In my early days of spectating in the late 50's and early 60's, I was
told by "experts" that the beautiful little roadster that won so often
at Marlboro (MD) Raceway was an AC-Bristol, sometimes referred to as an
Ace. In those days I was fascinated by engines and paid little attention
to chassis, but I knew lovely lines when I saw them.
The 2 liter Bristol engine was a marvel to me because of it's incredible
pushrod arrangement and it's ability to produce 125hp (advertised) in
street trim. It looked like an overhead cammer, but was actually a
pushrod engine! What lovely sounds it made. R&T did a piece on the
AC-Bristol (I don't remember when - early 60's I think) and I remember
"125 horsepower" and "125 miles per hour." Very good performance,
indeed.
Arnolt also used the Bristol engine; I remember seeing several
Arnolt-Bristols in that era, some as race cars, some on the street.
As to what to call them - I'm not sure, but if someone were to ask me,
I'd tell 'em, "it's an AC."
Jake Jurgens, part time Alfa racer,
still looking for an SVRA ride to acquire.
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: AC Bristol
Author: Roland Dudley <cobra@cdc.hp.com> at smtplink-is
Date: 5/20/96 9:43 AM
Reply-To: Roland Dudley <cobra@cdc.hp.com>
> to reliable sources of parts, advice, etc.? Also, what is the proper name
> for this car? Is it an Ace, a Bristol, an Ace-Bristol or what?
I'd like some clarification on this myself. Last year there was a
Bristol powered Ace parked next to my car at the Palo Alto Brit car
meet. My son was asking me about the car and I was explaining to him
that it was an Ace. At that point the owner came over and very
emphatically correct me, saying that his car was an AC Bristol.
Perhaps this fellow mis-spoke and meant to say Ace-Bristol, or maybe AC
Ace-Bristol? The ACOC refers to them as Ace-Bristols, but even so, it's
still an Ace, right, so wouldn't just calling it an Ace be correct?
Or is it considered proper when referring to an Ace to always include
the engine to distinguish from other types?
Roland
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