You are indeed right about the Ace chassis.
My main gripe is the need to destroy a perfectly reasonable 2 litre saloon to make an ACE.
Below are the requirements to keep original status and Reg number.
Chassis, monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) or frame - original or new and unmodified (direct from manufacturer) 5
Suspension (front and back) - original 2
Axles (both) - original 2
Transmission - original 2
Steering assembly - original 2
Engine - original 1
As you know an ace has the suspension in a different format so by altering those he will obviously not get the 2 points for them. He will have top butcher the Chassis or use anther one from a third party so no 5 points, ok engine and transmission he will keep from the 2 litre that is the same as early Aces, so he gets 3 points, he will probably have to alter the steering so no points there either. So in total he could get 3 points. Not enough to meet the 8 required to keep its historic status/original or date related reg number and would have to pass the relevant type approval probably SVA just like a kitcar.
Seems he will be on a loser, and if he carries it out and tries to fool the DVLA he may end up with a very hefty fine a Prohibition notice and vehicle destruction order.
Shame, now just rebuild the 2 litre and if it is really necessary turn it into a drophead, but dont destroy another historic car just for financial gain. If he wants an Ace then build a rep and put it through the relevant tests, after all we do not his mechanical/building skills it could be a death trap in waiting.
Cheers G