1961 AC Ace RS 2.6

Introduced in 1961 and originally a Ruddspeed conversion – hence the ‘RS’ – this used the cheap and cheerful 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine from a MkII Ford Zephyr. Depending on which state of tune the customer ordered, output could be up to 170bhp (Stage 3, with aluminium head and triple Webers). Even in that most potent form it was still cheaper then the Bristol-engined Ace. Now the most valuable Ace, only 37 were built and are recognised by a new nose and grille that would soon adorn Cobras – along with a further eight Aceca coupés.

Information from Octane Magazine.