The newly formed AC Classic Division will start producing brand-new versions of the AC Ace and Ace Bristol, 70 years after the first Ace took to the racetrack. The division’s formation honours models from AC’s 123-year history, making it Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer.

The Ace was known for its racing career, winning in the 2-litre GT class at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. It also saw success at the 12 Hours of Sebring, where a privately owned Ace won its class three years in a row. Despite its achievements, the Ace is overshadowed by the model that followed – the AC Cobra.

AC Ace Bristol - front
AC Ace Bristol rear quarter

In 61 years, the Ace has only gained 111kg, bringing its weight to 1,100kg – a featherweight in today’s world. While they are styled to look like the original, they are built from the ground up as entirely new cars, using modern production techniques, a tubular steel chassis and a carbon fibre body. The two variants differ slightly in style, with the Ace Bristol having a larger grille. The original Ace used a 2.0-litre inline six-cylinder from Ford, while the Ace Bristol was fitted with a similarly sized straight-six from Bristol Cars – hence the name.

Unlike the Aces of yesteryear, both the Ace and Ace Bristol will use the same powerplant – a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, as found in the Focus ST. Power has increased to approximately 320bhp, with 277lb-ft (375Nm) of torque heading to the rear wheels through a manual gearbox. With a 0–62mph time of 4.6 seconds and a power-to-weight ratio of at least 290bhp per tonne, the new Ace looks set to make good use of its performance and low kerb weight.

AC Ace Electric - front

AC has also launched an electric Ace, for those who fancy the idea of an electric classic without having to rip out a classic’s internal combustion heart. Tremec’s modular EV platform is integrated into the Ace to provide impressive power, range and weight figures. It produces 300bhp and 369lb-ft (500Nm) of torque, and tips the scales at less than 1,134kg. The 72kWh battery provides a range of over 200 miles. Like the petrol-powered Ace and Ace Bristol, the electric version will have a carbon fibre body wrapped over its chassis, helping to achieve such a low weight.

Ensuring that the new Aces remain true to their ancestors, each new Ace that is built will receive an AC chassis number – showing its relationship to its older siblings. Order books are now open, with deliveries starting in summer 2025 and prices starting from £175,000 for the petrol-powered Ace and £213,000 for the electric versions.

AC Ace electric - cabin
AC Ace electric - side