At its 1953 introduction, the AC Ace was a much-needed breath of fresh air for its home market. In distinct contrast to just about everything else emerging from England, the curvy Ace with its tubular chassis both looked and drove the part — it was modern without being entirely too brash, at least from the get-go. Rather unexpected attention from a failed chicken farmer turned race car driver, combined with the support of the Ford Motor Company, changed the AC Ace and its reputation in the United States forever in the early 1960s with the introduction of the Shelby Cobra.

This factory left-hand drive AC Ace is reported to have been delivered to an American buyer in suburban Washington, D.C., in 1956. In place of its original six-cylinder engine, it is equipped today with the kind of power that Shelby himself would have appreciated: a 289 cubic-inch V8. A four-speed Borg-Warner T-10 hustles power rearward via a Dana 44 axle to complete a proper American-British sports car. It is believed that its Cobra-style modifications were adopted early in its life, probably during the 1960s.

To accommodate—both visually and physically—the V8 swap, the car's styling was updated to reflect design cues found on early Shelby Cobra models. Its Wimbledon White paint hue comes right from the Ford catalog, and enthusiasts will no doubt appreciate the Cobra-style nose, hood scoop, and side vents. Period-style chromed wire wheels wrapped in Avon classic tires sit under its subtly flared fender arches—a nod to the car's English past. The roll hoop sitting aft of the driver's seat serves to complete the package.

Drivers after a machine suitable for high-performance driving will find some appreciable upgrades underneath, like four-wheel disc brakes including an inboard setup out back, rack-and-pinion steering, and dual coil-overs at the rear. The Ace is additionally offered with a set of 15-inch Halibrand “kidney-bean” style alloy wheels, which, when installed, give off “Competition Cobra” vibes.

An extensive overhaul over the course of the last decade performed by HRE Motorcars in New York has included many major mechanical, suspension, and cosmetic enhancements, and today it presents as a usable homage to the 1960s-era gentleman's racer. A worthy and historic alternative to a genuine Shelby Cobra, this AC Ace is eligible for numerous high-profile shows and rallies, and offers serious performance in an attractive package that represents both “Best of British” and “Best of the USA”.