AC Greyhound 1962

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , When the last 2-litre saloon left the Thames Ditton factory in 1958, AC were left without a car that offered more than two seats. In response to what was perceived as customer demand, as well as encouragement from Hubert Patthey, the racing driver and Swiss AC importer, work began under the direction of AC’s Chief Engineer, Alan Turner, on a four-seat GT Coupé, the Greyhound. The first prototype was given an airing, as well as its competition debut, at an AC and Lagonda Owners Club Sprint at Brand Hatch, which was quickly followed by the first production car making its appearance at the London Motor Show in October 1959. Sitting on an extended version of the Aceca’s steel ladder frame chassis, allowing space for an additional row of two seats behind the driver and front passenger as well as a decent sized boot, the Greyhound was clothed in an attractive alloy body not dissimilar to Aston Martin’s recently introduced DB4. The interior of the car was well appointed, with leather seats front and back, full carpeting throughout, ample instrumentation, and good headroom for all occupants.Most cars in the late 1950s still relied on live rear axles, leaf springs, and four-wheel drum brakes, however the Greyhound offered a more modern approach with fully independent front and rear suspension on coil springs, rack and pinion steering and disc brakes on the front. In common with the Ace and Aceca, Greyhound customers were offered a choice of four engines and the all straight-six line up included AC’s own 1,991cc 75bhp unit - the BMW-derived Bristol OHV engine in 125bhp 1,971cc and 2,216cc 105bhp form; and the 2,553cc Ford Zephyr engine which was capable of producing up to 170bhp when tuned by Ruddspeed. Whilst the Zephyr engine was the most powerful, purists rightful preference was always the smooth and 'revvy' Bristol powerplants as the noise, balance and feel was perfect for the Greyhound’s GT aspirations when combined with a 4-speed manual gearbox and the optional overdrive.This UK-supplied example was restored around 20 years ago by renowned Bristol specialist Spencer Lane-Jones, with invoices confirming that over 570 hours had been invested in the car’s restoration’, the quality of which remains evident in it’s excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition today. In 2019 it was repainted in Aston Martin Dunhill Silver, a sophisticated shade that accentuates the flowing body lines, while the absence of bumpers gives the car a more purposeful stance and evokes the rally-prepared Greyhounds of the period.Complementing the silver paintwork is the original red interior, which remains in wonderfully lightly patinated condition. The cabin retains its wooden dashboard with the full complement of original instruments, and a period correct radio sits neatly beneath – importantly, there are no signs of unnecessary modification, preserving the car’s authenticity and charm.We understand that the car’s running gear remains in good order, however, at the heart of every Greyhound is its Bristol engine and this unit was rebuilt to near 100S specification, delivering approximately 125bhp and said to perform very well. Since being acquired by our vendor in 2019, the car has been serviced by INRacing (£10,000 bills on file), with the carburettors rebuilt and the braking system overhauled, demonstrating continued maintenance and ongoing care. Its quality has been recognised with a recent win at the AC Owners’ Club Concours, confirming its standing within the marque community.Perhaps most impressive is the AC’s history which is neatly organised in two box files of documentation, including the original buff logbook, extensive invoices, photographs and detailed restoration notes from Spencer Lane-Jones. We often find that owners who are diligent when it comes to looking after all the associated paperwork with a classic car are equally diligent when it comes to looking after the car itself.A rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored and well maintained AC Greyhound in the most desirable specification, supported by concours success and exceptional provenance.