With so much interest in the Shelby Cobra and its sale-ability in major auctions it's all too easy to forget the car that started it all. I'm referring, naturally, to the AC Ace sports car that inspired Carroll Shelby to squeeze in a 289 c.i. (later 427) Ford V8 along with wide wheels and tires plus the flared fenders needed to accommodate them.

The Ace was one of the prettiest sports cars of its era, a successful performer in road racing and hillclimbing. It was powered, at various times, by an AC engine of pre-war design, a Bristol engine based on a pre-war BMW, and an engine from the Ford Zephyr. All were inline sixes with the less-sophisticated Zephyr being the most flexible and the Bristol the most desired. Often overwhelmed by enthusiasm for Shelby's AC Cobra, the Ace was also responsible for two variations on the theme. One was the AC Greyhound, a sleek 4-door sedan with a hatch; after Aston-Martin the second production car to include this now-common feature.

The other was the AC Aceca, a 2-door fastback coupe. During my time as editor of Canada Track & Traffic magazine our circulation manager, General Secretary, boss's girlfriend, and accomplished race and rally driver, Diane Carter, owned an Aceca that she wanted to unload. It certainly grabbed my interest and so I took it on a check ride. As I recall the car (like Diane) was light, lithe, and elegant. But some instinct told me this beauty would never be a suitable daily driver and I couldn't afford it as a toy.

Acecas can be found and bought in several Web sites. Ms. Carter's whereabouts are a mystery.