Solved - NEH 5220: AC Ace chassis AE 01 with early front

[Carnut]

What's this, from when - for 1 point?:

Remember - solving puzzles using 'Google Search by Image' is BANNED on AutoPuzzles!

[Carnut]

Experts?

[Willie McCrum]

AC Ace - Goodwood, 1957-ish ?

[Carnut]

AC Ace - Goodwood, 1957-ish ?

AC Ace it is, and I think it is pictured at Goodwood.
But what distinguishes this particular Ace?
Locked for you to say to earn your point.

[Willie McCrum]

As all the relevant info is there for all to see in the current edition of 'Octane' which I cannon now find - present wife having tidied up !- I can't really lay claim to a point.  From hazy memory though, I think it's the first-ever Ace (or almost the first at any rate)  raced initially by Bob Staples, but pictured in the hands of its second owner.

[Carnut]

I know the problem...!
Yes, I got this picture from Octane magazine where the letter accompanying it described it as the very first AC Ace, chassis no. AE 01.
I'd never seen it with that air intake so thought it might be a bit more difficult to identify..
I think it's fair to give you the point since you've really got it and it will save you pulling your house apart to find the magazine!
Well done.