1935 AC “ACE” 16/66 TWO-SEATER DHC

1935 AC “ACE” 16/66 TWO-SEATER DHC

One of the oldest car marques still founded in Britain, AC Cars Group Ltd. was formerly known as Auto Carries Ltd. AC was a British specialist automobile manufacturer with the most recent manufacturing location of AC being in Hal Far, Malta, but this plant is now closed. The company name was changed to 'AC (Acedes) Cars Limited' in 1927. By 1929 AC was in deep financial straits, and the factory was closed and went into receivership, though the service department continued to operate. One year later AC sprang back to life. William Hurlock and his brother Charles took over the company.

The Hurlock brothers had acquired AC in 1930, and using their engineering skills went slowly back into production in answer to a loyal customer base who wanted more cars. The venerable 2-litre 16hp engine was upgraded to 60bhp with 80bhp versions available. New front suspension was given, an underslung chassis, 4-speed Moss gearbox, and some very handsome bodies by AC (Acedes) Coachwork. It has been suggested that AC acquired some SS chassis and fitted their own engine into it; SS were the only other 16hp car on the market. Four AC Sixteens were entered in the 1933 RAC Rally winning it outright, gaining the Coupe D'Elegance and finishing all four cars in the top ten. Production continued until the War intervened after which the new AC 2-litre took over.

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