This spectacularly restored 1959 AC Ace Bristol Roadster, offered for sale at Kruse Auctions, is one of the finest examples of Britain’s storied sports car left in existence. Retained by its original owner for 58 years and now offered as Lot #615 at the Auburn Fall 2026 sale, this numbers-matching, factory left-hand-drive Ace Bristol combines a documented racing pedigree with a nut-and-bolt restoration that has earned it top honors on the concours field.
The story behind this AC Ace Bristol is as compelling as the car itself. Purchased new from Motorsport Corp. of Santa Fe, New Mexico on September 5, 1959 by young SCCA racer Charles McDonald, the car went on to become a genuine giant-killer on America’s regional circuits. Piloting his Ace at Continental Divide Raceway and La Junta Raceway, McDonald claimed class victories in three of his first four races and racked up an incredible 12 wins over two seasons, sharing the grid with legends like the Maserati Tipo 61 and Ferrari 250 TR. Full details of this remarkable competition history are documented in the listing.
Following decades of use, storage, and a brief stint as a streetcar, this Ace Bristol underwent a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration beginning in 1999. Specialists including Gary McGlasson Racing Engines, Farland Classic Restoration, and Nisonger Instruments spent four years and more than $100,000 returning the car to its original Old English White livery, correct red interior, and numbers-matching mechanical specification. The car retains its original aluminum coachwork throughout this process, a rare distinction highlighted in the seller’s own description on the auction page.
Since changing hands in 2017, this Ace Bristol has continued to earn accolades on the world’s finest show fields, including First in Class at the 2018 St. Michaels Concours, Best European Sporting Car at the 2019 Elegance at Hershey, and a coveted spot at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Complete with an extensive history file, period photographs, and its original soft top, this Ace Bristol represents a rare opportunity to own a car that is as thrilling to drive as it is historically significant. Interested collectors can view the complete gallery, provenance, and bidding details for Lot #615 directly on Kruse Auctions.
Kruse Auctions has been a cornerstone of the collector car world for more than 55 years, with the Auburn auctions earning a reputation for delivering exceptional results. Over the decades, thousands of world records have been set on the Kruse auction stage, making Auburn one of the most recognized and respected destinations in the collector car hobby. Each auction brings together passionate buyers, serious collectors, and industry experts, creating the competitive environment needed to achieve top results for consignors.
Eve Nowell