Ac Cars 2 Litre and Bucklands Post war from 1946-1956

AC Cars Post War

AC cars present terms - most people would remember or hear the AC Cobra - while the Yanks call it a Shelby Cobra Personally I filed them under AC - AC chassis ; AC body but Shelby did the installation and modfication of drive chain - part buil;t in the UK ; part built by Shelby

But there are AC's cars where there is cetainly little information about the cars out there particularly the little known AC 2.0 Saloon (Looked looked more like a Coupe) and was in production around 1946-to far as 1956) Most enthusists would have heard of 2.0 Saloon as 2 door however it seems from 1953 a 4 door variant was produced and number of woody estate

Road testers of time only tested the 2 door saloon - I found no record of any mention of 4 doors or woody estates both UK ; Australia. However last 10 years a number of 4 doors are coming out of hiding and a few of Woody Estates and even a convertible variant not to be cofused with Bucklands that more Roadster which I will also will cover

Below is References I have at present and this includes those that come up for sale

2.0 SALOON 1948-1956 (2 door saloon , more a coupe in appearance)

2.0 SALOON 1948
News Stories Brief
Australian Motor Manual 1948 Page 6 Issue 17

News Stories -Preview
Australian Motor Manual 1948 Page 27 Issue 10

2.0 SALOON 1953
The Motor (GB) 1952 OCT 8th page Suppl 1 page
Road Tests

The Motor (GB) 1949 SEP 21th Pages 232-234
Motor test 18/49 Reg MPK 44

2.0 SALOON 1952
The Autocar (GB) 1952 SEP 19th (not in present in National Archives in NZ when I documented them one of their gaps assume is a 2 door saloon)

Used Test

2.0 SALOON 1951 COUPE
Autocar (GB) 1958 JAN 24th page 118
Used Test #120 (bugger I did not take down the reg!)

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) Featured in modern Press Discussion / Driving Impression

Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1993 NOV Page 92+ (not documented at present)

2.0 SALOON 1950 COUPE
Practical Classics (GB) 2002 DEC
A Reader discusses his experience of ownership (not documented by me yet)

2.0 SALOON 1950 COUPE
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1989 NOV Pages 86-95 Volume 17 Issue 2
5 way comparsion driving impression in the UK this car is Reg OPK 973 it is vs Ford Zephyr; Rover 75; Sunbeam -Talbot; Triumph Renown;feature comparsion by Brian


2.0 SALOON (COUPE) turned up in Auctions & For Sale

Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1985 JUL Page 104 Vol 4 Issue 4Classifieds Restoration ; from tel 0277 area of the UK

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1948
Practical Classics (GB) 1983 NOV Page 93 Volume 4 Issue 7
Classified but no photo in the UK Seller claims its the 49th built ; mech and structually sound, condition 2, used daily mot april 84 offered for sale for 1100 pounds and as of 1983 the seller could be contacted at Tel Nantwich 626318

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1949
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1977 NOV Page 66 Volume 5 Issue 2classified but no photo; purchased at 1949 Motor show, car discribed as light green ;has 70000 miles on the clock selling for 1195 pounds ; from the Highcliffe area UK

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1950c
Old Motor (GB) 1981 DEC Page 85 Volume 3 Issue 12
Classified but no photo, car has an aluminium body -vendor says car has am interesting history (what is that -that would have been a selling point!) geniune reason for sale offered for 1400 pounds and comes with many spares Vedor contact as of 1981 was Peterborough 73639

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1951
Autocar (GB) 1973 FEB 8th Page 59 Volume 138 Issue 4002
Classified but no photo in AC section - AC OH eng; Vendor was based in Station Cottage Alleston; Pickering Yorkshire as of 1973

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1951
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) 1977 JAN Page 60 Volume 4 Issue 4Classified but no photo: Reg HAY943 good cond ; best offer for sale 1977 tel 051-426-9347 car in the UK


2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) 1976 DEC Page 65 Vol 4 Issue 3 Reg 4Classified but no photo:DFC 443; grey orig reg book ; body/mech good vendor based in UK from tel Suckley 331

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Factory 3 Carb version
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1978 AUG Page 88 Volume 5 Issue 11Dealer Classified but no photo ; Factory 3 carb version ; factory service rescord ; original tools hand built al body ; one owner most of its life offered for 990 pounds and Dealer in 1978 was: Motorspot north Kilworth ; 4 miles exit 20 M1 rel Mkt Harborough 880626

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD
Motorsport (GB) 1976 APR Page 432 Volume LII Issue 4
classifield listing but no photo;car neede new headling ; carpets has miliage of 25000 miles approx offered for 975 pounds car is discribed in body colour Birch grey and seller back in 1976 was based at Chessington; GB- 01-397 1769

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1952 RHD
Old Motor (GB) 1981 AUG Page 80 Volume 3 Issue 8
classified no photo based in the UK ; Vedor open to offers, a prize winner, car was pictured in Automobile Quartely, car has low miles since comprehensive rebuild.been rallying, has spares & documents; Car is Metallic beige with red interior, contact details are Radcliffe on Trent 2424 Notts

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1952 RHD -Auction mention
The Automobile (GB) 2006 JUL Page 18 Volume 24 Issue 5
Brief mention in an auction , no photo of car, car has then 60000 miles on the clock ; its had a recent respray and was sold at auction Brightwells at Leominster 10th may 2006

2.0 SALOON 1953 Fitted -2.6 engine
Practical Classics (GB) 1983 JUN Page 83 Volume 4 Issue 2
Classified but no photo, car based in the UK; has been after market fitted 2600cc engine, used regularly, car has original hand book but no mot as owner retiring aluminium body, car recently resprayed 1450 pounds but or offers Contact details Tel 01-399 5546 UK

Export Cars

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in Australia
Unique Cars (Aus) 2007 3rd OCT to 30 Oct Page 104 Issue 278 Classified with small colour photo ;barn find;requires restoration car is in South Australia Car has Engine number: UMB1877W wearing Registration RAA-546 (SA) body colour is Cream and contact details of vendor as of 2007 was South Australia 0411 668 595

2.0 SALOON 1951 RHD roof removed Export car in Australia
Unique Cars (Aus) 2007 3rd OCT to 30 Oct 3-30 Page 214 Issue 278Classified with small colour photo ;barn find;requires restoration modified to tourer South Australia $5000 this car has Engine Number UMB1682W
Same vendor as above Unique Cars and same vendor; with car body colour Blue

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in Canada!
Road & Track (US) 1970 MAR Page 123 4Classified but no photo: Car in Canada car for sale by JD Barnsley; Winnipeg; Manitoba; CND as of 1970 (has it surived?)

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in New Zealand Factory 3 Carb version
Beaded Wheels **(NZ) 1984 OCT-NOV Issue 150
Classified but no photo :with 2 spare alloy bodies +triple carbed AC eng needs main bearing from Auckland enthusist who is going overseas -Vendor was base in the Auckland area; NZ
(** Beaded Wheels is magazine Produced by Vintage Car Club INC NZ)

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in New Zealand
NZ Classic Car 1995 JUL Page 128 Volume 5 Issue 7 Classified +small black and white photo: fitted with non orig engine 1 of 6 in the country offered for $1000 NZ Vendor as of 1995 contact details was Wellington area Kapiti 04 298 3287

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1952 RHD Export car in New Zealand
Beaded Wheels (NZ) 1984 DEC-JAN Page 37 Issue 145
classified but no photo ; discribed as 80% complete for sale 1984; Auckland area
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)Turned up -Banger Raced!

Classic & Sportscar (GB)2004 MAR Page 11 Volume 22 Issue 12
News & Events just a mention and colour photo -Rare classics destroyed entered by a local Garage Prop at Oct5th Classic Banger Day at Hednesford Hills mentions other rare classics a DS450 Hearse ; 60s Humber Hawk; 60s US Plymouth Valiant (Whats point of racing one of these -Banger Racer is an Idiot!)


2.0 SALOON (COUPE)Turned up as -Discovery

Practical Classics (GB) 2005 MAY page 38
Rust in Peace - in the Gloucester & Chapslow Edited by Brian Cox ((not documented at present although working through them as we speak!)

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)Turned up Shows, Club Rallys and other events

2.0 SALOON 1950 COUPE
Restored Cars (Aus) Page 17 Issue 55
a black and white photo of car in Australia wearing Reg AC-1950;Geoff Bott car at Annual Concours at Castle Hill organised by Council of Veteran Vintage and Thoroughbred car clubs 19th annual on display part of report feature by Bruce Neasmith

2.0 Saloon (coupe) where a owner & Restorer is looking parts (Often a Goldmine of info as gain the full contactee's postal address and other details)

2.0 SALOON 1951-1952 Export in New Zealand
Beaded Wheels (NZ) 2006 OCT-NOV Page 40 Issue 282Parts Wanted Classified , car based in New Zealand , Needed is engine front brakes Contactee is Ian 07 863 3554 or bhdaly@paradise.net.nz as of 2006

2.0 Saloon 4 door (David Howard Cars says only only 29 were made see* While Roger Bishop who owned 1956 says 48 who is correct?)

As mentione in my introduction I have never found a test of a car when new or even one reviewed in modern times - I only knew of their exsistence when they turned up for sale!

For Sale by a Dealer

2.0 SALOON 1950 4D (4D= Four door)
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1989 FEB Page 172 Volume 16 Issue 5Dealer Classified , car is in the UK; stored many years car is black with beige upholstrey; Dealer Vendor was David Howard Cars of Ranvilles Farm; Romsey Hampshire according to dealer it was 1 of 29 4 doors made!*

For Sale others

2.0 SALOON 1953 4D

Motorsport (GB) 1976 APR Page 437 Volume LII Issue 4
classifield listing but no photo; engine requires attention; has spare engine spares offered for only 60 pounds! Vendor as of 1976 address was Potter; 3 Larkfield Road; Farnham ; Surrey

2.0 SALOON 1953 4D

RRC (GB) 1989 MAY Page 119 Volume 2 Issue 2
Classified for sale but no photo as of 1989 -4 door saloon contact details are Tel 048883119 Berks car photographed with 59 Reliant Regal

2.0 SALOON 1954 4D
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1978 OCT Page 79 Volume 6 Issue 1Classified+ no photo ;supreb condition al body on ash frame offered in 1978 for 2100 pounds contactee : Tel 01 422 8749 or 01 578 4816

2.0 SALOON 1954 4D
Classic & Sportscar (GB)1986 MAY Page 116 Volume 5 Issue 2Classified but no photo ; hand built al body on ash frame owned by advertiser for 15 years ; in superb condition 3250 pounds, contactee tel 01 5784816 or 01-422 8749

2.0 SALOON 1954 4D
Practical Classics (GB) 2005 JUN Page 126;132
Classified + small colour photo blue metallic; with 65000 miles ; fsh offered for 6900 pounds ; Sussex area and contactee info www3.mistral.co.uk/ict/ac/ Joe Tavani

2.0 SALOON 1956 4D
Classic & Sportscar (GB)2007 MAR Page 183 Volume 25 Issue 12Classified + small photo restored in and out offered for 9000pounds Seller here says it was 1 of 48 built? Contact as of 2007 was roger.bishop@bishopsmove.com car is registed 425 HWG; body colour is Dark Blue

Discovery

2.0 SALOON 1953c 4D
Practical Classics (GB) 2006 SEP Page 53 Rust in peace -part of cache of cars spotted in Berkshire car was green (outside a former petrol station in Berkshire; GB (is this same car advertised for sale in 1989?)edited) by Brian Cox


2.0 DHC (DHC=Drop head Coupe, Convertible (seems to have been sold just for Export)

2.0 1950 DHC

The Motor (GB) 1949 SEP 7th Page 155
News Section and photo For export markets initially

The Motor (GB) 1950 OCT 4th page 193
News Section just a bw photo and caption model shows wears Reg LNK 289

2.0 SALOON Estate Woody

Discovery
2.0 SALOON 1951 Estate
Classic & Sportscar (GB)2003 NOV Page 26 Volume 22 Issue 8
Lost and Found :chassis# EHX1776 shipped to Denmark by England & Parnott local coachbuilder used as a Taxi ; Ch1775 also shipped out but no records exsist car was ex Mrs Anna Christensen 4 yrs ; now Dr Tom Dine

Bucklands Roadster
to be continued






Book References

Book to Refer to regarding AC 2.0 and Bucklands is by Leo Archibald; pub by Veloce Publishing ; ISBN 1-903706 24-6
and review of that book was done by review by DH
Practical Classics (GB) 2003 MAR Page 15 Issue 3

AC PROPULSION (USA) Calif

AC PROPULSION (USA) California company that develops zero emission cars before Electric hybrids became trendy most of cars appear to be prototypes only

Below are 2 news stories

HONDA CIVIC 3D-Electric Road & Track (US) 1995 JUL page 69 a preview feature

tZERO ROADSTER -electric Autocar (GB) 1997 JAN 15th page 15 brief news story of a Lotus Elise size Sports Roadster

AC Ecosse 1988

Another more modern update of AC ME 3000
called AC Ecosse developed by AC Scotland - First making light of day 1988

A modern test (driving impression)
'Something completely different' by Danny Hopkins photo John Colley inc test Reg F956 ONM ;what might have been - AC Scotland - David MacDonald - 2.0TC Alfa R ex 1988 Motor show car 1 of 2 other has 2.5V6 ; Phil Bevans car ?
See
Practical Classics (GB) 2003 SEP page 48-52 issue 10

AC-CHRYSLER (USA)

Right you may ask:

Why we have I not done AC itself? or its proper name Auto Carriers

- Well its not that unusual however some of its spin offs are - Here we have one of them:

During late 60s -70s AC invested buckets of money developing a mid engine 2 seater to replace the thirsty AC 428 powered by a 3.0 Ford Zodiac / Ford Capri 3.0V6 ; The vehicle was based on a prototype called Diabo which was developed by 2 British men using of all things a Austin Maxi engine! Later by 1973 shown at Earls Court Show AC ME3000 made its light of day but it was not until late 1970s 1978-1979 Production actually begin and there was number of teething problems with the car - However plans to put car to US market were put on hold as 3.0V6 did not meet emission requirements and was somewhat underpowered by the Catalyst equipment placed on US spec cars (see Rover 3500SD1 power otput was really screwed!) - Some 3.0V6s did go there with Turbo Power provided by Relient Specialist Robin Rew as private imports
However a US Company called AC-CHRYSLER developed AC ME 3000 with 2.2 Turbo 4
US AC 3000;Car was considerably updated with a smoother bodywork instead of 3 0 Ford V6 engine fitted, the use of Chrysler 2.2 engine; cars built by Shelby in the (USA)

question - How many were made I heard 1 are there more?
AC-CHRYSLER (USA)
1 was Road Tested
see
Motor Trend (US) 1983 MAY Page 56;57;60

and the 1 only claimed was discovered

see Classic & Sportscar (GB) 2003 OCT page 25 and as of 2003 it 1 off - come out of storage -currently on offer for sale