According to information provided by the the AC Owner’s Club, chassis number L282 left the factory on March 12, 1935 with the British registration number CPE 73. Sporting engine number UBS 236, it was bodied as an Aero saloon with grey paintwork and a beige interior. It was partially built to its present form in the early 1970s utilizing its original chassis and engine, as well as correct lights and instrumentation.

In 1974, the car was bought by David Hescroff. By that point, the saloon body had been discarded and replaced with its current boattail bodywork, albeit in primer, and the car was largely unfinished as being built as a special. The chassis had also been shortened, this was done by cutting the back of the chassis off and relocating the rear axle and suspension accordingly. Hescroff completed the car and ran for several years in various races and hill climbs. In 1982, the car was sold to Nigel Phillips. Phillips sold the car through a dealer and the car was subsequently passed own to a gentleman in Hampshire. Throughout this time the car was regularly modified and upgraded to improve its overall competitiveness, such as replacing the original engine block with a rebuilt unit, and relocating the pre-selector transmission from the steering column to a floor shift.

The car would remain in the U.K. still wearing its original registration number of CPE 73, until at least 2002. A previous VSCC certificate issued in 2000 states that the car was owned by John Gilbert Reeves at that time and was listed for sale in the U.K. that year. Sometime thereafter, the car was exported to Italy where it was purchased by Roberto Farneti of Ravenna. A well-known gentleman driver, Farneti had a respectable international career in vintage racing and entrusted the restoration of the car to an Italian specialist of British racing cars. It is important to note that the current engine at this time was restamped with the original number. Importantly, the original engine still remains with a previous owner in the U.K., and can be acquired via separate negotiation following the successful purchase of the car.

During Farneti’s ownership, he obtained a FIVA Passport in 2002 and in 2006, the AC obtained an ASI certificate. Farneti sporadically used the car as he was increasingly racing Formula cars and later purchased a March, which lead him to selling this car. The consignor acquired the car in 2017 and it has remained within his collection in Florence ever since.

Period-built specials have always maintained a loyal following, as they provide excellent performance, driving pleasure, and remain competitive in events like hillclimbs and time trails. This AC would surely be a thrill to drive and enjoy.

Should you want more information on the condition of this lot and or discuss the possibility of an in-situ inspection, please contact our office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or email Britta Buchmann at bbuchmann@rmsothebys.com