Blurring the Lines: 1956 AC Ace Cobra conversion

[cycleguy55]

Interesting write-up on an AC Ace converted to a Cobra. Currently on eBay with a Buy-it-Now price of US $549,995.




Back in 1956, AEX 198 rolled off the production line as an alloy-bodied, transverse leaf-spring roadster finished in white with a green interior.

According to the best information we can source, AEX 198 was then imported into the U.S. by AC Imports in Arlington, Virginia. Sometime in the early ’60s, the car went under the knife, receiving many of the modifications Shelby made to the original AC Cobras. This Ace received the entire Cobra treatment, resulting in a convincing early FIA racer. The AC driveline was removed and replaced with a 271 hp Ford 289 HiPo engine and T-10 four-speed transmission with a reverse lock out. Just as Shelby did with the first Cobras, the E.N.V differential was replaced with a stronger Salisbury unit used in Jaguars of the day. Unlike the Cobras however, the rear in-board disc brakes were preserved on this car while they were moved outboard on Cobras to save money. The transverse leaf-spring front suspension was replaced with an MGB knee-action front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

Read all about it (includes link to eBay ad): https://www.rcnmag.com/fresh-finds/b...ace-conversion

[CSX 4133]

Well, as was stated in the description it's neither a Shelby, nor a AC any longer. It's a cobbled up wannabe, with ill fitting panels and cheap aftermarket parts/pieces.

[t walgamuth]

It seems it could have been done better without much trouble. The price seems too close to a real cobra price.

[cycleguy55]

It has an interesting history, but I suspect the BIN price is high - much too high, and probably reflective of the reserve price. Bidding closes August 25 and it will be worth watching to see what it sells for - if it even sells. As of right now there are 6 'watchers' on eBay, but no bids.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-Ace/183360776141

[Buzz]

The snout opening looks all wrong and, like many FIA replicas, the ride height is jacked way up to keep the big undercar pipes off the pavement. I have nothing against turning Aces into Cobras, but not worth anywhere remotely close to $500K.

[1985 CCX]

Almost positive as I almost bought this car pre 2000

[HealeyRick]

Seems a huge ask to me for what is essentially an Ace with a motor swap. Motor swaps in British cars usually decrease their value, not increase it five times. It's not a Cobra, at best a Cobra clone. Kind of like dropping a Hemi into a standard Challenger and calling it a Hemi Challenger.

[peterpjb]

for the asked price the car should be at minimum a perfect toolroom copy with FIA papers, not with wrong front suspension, wrong brakes, wrong foot boxes, wrong windshield angle, etc....

here is another ace>cobra conversion, a perfect built in every single detail,
recently sold in the price range around 350t $

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by peterpjb

for the asked price the car should be at minimum a perfect toolroom copy with FIA papers, not with wrong front suspension, wrong brakes, wrong foot boxes, wrong windshield angle, etc....

here is another ace>cobra conversion, a perfect built in every single detail,
recently sold in the price range around 350t $

IMO this is a far better car than the one currently offered on eBay. Considering it sold for $200K less than the eBay car, the eBay car seems grossly over-priced. Regardless, the car is worth as much as someone is prepared to pay for it, so I guess we'll have to sit back and watch how this plays out.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by peterpjb

for the asked price the car should be at minimum a perfect toolroom copy with FIA papers, not with wrong front suspension, wrong brakes, wrong foot boxes, wrong windshield angle, etc....

here is another ace>cobra conversion, a perfect built in every single detail,
recently sold in the price range around 350t $

That is one beautiful Cobra!

[1985 CCX]

Neat car but at almost Cobra price?
I agree no longer Ace
Not a Cobra
It’s a rodded Ace with MG front end. My feeling value in the KMS catagory maybe slightly higher or thereabouts.
Think the rebody is nice, agree details were little cobbled together
Wonder what underside looks like.
My neighbor has four Ace’s and they are vastly lighter duty.
Also, outboard brakes on an Ace which by the way is not a cost saver when going outboard

For a guy like me a perfect car. For investment dunno
Cannot be a concours car
Cannot be in either Ace or Cobra class show
Can be easily registered as it’s still Ace
Guessing really fun....
Can be in a casual show with replicas

I like it, but I would change s few details without a doubt
6 years ago $80k
Now $550k phew

Somewhat remember this car in Ace body red selling for 42k circa 1998 or so ??
Have a picture in the barn, will go look

[ChiChris]

Would be worth something if he had restored it to original AC Ace factory specs.
Now it is a frankenstein car; built with parts from all over the place.....

[t walgamuth]

Indeed!

[t walgamuth]

Looks nice. What is it worth? 300 to 400?

[peterpjb]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Looks nice. What is it worth? 300 to 400?

yes, asking price was 350

[peterpjb]

after sale Goodwood testing...

[t walgamuth]

Nice paint!

[migge]

As close as possible to CSX2128? 2128 never had side vents. Kidney bean wheels? Well, I drive the same ones and that are American Racing Salt Flat wheels, converted to use knock offs. They were the only chance a few years ago, before some companies produced Kidney bean wheels again. Some pics from 2012 Silverstone.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by migge

As close as possible to CSX2128? 2128 never had side vents. Kidney bean wheels? Well, I drive the same ones and that are American Racing Salt Flat wheels, converted to use knock offs. They were the only chance a few years ago, before some companies produced Kidney bean wheels again. Some pics from 2012 Silverstone.

Looks like this car has two complete exhaust systems...?

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Looks like this car has two complete exhaust systems...?

Keen eye! I can see 2 mufflers connected to one outlet. Would it be possible the externally visible one is only for show and disconnected for street use, with the inner mufflers connected. For track use the inner mufflers would be disconnected and removed. It would be interesting to see under-car photos and how they're connected at the front.