1948' AC Drophead Coupé (2-Litre)

For sale by auction on Saturday 4th March 2017 with Historics at the Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, Surrey.

Registration VSY164
Chassis Number L930
Engine Number UMB1366
Estimate £22,000 - £27,000

The AC Two-Litre Saloon, which was the highest volume vehicle that came out the factory doors of AC reaching nearly thirteen hundred cars, the Drophead coupé however was one of the lowest produced platforms and manufactured completely at AC Cars Ltd, based at Thames Ditton. Despite their distinct similarities, the later 'Buckland Sports tourers' were finished at the Buckland Body Works in Hertfordshire. The summary of the platform is a steel chassis that is similar to that of pre-war AC that had been developed for the two-litre saloon vehicle, having rigid axles with front and rear semi elliptic leaf springs, mounted to the chassis is an ash frame that has the aluminium panels fitted.

This elegant drophead coupé features the renowned AC 1991cc engine. These were developed and, by 1947, the power output reached 74 bhp. The performance of a two door saloon tested by 'The Motor' magazine in 1948 had a top speed of 80mph and could accelerate from 0-60mph in 19.9 seconds. This example has been maintained thoroughly throughout its life with countless invoices from fastidious previous ownership, including reports of the labour carried out on the vehicle and clear indications that this example was not purchased without a significant degree of thought and research. It is believed, by the registrar, that this car could have been one of the original chassis used by the Buckland Body Works of Buntingford, Hertfordshire as a demonstrator and development model over the lifespan of the Buckland tourer model before being returned to its original body for sale in 1953. Finished in white with red leather trim which shows a nice patina, mechanically sorted and with a comprehensive history file including photographs, this example deserves further inspection.