AC - 16/80 - HP Sports Tourer

Caratteristiche

Descrizione

1936 AC 16/70 HP March Special Sports Tourer

• Registration: CLY 126 - Chassis: LC370

• One of only 23 known AC 16 HP models fitted with the highly sought-after Earl of March Sports Tourer coachwork

• Long-term ownership since 1995

• Subject of a comprehensive restoration completed during the late 1990s

• Extensively maintained and continuously improved by leading marque specialists

• Proven participant in numerous international rallies and touring events

A Distinguished Pre-War British Sports Car

By the mid-1930s, AC had firmly established itself as one of Britain's premier manufacturers of refined sporting motorcars. Building on a reputation earned through innovative engineering and competition success, the company produced a range of six-cylinder automobiles renowned for their quality, performance and craftsmanship.

The 16/70 HP represented one of the most accomplished expressions of this philosophy. Combining AC's celebrated overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine with a low-slung chassis and elegant coachwork, it offered a unique blend of sporting character and long-distance touring comfort.

Today, surviving examples are exceptionally rare, particularly those fitted with the exclusive Earl of March bodywork.

The Earl of March Sports Tourer

The generous wheelbase and low chassis introduced during the mid-1930s provided the perfect foundation for some of the most attractive coachbuilt bodies of the period.

Among them, the four-seat Sports Tourer designed under the direction of Freddy March—later the Earl of March and a prominent figure in British motorsport—stands out as one of the finest. Its graceful proportions, flowing wings and purposeful stance perfectly captured the spirit of the era.

It is believed that fewer than 600 examples of the AC 16 HP series were produced before the outbreak of the Second World War. Of these, only 23 cars are understood to have received the coveted Earl of March coachwork, placing this AC among the most exclusive pre-war British sports cars in existence.

Chassis LC370 – History and Provenance

The car left the factory on 9 March 1936 and was delivered new to its first owner, Mr Holloway. Its provenance is extraordinarily well documented through the AC Owners Club, with just seven known owners to date. Original build sheets survive, along with delivery notes, invoices and even correspondence between previous custodians and the AC factory—clear evidence that this car has always been cherished by knowledgeable enthusiasts. This lineage explains its exceptional originality and quality today.

Its historical significance is further enhanced by its participation in the famous AC race at Silverstone in 1953, where it lined up on the front row of the grid—an event recorded in contemporary newspapers and magazines.

Comprehensive Restoration

The restoration commenced in 1996 with a complete rebuild of the original six-cylinder engine by Colin Dunn of Solent Vintage Engineering.

The project continued during 1998 and 1999 when Phil Whitaker undertook a full reconstruction of both chassis and bodywork. At the same time, the interior was entirely retrimmed by renowned upholsterers J.G. Luck of Poole.

By the completion of these works, more than £75,000 had been invested in returning the car to the high standard it enjoys today.

Continuous Specialist Maintenance

Following the restoration, maintenance responsibilities were entrusted to the highly regarded Jim Stokes Workshop, one of the leading names in historic British competition and touring cars.

Over the following decade, substantial further investment ensured that the AC remained in exceptional mechanical condition. Work included refurbishment of the radiator, installation of new splined hubs and comprehensive overhauls of the suspension, braking system and steering components. These additional works accounted for approximately £15,000 of further expenditure.

In 2008 the engine was rebuilt once again by Rod Briggs, utilising the original cylinder block, which had previously been repaired using the Surelock stitching process. During this rebuild a number of carefully considered upgrades were incorporated, resulting in an increase in output to approximately 89 bhp while preserving the character and integrity of the original design.

The wire wheels were professionally rebuilt in 2010.

The only known departures from factory specification are the leather-trimmed dashboard and the enamelled AC bonnet badge, both subtle enhancements that complement the car's presentation.

A Proven Touring and Rally Participant

Unlike many restored collector cars that spend their lives on static display, LC370 has been enjoyed extensively on the open road.

Since completion of the restoration, the car has participated in a remarkable number of prestigious touring events and international rallies, demonstrating both reliability and usability.

Events entered include:

• London to Lisbon Rally (2000)

• Angoulême Amble (2005)

• Pyrenean Challenge (2006)

• Wonders of Burgundy (2007)

• Unknown Italy (2010)

• Wolseley Car Club 1000 Miles of Ireland

In addition, the AC has completed numerous touring events throughout Brittany, France and Belgium.

Such regular use speaks volumes about the quality of the restoration and the confidence its owner placed in the car's mechanical condition.

Admired Wherever It Appears

Throughout its rally career, this AC has consistently attracted admiration from fellow competitors and enthusiasts alike.

On several occasions during international events, participants voted LC370 as the car they would most like to take home, a tribute not only to its rarity but also to its exceptional design, character and road presence.

An Exceptional Opportunity

Beautifully restored, meticulously maintained and supported by a fascinating history file, this 1936 AC 16/70 HP March Special Sports Tourer represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most exclusive and desirable British sporting motorcars of the pre-war era.

Combining elegant Earl of March coachwork, documented provenance, extensive restoration records and proven touring credentials, it is equally suited to prestigious rallies, concours events or inclusion within a significant collection of historic automobiles.

A truly outstanding example of one of AC's most coveted pre-war models.