Going back to the roots...in 1957.
All of you must have Tony Bancroft and Rinsey Mills books in their bookcase. The aim of this forum is not to rewrite the history.
I already spoke about Ken Rudd in this page, thanks to him for his commitment in Le Mans challenge.
AE 205 has been prepared in Worthing workshop first (Bristol engine, front discs brakes, side short exhaust, special fuel tank, rear axle ratio for high speed track with 16" wheels...etc). The Ace then went back to Thames Ditton where the front was restyled for a better air penetration, an air scoop + side vents were added.
Derek Hurlock drove the car to Le Mans.
A word about the drivers, Ken Rudd drove the car and it was its only participation at the 24 Hours as a driver.
Peter Bolton was the second driver, quite a long story for him in Le Mans.
- 1956, Jaguar XK140: disqualified
- 1957, AC Bristol: 10th
- 1958, AC Bristol: 8th
- 1959, Triumph TR3: withdraw
- 1960, Triumph TR3: not in classification
- 1961, Triumph TR4: 9th
- 1962, TVR: withdraw
- 1963, AC Cobra: 7th
- 1964, AC Cobra: withdraw
- 1965, Triumph Spitfire: withdraw
You will find some marvellous pictures in Steve Gray website here:
http://www.acheritage.co.uk/kenrudd1957lemans.html Peter Bolton pictures are not frequent, this one was taken in Le Mans 1963 nearby Stirling Moss waiting for Cobra 39PH pit stop. You can also notice Carroll Shelby a little bit further with a cap.