• Significant Rally and Race History (Tour de France, Monte Carlo Rally, Tulip Rally, 3 Hour GT Race)

• Single Ownership for 58 Years

• Recently Featured in Octane Magazine

• Offered as a Restored Matching Numbers Example

• Eligible for Prestigious Motorsport Events

Chassis BE602 left the Thames Ditton Factory on 4th June 1957, ordered by 21-year-old John Sunley through renowned dealer K. N. Rudd Ltd of Worthing. Most enthusiasts will be familiar with Ken Rudd’s pivotal role in the development of the Ace/Aceca race cars, with many historic models having been ordered through his dealership.

This particular Aceca was specified with unique custom coachwork, finished in Deep Chrome M.16, paired with a green leather interior. The vehicle retains its original engine, 100D639. Notable rarities include the hand-painted race cowl, which is a signature feature of vehicles that underwent ‘Ruddspeed’ refinement, as well as the distinctive twin fuel fillers and a period-correct cut-off switch—features seldom seen on other examples.

John Sunley, along with co-driver Tom Piggot, competed in the 1957 Tour de France Automobile, where the car achieved a commendable 14th place overall. In 1958, Sunley and Piggot participated in the Monte Carlo Rally, a notoriously difficult event, and despite gearbox issues, they reached the final stage, securing 42nd place overall and 6th in their class. A few weeks later, Sunley entered the 3 Hours for GT class at Pau, where an unfortunate small fire—successfully extinguished—did not prevent him from completing the race. The final rally appearance by Sunley was at the Tulip Rally on 30th April 1958, where, due to heavy rain and challenging conditions on the Eifel Mountains, the race ended early as a DNF.

The last motorsport outing occurred in May 1958, when the car was piloted by ten-time Le Mans competitor Peter Bolton at Full Sutton.

Following these remarkable events, the AC Aceca passed through several hands before being acquired by Mr. Genry. In its later years, the car was hastily repainted in gold and, after a collision with a Ford Ten in autumn 1969, was placed out of use. The accident damage, still evident today, marks the car's last spirited run. Despite plans to restore the vehicle, it remained untouched due to the owner’s personal commitments. It is with great excitement that we present this car to the market for the first time in nearly 60 years.

We are pleased to confirm that the car’s original components, including the inner panels, differential, and drivetrain, were preserved and retained alongside the vehicle, further enhancing its originality.

This represents a unique opportunity to acquire an untouched historic motorcar, now available for full restoration to your exact specifications through our AC Heritage Works. Examples of our previous full restorations can be viewed on our website in the ‘Past Restorations’ section.

Additionally, we can assist in providing the necessary FIA and FIVA documentation required to enter the car in prominent events, such as the Mille Miglia, Goodwood Members' Meeting & Revival, and the Tour Auto, among others.

POA

To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact info@acheritage.com in our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment. Tel: +44(0)7557 878123