Solved NIC#941 - AC-Bristol monoposto based on 1959 AC Ace

[nicanary]

Some of you may notice a theme to a few of these puzzles. If you do, then you'll know where to look!

What could this car possibly be?

[nicanary]

Experts?

[tobytwirl]

Looks like a Ferrari but what I can see of the mechanicals suggests Cooper - Bristol base?

[nicanary]

Looks like a Ferrari but what I can see of the mechanicals suggests Cooper - Bristol base?

It's not a Cooper-Bristol, but you have identified a connection.

[tobytwirl]

I can't count, the Bristol engine is 6 cylinder so is the connection Cooper? Is it a Cooper - Alta?

[nicanary]

I can't count, the Bristol engine is 6 cylinder so is the connection Cooper? Is it a Cooper - Alta?

The connection is not with Cooper.

[tobytwirl]

I have blown up the picture, it could well be a 6 cylinder, so is it Bristol engine?

[nicanary]

I have blown up the picture, it could well be a 6 cylinder, so is it Bristol engine?

Yes.

[tobytwirl]

Well it seems it is an AC- Bristol single seater from 1959. Must admit I have never heard of it, nor have  I ever seen a period picture.

[nicanary]

Well it seems it is an AC- Bristol single seater from 1959. Must admit I have never heard of it, nor have  I ever seen a period picture.

You won't have seen a period picture, because it's relatively new. I asked what it was, and you answered so the point is awarded.

The car is discussed on another well-known website. AC-Bristol AEX748 was crashed by its French owner, and parts were used to repair another AC BEX682.  The other parts were made by Bernard Maitre into a monoposto and raced in France. Any remaining pieces (like what I hear you all cry?) were used by Nick Upton to build this car. I have no idea which car used the engine but we all know how modern historic racing works - maybe it's got the rev-counter from the AC-Bristol.

The end result seems to be 3 cars out of 2 identities.