardless (or possibly because) of these developments, AC Scotland called in the receivers in 1985.
The car featured is chassis 113, the 5th car off the line and completed in early 1979. originally a silver car, then green the car was restored with another colour change into its current Olympic Blue including some mild customisation. In 2009 it passed to the current owner who has completed much work to undo the customisation and return the car closer to factory spec. Used all year round 113 has twice made the run to Le Mans Classic.
Two-seater, left or right hand drive, pressed steel tub chassis with tubular sub-frames. GRP bodywork.
Double wishbone independent suspension front and rear.
AC designed 5 speed manual transmission with gears by Hewland.
Ford "Essex" 2994cc V6 engine, 138bhp, 192lb/ft.
Vehicle first registered in May 1979.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Manufactured by AC Cars Ltd., Thames Ditton, Surrey, England & AC (Scotland) plc, Hillington, Glasgow.
In 1972 the prototype Diablo was built by Peter Bohanna and Robin Stables (of Lola) with an Austin Maxi engine and transaxle. BLMC decided that they needed all the E series engines they could make to power their own models, so the Diablo project appeared likely to collapse for lack of an engine.
AC soon acquired the rights and at the 1973 London Motor Show, showed their own version, the mid-engined ME3000 with the 3.0 litre Ford "Essex" V6 engine installed transversely using an AC designed gearbox.
New Type Approval regulations were introduced in 1976 and a prototype failed the 30 mph crash test so the chassis had to be redesigned which enabled the car to pass on the second attempt. When the first AC 3000 ME (re-named) were delivered in 1979 after a troubled development they were in direct competition with the lotus Esprit. Derek Hurlock (Chairman of AC) called a halt to production after 71 cars were sold as his health was suffering and the company was struggling during a period of recession.
In 1984 the AC name was licenced to a new company - AC (Scotland) plc run by David McDonald in a new factory in Hillington, Glasgow. Here, 30 more cars were built, including a development car tested with Alfa Romeo's 2.5 litre V6 engine and a nearly complete Mark 2 prototype of the same. Regardless (or possibly because) of these developments, AC Scotland called in the receivers in 1985.
The car featured is chassis 113, the 5th car off the line and completed in early 1979. originally a silver car, then green the car was restored with another colour change into its current Olympic Blue including some mild customisation. In 2009 it passed to the current owner who has completed much work to undo the customisation and return the car closer to factory spec. Used all year round 113 has twice made the run to Le Mans Classic.
Two-seater, left or right hand drive, pressed steel tub chassis with tubular sub-frames. GRP bodywork.
Double wishbone independent suspension front and rear.
AC designed 5 speed manual transmission with gears by Hewland.
Ford "Essex" 2994cc V6 engine, 138bhp, 192lb/ft.
1979 AC 3000ME, HBD 331T
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered in May 1979.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Manufactured by AC Cars Ltd., Thames Ditton, Surrey, England & AC (Scotland) plc, Hillington, Glasgow.
In 1972 the prototype Diablo was built by Peter Bohanna and Robin Stables (of Lola) with an Austin Maxi engine and transaxle. BLMC decided that they needed all the E series engines they could make to power their own models, so the Diablo project appeared likely to collapse for lack of an engine.
AC soon acquired the rights and at the 1973 London Motor Show, showed their own version, the mid-engined ME3000 with the 3.0 litre Ford "Essex" V6 engine installed transversely using an AC designed gearbox.
New Type Approval regulations were introduced in 1976 and a prototype failed the 30 mph crash test so the chassis had to be redesigned which enabled the car to pass on the second attempt. When the first AC 3000 ME (re-named) were delivered in 1979 after a troubled development they were in direct competition with the lotus Esprit. Derek Hurlock (Chairman of AC) called a halt to production after 71 cars were sold as his health was suffering and the company was struggling during a period of recession.
In 1984 the AC name was licenced to a new company - AC (Scotland) plc run by David McDonald in a new factory in Hillington, Glasgow. Here, 30 more cars were built, including a development car tested with Alfa Romeo's 2.5 litre V6 engine and a nearly complete Mark 2 prototype of the same. Regardless (or possibly because) of these developments, AC Scotland called in the receivers in 1985.
The car featured is chassis 113, the 5th car off the line and completed in early 1979. originally a silver car, then green the car was restored with another colour change into its current Olympic Blue including some mild customisation. In 2009 it passed to the current owner who has completed much work to undo the customisation and return the car closer to factory spec. Used all year round 113 has twice made the run to Le Mans Classic.
Two-seater, left or right hand drive, pressed steel tub chassis with tubular sub-frames. GRP bodywork.
Double wishbone independent suspension front and rear.
AC designed 5 speed manual transmission with gears by Hewland.
Ford "Essex" 2994cc V6 engine, 138bhp, 192lb/ft.
Vehicle first registered in May 1979.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Manufactured by AC Cars Ltd., Thames Ditton, Surrey, England & AC (Scotland) plc, Hillington, Glasgow.
In 1972 the prototype Diablo was built by Peter Bohanna and Robin Stables (of Lola) with an Austin Maxi engine and transaxle. BLMC decided that they needed all the E series engines they could make to power their own models, so the Diablo project appeared likely to collapse for lack of an engine.
AC soon acquired the rights and at the 1973 London Motor Show, showed their own version, the mid-engined ME3000 with the 3.0 litre Ford "Essex" V6 engine installed transversely using an AC designed gearbox.
New Type Approval regulations were introduced in 1976 and a prototype failed the 30 mph crash test so the chassis had to be redesigned which enabled the car to pass on the second attempt. When the first AC 3000 ME (re-named) were delivered in 1979 after a troubled development they were in direct competition with the lotus Esprit. Derek Hurlock (Chairman of AC) called a halt to production after 71 cars were sold as his health was suffering and the company was struggling during a period of recession.
In 1984 the AC name was licenced to a new company - AC (Scotland) plc run by David McDonald in a new factory in Hillington, Glasgow. Here, 30 more cars were built, including a development car tested with Alfa Romeo's 2.5 litre V6 engine and a nearly complete Mark 2 prototype of the same. Regardless (or possibly because) of these developments, AC Scotland called in the receivers in 1985.
The car featured is chassis 113, the 5th car off the line and completed in early 1979. originally a silver car, then green the car was restored with another colour change into its current Olympic Blue including some mild customisation. In 2009 it passed to the current owner who has completed much work to undo the customisation and return the car closer to factory spec. Used all year round 113 has twice made the run to Le Mans Classic.
Two-seater, left or right hand drive, pressed steel tub chassis with tubular sub-frames. GRP bodywork.
Double wishbone independent suspension front and rear.
AC designed 5 speed manual transmission with gears by Hewland.
Ford "Essex" 2994cc V6 engine, 138bhp, 192lb/ft.
1979 AC 3000ME, HBD 331T
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered in May 1979.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Manufactured by AC Cars Ltd., Thames Ditton, Surrey, England & AC (Scotland) plc, Hillington, Glasgow.
In 1972 the prototype Diablo was built by Peter Bohanna and Robin Stables (of Lola) with an Austin Maxi engine and transaxle. BLMC decided that they needed all the E series engines they could make to power their own models, so the Diablo project appeared likely to collapse for lack of an engine.
AC soon acquired the rights and at the 1973 London Motor Show, showed their own version, the mid-engined ME3000 with the 3.0 litre Ford "Essex" V6 engine installed transversely using an AC designed gearbox.
New Type Approval regulations were introduced in 1976 and a prototype failed the 30 mph crash test so the chassis had to be redesigned which enabled the car to pass on the second attempt. When the first AC 3000 ME (re-named) were delivered in 1979 after a troubled development they were in direct competition with the lotus Esprit. Derek Hurlock (Chairman of AC) called a halt to production after 71 cars were sold as his health was suffering and the company was struggling during a period of recession.
In 1984 the AC name was licenced to a new company - AC (Scotland) plc run by David McDonald in a new factory in Hillington, Glasgow. Here, 30 more cars were built, including a development car tested with Alfa Romeo's 2.5 litre V6 engine and a nearly complete Mark 2 prototype of the same. Regardless (or possibly because) of these developments, AC Scotland called in the receivers in 1985.
The car featured is chassis 113, the 5th car off the line and completed in early 1979. originally a silver car, then green the car was restored with another colour change into its current Olympic Blue including some mild customisation. In 2009 it passed to the current owner who has completed much work to undo the customisation and return the car closer to factory spec. Used all year round 113 has twice made the run to Le Mans Classic.
Two-seater, left or right hand drive, pressed steel tub chassis with tubular sub-frames. GRP bodywork.
Double wishbone independent suspension front and rear.
AC designed 5 speed manual transmission with gears by Hewland.
Ford "Essex" 2994cc V6 engine, 138bhp, 192lb/ft.
Vehicle first registered in May 1979.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Manufactured by AC Cars Ltd., Thames Ditton, Surrey, England & AC (Scotland) plc, Hillington, Glasgow.
In 1972 the prototype Diablo was built by Peter Bohanna and Robin Stables (of Lola) with an Austin Maxi engine and transaxle. BLMC decided that they needed all the E series engines they could make to power their own models, so the Diablo project appeared likely to collapse for lack of an engine.
AC soon acquired the rights and at the 1973 London Motor Show, showed their own version, the mid-engined ME3000 with the 3.0 litre Ford "Essex" V6 engine installed transversely using an AC designed gearbox.
New Type Approval regulations were introduced in 1976 and a prototype failed the 30 mph crash test so the chassis had to be redesigned which enabled the car to pass on the second attempt. When the first AC 3000 ME (re-named) were delivered in 1979 after a troubled development they were in direct competition with the lotus Esprit. Derek Hurlock (Chairman of AC) called a halt to production after 71 cars were sold as his health was suffering and the company was struggling during a period of recession.
In 1984 the AC name was licenced to a new company - AC (Scotland) plc run by David McDonald in a new factory in Hillington, Glasgow. Here, 30 more cars were built, including a development car tested with Alfa Romeo's 2.5 litre V6 engine and a nearly complete Mark 2 prototype of the same. Regardless (or possibly because) of these developments, AC Scotland called in the receivers in 1985.
The car featured is chassis 113, the 5th car off the line and completed in early 1979. originally a silver car, then green the car was restored with another colour change into its current Olympic Blue including some mild customisation. In 2009 it passed to the current owner who has completed much work to undo the customisation and return the car closer to factory spec. Used all year round 113 has twice made the run to Le Mans Classic.
Two-seater, left or right hand drive, pressed steel tub chassis with tubular sub-frames. GRP bodywork.
Double wishbone independent suspension front and rear.
AC designed 5 speed manual transmission with gears by Hewland.
Ford "Essex" 2994cc V6 engine, 138bhp, 192lb/ft.
1990
1991 AC Cobra Mk IV, 7 ACO
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 20th March 1991.
5000cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Manufactured by AC Cars Ltd. in 1991 at Brooklands, Surrey, the Mk IV has a handmade aluminium body and steel chassis created on the original jigs and body bucks relocated from the Thames Ditton factory.
Engine: 302 c.i. (5 litre) High Output Ford V8 with Holley carburettor and GT 40 derived aluminium heads. Producing approximately 300bhp.
Wheel size: 7 x 15 front - 9 x 15 rear Hallibrand style peg drive wheels fitted with Avon wet weather racing tyres.
History: Commissioned by English film director James Dearden (Fatal Attraction). In total approximately 450 examples of the /Mk IV Cobra were built and the Mk IV was the last version of the Cobra AC Cars made in aluminium. Purchased in 2005 by the current (second) owners as a wedding present, the car is used whenever possible , though it is less fun in heavy rain because the hood has never been fitted.
Within months of being purchased by the current owners the car was shipped to the Middle East to take part in the "Jewel that is Jordan" classic car tour. The two week rally across Jordan also served as the owners honeymoon. The car is five times winner of the AC Owners' Club Concours "Best Mk IV", winner Best Mk VI and the ACOC International Centennial, winner of the inaugural AC Heritage Concours at Brooklands and was part of the Royal Automobile Club display at HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concours of Elegance at Windsor Castle and at Hampton Court in 2014.
The car is often used for European tours including trips to the Monaco Historic, Northern Spain, the Pyrenees and Southern France. A regular at the Le Mans Classic where it has been used by the ACO (organisers of the Le Mans 24 hours) to provide "hot laps" for VIPs. This year the car has again been in France attending the Laon Historique.
Known as "TACO" because of the registration number, the car has been subject of a number of magazine articles in specialist publications including Octane and Classic Cars. The car was filmed by Wheeler Dealer TV and was the lead car for the 2012 series.
TACO can also be seen on YouTube being driven through the front doors of the Royal Automobile Club and into the Pall Mall club house where it was displayed for a number of weeks.
The car has a very high overdrive fifth gear and can return 22 mpg when driven (very) gently which is useful on European tours. however, when driven enthusiastically the mpg drops dramatically.
Vehicle first registered on 20th March 1991.
5000cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Manufactured by AC Cars Ltd. in 1991 at Brooklands, Surrey, the Mk IV has a handmade aluminium body and steel chassis created on the original jigs and body bucks relocated from the Thames Ditton factory.
Engine: 302 c.i. (5 litre) High Output Ford V8 with Holley carburettor and GT 40 derived aluminium heads. Producing approximately 300bhp.
Wheel size: 7 x 15 front - 9 x 15 rear Hallibrand style peg drive wheels fitted with Avon wet weather racing tyres.
History: Commissioned by English film director James Dearden (Fatal Attraction). In total approximately 450 examples of the /Mk IV Cobra were built and the Mk IV was the last version of the Cobra AC Cars made in aluminium. Purchased in 2005 by the current (second) owners as a wedding present, the car is used whenever possible , though it is less fun in heavy rain because the hood has never been fitted.
Within months of being purchased by the current owners the car was shipped to the Middle East to take part in the "Jewel that is Jordan" classic car tour. The two week rally across Jordan also served as the owners honeymoon. The car is five times winner of the AC Owners' Club Concours "Best Mk IV", winner Best Mk VI and the ACOC International Centennial, winner of the inaugural AC Heritage Concours at Brooklands and was part of the Royal Automobile Club display at HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concours of Elegance at Windsor Castle and at Hampton Court in 2014.
The car is often used for European tours including trips to the Monaco Historic, Northern Spain, the Pyrenees and Southern France. A regular at the Le Mans Classic where it has been used by the ACO (organisers of the Le Mans 24 hours) to provide "hot laps" for VIPs. This year the car has again been in France attending the Laon Historique.
Known as "TACO" because of the registration number, the car has been subject of a number of magazine articles in specialist publications including Octane and Classic Cars. The car was filmed by Wheeler Dealer TV and was the lead car for the 2012 series.
TACO can also be seen on YouTube being driven through the front doors of the Royal Automobile Club and into the Pall Mall club house where it was displayed for a number of weeks.
The car has a very high overdrive fifth gear and can return 22 mpg when driven (very) gently which is useful on European tours. however, when driven enthusiastically the mpg drops dramatically.
1991 AC Cobra Mk IV, 7 ACO
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 20th March 1991.
5000cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Manufactured by AC Cars Ltd. in 1991 at Brooklands, Surrey, the Mk IV has a handmade aluminium body and steel chassis created on the original jigs and body bucks relocated from the Thames Ditton factory.
Engine: 302 c.i. (5 litre) High Output Ford V8 with Holley carburettor and GT 40 derived aluminium heads. Producing approximately 300bhp.
Wheel size: 7 x 15 front - 9 x 15 rear Hallibrand style peg drive wheels fitted with Avon wet weather racing tyres.
History: Commissioned by English film director James Dearden (Fatal Attraction). In total approximately 450 examples of the /Mk IV Cobra were built and the Mk IV was the last version of the Cobra AC Cars made in aluminium. Purchased in 2005 by the current (second) owners as a wedding present, the car is used whenever possible , though it is less fun in heavy rain because the hood has never been fitted.
Within months of being purchased by the current owners the car was shipped to the Middle East to take part in the "Jewel that is Jordan" classic car tour. The two week rally across Jordan also served as the owners honeymoon. The car is five times winner of the AC Owners' Club Concours "Best Mk IV", winner Best Mk VI and the ACOC International Centennial, winner of the inaugural AC Heritage Concours at Brooklands and was part of the Royal Automobile Club display at HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concours of Elegance at Windsor Castle and at Hampton Court in 2014.
The car is often used for European tours including trips to the Monaco Historic, Northern Spain, the Pyrenees and Southern France. A regular at the Le Mans Classic where it has been used by the ACO (organisers of the Le Mans 24 hours) to provide "hot laps" for VIPs. This year the car has again been in France attending the Laon Historique.
Known as "TACO" because of the registration number, the car has been subject of a number of magazine articles in specialist publications including Octane and Classic Cars. The car was filmed by Wheeler Dealer TV and was the lead car for the 2012 series.
TACO can also be seen on YouTube being driven through the front doors of the Royal Automobile Club and into the Pall Mall club house where it was displayed for a number of weeks.
The car has a very high overdrive fifth gear and can return 22 mpg when driven (very) gently which is useful on European tours. however, when driven enthusiastically the mpg drops dramatically.
Vehicle first registered on 20th March 1991.
5000cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Manufactured by AC Cars Ltd. in 1991 at Brooklands, Surrey, the Mk IV has a handmade aluminium body and steel chassis created on the original jigs and body bucks relocated from the Thames Ditton factory.
Engine: 302 c.i. (5 litre) High Output Ford V8 with Holley carburettor and GT 40 derived aluminium heads. Producing approximately 300bhp.
Wheel size: 7 x 15 front - 9 x 15 rear Hallibrand style peg drive wheels fitted with Avon wet weather racing tyres.
History: Commissioned by English film director James Dearden (Fatal Attraction). In total approximately 450 examples of the /Mk IV Cobra were built and the Mk IV was the last version of the Cobra AC Cars made in aluminium. Purchased in 2005 by the current (second) owners as a wedding present, the car is used whenever possible , though it is less fun in heavy rain because the hood has never been fitted.
Within months of being purchased by the current owners the car was shipped to the Middle East to take part in the "Jewel that is Jordan" classic car tour. The two week rally across Jordan also served as the owners honeymoon. The car is five times winner of the AC Owners' Club Concours "Best Mk IV", winner Best Mk VI and the ACOC International Centennial, winner of the inaugural AC Heritage Concours at Brooklands and was part of the Royal Automobile Club display at HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concours of Elegance at Windsor Castle and at Hampton Court in 2014.
The car is often used for European tours including trips to the Monaco Historic, Northern Spain, the Pyrenees and Southern France. A regular at the Le Mans Classic where it has been used by the ACO (organisers of the Le Mans 24 hours) to provide "hot laps" for VIPs. This year the car has again been in France attending the Laon Historique.
Known as "TACO" because of the registration number, the car has been subject of a number of magazine articles in specialist publications including Octane and Classic Cars. The car was filmed by Wheeler Dealer TV and was the lead car for the 2012 series.
TACO can also be seen on YouTube being driven through the front doors of the Royal Automobile Club and into the Pall Mall club house where it was displayed for a number of weeks.
The car has a very high overdrive fifth gear and can return 22 mpg when driven (very) gently which is useful on European tours. however, when driven enthusiastically the mpg drops dramatically.
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