1959 AC Aceca – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
In 1959, AC offered a closed grand touring alternative to its open sports car: the AC Aceca. Combining the lightweight chassis of the Ace with a fastback coupé body and practical rear hatch, the Aceca anticipated the modern sports hatchback concept by decades. It remains one of the most technically interesting British GT cars of the late 1950s.
Technical Details
The 1959 AC Aceca was built on the same tubular ladder-type chassis developed by John Tojeiro for the AC Ace. The structure consisted of a lightweight steel tube frame clothed in hand-formed aluminum body panels. Suspension was independent at both front and rear. At the front, unequal-length wishbones and a transverse leaf spring were employed, while the rear used trailing arms with a transverse leaf spring, a relatively advanced arrangement for a British sports car of the period. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted on all four wheels.
By 1959, most Aceca models were equipped with the 1,971 cc inline six-cylinder Bristol engine, derived from the prewar BMW 328 design. This overhead-valve unit featured hemispherical combustion chambers and typically triple carburetors. Output varied slightly by specification, but road-going versions generally produced between 105 and 125 bhp. Power was transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. With a kerb weight typically under 900 kilograms, the Aceca Bristol could reach top speeds in the region of 185–195 km/h (approximately 115–120 mph), positioning it firmly within the competitive grand touring segment of its time. Earlier AC-engined versions, using AC’s own 2.0-litre straight-six, were still in circulation, but the Bristol-powered Aceca represented the performance-focused specification by the late 1950s.
- Manufacturer: AC Cars
- Model Name: AC Aceca
- Year of Manufacturing: 1959
Design
The AC Aceca’s defining design feature is its fastback coupé body with a top-hinged rear hatch, an unusual and forward-thinking solution for the 1950s. The roofline flows smoothly from the windscreen into a gently sloping tail, creating a cohesive silhouette that differs markedly from the open Ace Roadster. The aluminum body was hand-crafted, resulting in subtle variations and a high level of artisanal finish.
At the front, the Aceca retained the oval grille opening and low bonnet line characteristic of the Ace. The longer roof and enclosed cabin gave the car a more substantial presence while maintaining compact overall dimensions. Large side windows and a relatively upright windscreen improved visibility and made the cabin feel less confined than many contemporary coupés.
Inside, the Aceca combined sporting intent with grand touring practicality. The dashboard featured clearly arranged round instruments set into a painted metal fascia, while leather-trimmed seats provided greater comfort than many pure sports cars of the era. The rear hatch opened to reveal a usable luggage compartment, making the Aceca suitable for extended journeys. This blend of lightweight construction and everyday practicality distinguished it from many rivals.
Historical Significance
The AC Aceca was introduced in 1954 as a closed companion to the AC Ace Roadster. At a time when most British sports cars were open two-seaters, the Aceca offered weather protection and increased practicality without sacrificing performance. The name “Aceca” derived from “Ace” combined with “ca,” referencing the coupé body style.
By 1959, the model had matured into a refined grand tourer with proven engineering. The Bristol-powered versions in particular enhanced its sporting credentials and attracted drivers interested in both road use and competition. Like the Ace, the Aceca participated in endurance racing and club-level motorsport, demonstrating durability and chassis balance.
The broader historical relevance of the 1959 AC Aceca lies in its position within AC’s evolution. The underlying chassis would soon serve as the basis for the V8-powered AC Cobra, following discussions between AC Cars and Carroll Shelby in 1961. While the Aceca itself remained a six-cylinder GT, it shared the structural DNA that made the Cobra possible. In addition, the Aceca’s rear hatch concept prefigured later high-performance hatchback and shooting-brake designs, marking it as a forward-looking interpretation of the grand touring idea.
Quirks and Pop Culture
Although less widely known than the Cobra, the AC Aceca developed a strong following among enthusiasts who value understated engineering. Its hatchback layout is frequently cited as one of its most distinctive features, setting it apart from contemporaries such as Jaguar’s XK fixed-head coupé. The hand-built aluminum body means that no two examples are entirely identical, adding to its individuality.
In historic motorsport circles, surviving Acecas continue to appear in vintage racing events. Their combination of relatively low weight and robust Bristol engines allows them to remain competitive within period-correct classes. Within British classic car culture, the Aceca is often regarded as a connoisseur’s choice—less conspicuous than more famous rivals, yet technically sophisticated and historically significant.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.
Conclusion
The 1959 AC Aceca represents a carefully balanced blend of sports car engineering and grand touring practicality. Built on a lightweight tubular chassis and typically powered by a 2.0-litre Bristol six-cylinder engine, it delivered performance comparable to contemporary open sports cars while offering the comfort and luggage capacity of a coupé. Its fastback body with rear hatch was ahead of its time, and its structural relationship to the later Cobra secures its place in automotive history. As a refined and technically thoughtful British GT, the AC Aceca remains a compelling example of late-1950s innovation.
