A full and complete answer to what this is (including name) for a point please.
Moving on...
Moving on some more...
Well that's an AC engine which could be any date from 1919-1963. The shape of the radiator cowl and the AC badge above it are as used on the Greyhound saloon and Buckland tourer in the 1940s/50s so I'd guess it is a special made from a 1948 saloon with shortened chassis and wire wheels. Those wheels are quite small and the tyres look relatively modern so perhaps the special dates from the 1960s but I don't remember ever seeing it.
If it has a name of its own, I don't know it.
1949 AC 2-Litre Sports Special :
"The unique rakish Two-Seater Special on offer is based on a right-hand drive 1949 example of the AC 2-litre Saloon produced by the Thames Ditton concern between 1947 and 1958. Dubbed the Electra, this interesting sports car features: a shortened version of the standard box section AC chassis, a later semi floating ENV rear axle (that enabled full hydraulic brakes with split front/rear operation to be installed) and wire wheel hubs from a pre-WW2 AC. The bespoke boat-tailed body was constructed in aluminium into which the standard brass AC 2-litre radiator cowl was neatly blended. In recent times the wheels have been shot blasted, painted and shod with new radial tyres. The wiring has been renewed and the headlamps converted to double dipping operation. The engine has been checked over and a new water pump fitted. The later Aceca exhaust manifolds look good and ensure better breathing. The mudguards have been replaced and the whole car repainted in Dark Blue to a high standard. The sprung steering wheel has been refurbished, the pre-war seats are upholstered in Red leather and the doors trimmed in vinyl. The dashboard is populated with period AC Buckland instruments."
That must be the auctioneer's description as only its mother would love its shape. ;D
Yes, it is an AC, so well done Allan for getting that, but the full point is awarded to Joao who gave the full model name as well, as it is the Electra Special.
Quote from: Djetset on August 10, 2011, 04:18:02 PM
Yes, it is an AC, so well done Allan for getting that, but the full point is awarded to Joao who gave the full model name as well, as it is the Electra Special.
Thanks but apart from the name I stated everything that matters! Not too fussed about points now, of course.
For most specials the name means little to anyone except its constructor, so isn't of much consequence in my book except when the name of the special becomes an important marque in a directly traceable sequence - e.g. an Austin 7 special that Colin Champan built in 1948 and called "Lotus" . . .
It's still for sale, and looks like this as a sharper image:
(http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/ac/2267215.jpg)
The advert's text is as given by João