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