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| 1961 Shelby Aceca Bristol Coupe |
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Price: $159,000 |
Last Updated more than 20 days ago
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| Year: |
1961 |
| Make: |
Shelby |
| Model: |
Aceca Bristol Coupe |
| Trim: |
N\A |
| Engine: |
I6
I6 2.0L |
| Fuel: |
Gasoline |
| Color: |
Silver |
| Miles: |
54166 |
| Stock #: |
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| Body Style: |
Coupe |
| Condition: |
Used |
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Vehicle Description
1961 AC Aceca Bristol Coupe, Restored
Late-Production BEX Example
1961 AC Aceca Bristol Coupe for sale. Purchased from a collector in Colorado by its current long-time owner in 2003, it has been fastidiously restored, with just over 1,000 miles added since. BEX740 is finished in Silver with a black interior and equipped with a Type 110 Bristol Engine. Includes records and receipts since time of purchase totaling over $275,000 between 2003-2015, tools, jack, spare, and a clear, California title.
The AC Aceca Bristol holds an important place in early-1960s British GT history, combining AC’s hand-built Thames Ditton craftsmanship with the competition-bred Bristol inline-six, and offering a direct pre-Cobra link to the lineage that would soon underpin Carroll Shelby’s legendary program. On the road, the Aceca Bristol feels notably cohesive and sophisticated for its era, with balanced handling, communicative steering, and an engaging mechanical character, making it a rare and compelling alternative to more common early-1960s British coupes.
The exterior was restored between 2004 and 2005 by West Coast Acquisitions/Symbolic, during which the car was properly disassembled and prepared. The work included body repairs, A-pillar and structural metalwork, precise panel fitment and alignment, and a show-quality repaint exhibiting a smooth finish, deep gloss, and excellent panel gaps. New wire wheels were installed, currently wrapped in a set of Coker Classic 5.50R 16s, date-coded 2022 with 99%+ tread remaining. During reassembly, new rubber seals were installed, along with the original factory badging.
The interior was restored in 2004 by the British Car Company, during which the cabin was carefully disassembled and refreshed. The work included reupholstering of the seats and dashboard using new leather, attention to interior trim and fittings, and inspection and servicing of interior systems, including the heater and blower. It has a nice, original headliner, wooden/alloy Moto Lita steering wheel, and the whe woodwork was refinished to a high standard and presents beautifully, complementing the leather and contributing to an inviting, and well-finished cabin consistent with the car’s original specification.
Mechanical refurbishment was carried out between 2003 and 2004 by British Car Company, during which the car was comprehensively inspected, serviced, and sorted. The work included engine evaluation and tuning (compression testing, valve adjustment, cooling system service including water pump repair), driveline service, and extensive suspension and brake refurbishment, clutch and overdrive rebuild, and more. The front suspension was disassembled and refreshed, brake calipers were rebuilt, driveline components were balanced, rear springs were repaired, and fluids were renewed throughout. The engine fitted is a correct Bristol Type 110 2.0-liter inline-six. Records from the Bristol Owners Club indicate that engine number 110/5008 was originally installed in a 1959 Bristol 406 saloon, placing it squarely within the correct production era for the car and consistent with known period interchangeability of Bristol engines between AC and Bristol models.
This is a beautiful, rare example of the AC Aceca Bristol, combining elegant fastback styling with the performance and pedigree that directly links it to the earliest Cobras. Benefiting from a well-documented restoration by respected marque specialists and showing limited use since completion, this Aceca presents as a correct, well-sorted, and highly usable grand touring coupe, offered with a clean California title and extensive records.
Be sure to check out all 380+ photos and the video at www.leftcoastclassics.com.
Call or text Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options, or for a link to the high-resolution photos at 707-332-8331. |
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