Chassis No. BEX 1003
Engine No. 100D2 881

As an avid motorsport enthusiast, Charles McDonald took the art of racing seriously. By 1959, his South West SCCA region had become increasingly competitive, and McDonald began to look beyond his trusty Triumph to further progress up the ranks. Like many, his eyes turned to AC Cars' international racing successes with the Ace Bristol. Presumably, after much convincing, his father co-signed the loan from his credit union to obtain his new AC from Motorsport Corp. of Santa Fe, New Mexico on 5 September 1959. Truly ahead of his time, McDonald acquired his AC years before the first Shelby Cobra made its mark in the United States.

As the 1960 SCCA season kicked off, McDonald and his AC were ready for competition. McDonald piloted his Ace at the newly opened Continental Divide Raceway in Castle Rock, Colorado and at La Junta Raceway in southeastern part of the state. The car's performance was nothing short of spectacular, clinching class victories in the three of the first four races, including the feature race. Over the next two seasons McDonald's AC continued to dominate, securing an impressive 12 victories. McDonald fondly recalled this period as the best time of his life, having shared the track with legendary cars like the Maserati Tipo 61 “Birdcage,” Scarabs, and even Ferrari 250 TRs.

In 1962, McDonald was drafted into the U.S. Army and the car was put into storage. After his military service was completed McDonald used the AC as a street car. In 1972, it was returned to storage due to an oil pressure issue. In 1999, it was decided to commence a full frame-off restoration to return the AC to its former glory. A minor section of the aluminum body was replaced due to electrolysis, which is a common issue due to the aluminum bodywork wrapped on the steel tube frame, along with the two small tubes that run from the wheel wells to the cabin. Body and frame were reunited using the original rivet locations and the car was refinished in its original Old English White. Gary McGlasson Racing Engines of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was tasked with making the car go, stop, and handle as good as it looked. A new red interior was fitted at great expense by Farland Classic Restoration in Denver, Colorado, to original specifications, including carpet and other materials. Back with McGlasson, the instruments restored by Nisonger Instruments of Mamaroneck, New York, were installed before final testing. After four years and more than $100,000 in receipts, the car was returned to its owner of 44 years in a condition as close as possible to how it was upon delivery new in Santa Fe in 1959.

After more than 50 years of enjoyment, McDonald parted with his beloved Ace Bristol, selling it to its current owners in 2017, an automotive couple regularly seen at the Monterey historics, Le Mans Classic, Mille Miglia and other events. Retaining its original bodywork and color, an exceptional history, and fully known provenance, the car earned first in class at the 2018 St. Michaels Concours, Best European Sporting Car at the 2019 The Elegance at Hershey, and it was shown at the 2020 The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

This outstanding example remains in spectacular condition today, with many hours spent on the car to ensure it is in prime condition. Included with the sale are history file binders with the car, containing the original purchase agreement, restoration receipts and photos, dozens of spectacular old photos from the period races the car part took in with McDonald, and newspaper clippings from these races. Offered with the car is the restored factory-correct red soft top and top bows, as well as side curtains, and the correct grease gun in engine compartment. Whether on show fields or countless desirable driving events around the world, this beautiful restored 1959 AC Ace Bristol is sure to be a sensation anywhere it goes.