AC Owners Club Forum
AC Owners Club Forum => Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum => Topic started by: AC Ace Bristol on August 29, 2010, 13:13:48
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Louis Monnier one of our French AC members and ACtive participant with Bertrand Leseur's Le Mans exploits over the past 10 years, has bitten the bullet and is researching the History of all ACE Bristol's that have competed in the Le Mans 24 hour during the Period 1957 through to 1962.
(possible BOOK .. [?]or ACtion feature [?])
Any information , pictures, "funny" and unusual stories relating
to Entrants, the Aces, the Service crews etc.
would be appreciated.
For further details please refer to French Forum :-
http://www.autodiva.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1265
Louis is in communication with John Deveson & Alan Turner and
has Tony Bancroft's book "Ace Bristol Racing" on order.
Good Luck Louis, Please keep us all informed of developments especially if new information comes to light that hasn't already been published in Tony Bancroft's book or John Deveson's notes which were published in various back issues of ACtion. [;)]
Keith [:)]
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The AC Aces, of all engine types, which competed at Le Mans and other World Sports Car Championship events, between 1956 and 1964, are listed in Rinsey Mills' recently published book 'AC Six-Cylinder Sports Cars In Detail' ISBN 978-0-9549981-7-2. The body of the book includes further information on some of the cars.
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So I decided to cross the channel !!
Thank Keith for your help, looking forward to see you in Goodwood soon.
Thanks ACOCArch, I have Rinsey Mill's book...very interesting.
Somebody has a recent picture of AE205 ex Le Mans 57 ?
Best regards
Louis Monnier
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Well, just forgotten to thanks Keith again.
I am going to improve my english with you...
To bite the bullet ????
to make yourself do something or accept something difficult
Usage notes: When army doctors performed painful operations without drugs, they gave patients a bullet to put between their teeth.
I like it Keith !!!
Cheers
Louis
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Louis
As confirmed in the recent series of email, Tony Bancroft has a mine of information to complement his book "Ace Bristol Racing" especially on Ace Bristols racing in SCCA (USA) and on specific Aces raced at Le Mans 24 hrs in the 1950s & 1960s.
He has offered you copies of his research material to give you sound foundations to build upon.
As the Le Mans 24hr is a French event, you have more chance of securing additional information and photographs which hopefully you can share with Tony Bancroft and our Forum.
We MUST LEARN to read French, In order to follow your Thread on your Forum.... Should new and interesting material come to light, Can you please translate and add to this thread. So we can follow your research and results ... [:p]
Have arranged to hand deliver a Copy of Tony's Book, see you at Goodwood Revival in the GRRC Marque on the Lavant straight. 13.00hrs Sunday 19th September for Lunch along with Bertrand, Christian and rest of the French Party.
In the meantime good luck with the research. [:)]
Cheers for Now
Keith
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Hello to all of us and happy neaw year !
In the eight different chassis seen in Le Mans between 1957 and 62, I have a problem with BEX289.
The car raced in 1960 with a special body made by Gachang brothers in Aigle(switzerland).
(http://i56.tinypic.com/214t7k7.jpg)
This car then had an history in its country in the hands of Michel Bricod (numberplate GE 151776 painted in metalic blue)as far as I know.
After Switzerland, BEX289 came in France and has been used in historic races in the early eighties (in red again with numberplate 6116 RF 64).
And that is THE problem. If you look at a picture of the car, you will see the back is completly different from Le Mans, this transformation was made BEFORE the arrival of the car in France. Do you think this transformation has been made by Drogo as I heard ?
(http://i56.tinypic.com/246w3th.jpg)
Then I lost the car and I don't know where it is today (Tony Brancroft thinks for Germany on the AC registers made in 2002)
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Hello Louis,
BEX289 was raced at Le Mans with Swiss license plate VD 21156.
I have a picture during scrutineering at Le Mans in 1960 and another one of the car in the pit lane. If you don't have those, I'll e-mail them to you.
Constant
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quote:
Originally posted by Louism
Hello to all of us and happy neaw year !
In the eight different chassis seen in Le Mans between 1957 and 62, I have a problem with BEX289.
The car raced in 1960 with a special body made by Gachang brothers in Aigle(switzerland).
(http://i56.tinypic.com/214t7k7.jpg)
This car then had an history in its country in the hands of Michel Bricod (numberplate GE 151776 painted in metalic blue)as far as I know.
After Switzerland, BEX289 came in France and has been used in historic races in the early eighties (in red again with numberplate 6116 RF 64).
And that is THE problem. If you look at a picture of the car, you will see the back is completly different from Le Mans, this transformation was made BEFORE the arrival of the car in France. Do you think this transformation has been made by Drogo as I heard ?
(http://i56.tinypic.com/246w3th.jpg)
Then I lost the car and I don't know where it is today (Tony Brancroft thinks for Germany on the AC registers made in 2002)
Hello Constant and Louis M
Indeed BEX 289 had been (at least partially) rebodied after Le Mans ’60 when raced in France from the late 70s as shown on your photo. It was Michel Larive – from the Pau area – who vintage raced it (your photo) a lot and the car remained in the area afterwards until recently.
The car was registered VD 31156 at with one Gachnang at Monza (GP della Lotteria) on 28 June 1959 (#48) but a photo I have of the car at Le Mans on the pit lame before the ’60 event with its welded hard top definitely shows reg. plate VD 2065. Probably it is a sort of trade plate… I regret I never managed to post a pix in this forum…
By the way a replica of the modified bodywork (1st version) is being prepared in the UK.
Best wishes
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Dear Constant,
Yes I would appreciate some pictures of any Ace in Le Mans 24 hours.
Thank you so much
Dear Antoine,
- I had some informations with Georges Gachnang + the forum Autodiva in the topic about CEGGA (the cars made by Gachnang brothers).
- I knew Michel Larive had the car but never talked to him (I sent a personal message to him through the forum).
- When you talk about registration VD31156, do you mean VD21156 as shown on the picture:
(http://i52.tinypic.com/16lfdrp.jpg)
- Never seen this picture of Le Mans with the VD2065 registration.
- Another information I did not know about this Le Mans 1960 bodywork replica.
I still don't know where is the car today...
Best regards
Louis
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Hello Louism
Sorry for my typo with VD 31156. Of course I meant VD 21156 which I had not seen before on the car at Le Mans.
I am still struggling to understand how to post in this forum a photo of BEX 289 at Le Mans with plate VD 2065. (What does (http://) mean?) Anyway that change of plates does not change anything with the car.
The reference to Drogo is (another) mystery to me: I have seen many photos of many Drogo cars (mostly Ferraris) but this Ace never appeared.
Regarding AE 205 ex-Le Mans, I have a picture of a Japanese entry in some Mille Miglia retrospective. It is metallic green and looks like the car shown in Rinsey Mill's excellent book, on the bottom of page 136. But this forum...
Regards
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Louis
In response to your request have copied below the recent postings off my two year thread reference:-
"Racing History of BEX333 1957 to 1964".....As they also relate to your research / thread:-
"Les AC Ace Bristol au Le Mans 24hour. 1957 -1962"
Hello Keith,
For my search about Le Mans I was reading "AC Six-cylinder Sports-car" by Rinsey Mills.
If you look at the story of BEX399 in page 172, for the second participation of the car at the 24 hours 1961 (the only car to have race twice by the way) it is said she was slower than the second car in the class...BEX333.
You did not tell me BEX333 had a story in Le Mans !!!
I think the author wanted to write BEX1110.
Cheers
Louis
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Edited by - Louism on 08 January 2011 11:50:21
AC Ace Bristol
United Kingdom
495 Posts
Posted - 08 January 2011 : 13:56:43
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Louis
IF ONLY !!
Both Barry & I have driven BEX333 round the Le Mans circuit a few times over the past 5 Le Mans Classic,
But these have been Parade laps at full chatter, passing various cars at over 100mph and
being passed at 155mph by the odd Ferrari. (Achieved a Boyhood Dream)..
Rinsey Mills has made a small error in his latest book. (which is Rare and out of character for Rinsey, He is usually
very fastidious with his research).
BEX333 never raced at 24 hrs Le Mans in the early 1960s, she was still racing in NW USA, Vancouver &
British Columbia in the capable hands of Jim Parsons .. .. .. Not as prestigious as The 24hr Le Mans.
Louis you are correct Rinsey Mills should have printed BEX1110 for the 1961 24hr Le Mans.
Keep up your research on AC Ace participation in the 24hour Le Mans. Especially reference to the history of BEX289
Keith.. ..
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Edited by - AC Ace Bristol on 12 January 2011 17:43:45
nikbj68
United Kingdom
876 Posts
Posted - 13 January 2011 : 20:08:26
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quote:
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Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol...BEX333 never raced at 24 hrs Le Mans in the early 1960s...you are correct Rinsey Mills should have printed BEX1110 for the 1961 24hr Le Mans....Keith...
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Here`s a photo of BEX 1110 being 'numerated' at Le Mans in 1961! Is that supposed to be a '2' or a '9'... make your mind up! (It was no.28!)
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Edited by - nikbj68 on 13 January 2011 20:10:12
Louism
France
6 Posts
Posted - 14 January 2011 : 06:12:35
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Thank you,
Good (famous) picture !
No problem with numbers, two Aces in 61:
Number 28: BEX1110 entered by Chardonnet the french AC importator, Magne-Alexandrovitch, 17th (3507,282 Km average 146,137 Km/h)
Best lap in practises 5'00'8
Best lap in race 5'16'4
Number 29: BEX399 Swiss entry, Wicky-Berney, DNF overheating 11th hour
Best lap in practises 5'09'8
Best lap in race 5'09'2
The best topic for this would be "Les AC Ace Bristol au Le Mans 24hr... 57-62"
Thanks for more pictures
Louis
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Edited by - Louism on 14 January 2011 07:03:47
tim isles
United Kingdom
12 Posts
Posted - 14 January 2011 : 17:22:28
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Louis,
Am I right in saying that car #28 claimed AC's second class win at Le Mans? I think it won the class for GT Cars, 1601 - 2000 ccs. For some reason this achievement is rarely mentioned?
Good luck with the book!
Tim
Agree with Tim, Louis One day it would be nice to read a special book or series of features in ACtion reference the complete Racing History of AC Aces at Le Mans 24hrs.
Good Luck
Keith .. [:)]
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I did not notice Keith wrote "possible book" at the start of this topic...He was pulling my leg [:D]
Guys don't wait from me a book about AC's in Le Mans, ask Tony or Antoine ! They are the right men to do so ! [:)][:)]
Seriously a space in ACtion is more reasonable !!! [;)]
I will give some more infos about categories and classes at Le Mans 24 hours during the week end...
Louis
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So to answear your message about classes and categories at the 24 Hours.
This subject is large enough to make a book...[:D]
To make it short, let's look at the period 57/62 which is the centre of our topic.
1957 and 1958: The classification is only based on engine capacity
- 1957: AE205 n°31 Rudd/Bolton is 10th covering 3780.473 km
and 2nd in the class 1501cc to 2000cc
first in class is the Ferrari 500TR n°28 Bianchi/Harris in 7th position
- 1958: LM5000 n°28 Bolton/Stoop is 8th with 3449.865 km, 2nd in class 1501cc to 2000cc
BEX399 n°27 Patthey/Berger is 9th covering 3426.612 km, 3rd in class
first in class is Porsche RSK n°29 Behra/Herrmann in 3rd position
In 1959 starts a new category called GT so in the classification you have a winner of Sport group and a winner of GT group.
At the same time, you still have a classification based on engine capacity and this classification is independant of the one made by group.
Easier to understand by reading the results:
- 1959: BE214 n°29 Whiteaway/Turner in 7th position overall covering 3684.838 km
Our AC is a GT, group won by Ferrari 250GT Beurlys/Elde in 3rd position overall.
But she is First in class 1501cc to 2000cc without any group distinction.
- 1960: BEX289 and BEX365 were not classified.
- 1961: BEX1110 n°28 Magne/Alexandrovitch finished in 17th position covering 3507.282 km
Winner in GT is Ferrari 250GT n°14 Noblet/Guichet in 3rd position overall
Winner of class 1601cc to 2000cc is Porsche RS61 n°33 Gregory/Holbert in 5th position
The ACE is 7th in GT and 7th in class.
BEX399 did not finished
- 1962: BEX1192 did not finished
Is this more clear now ? [:p]
In conclusion, the best result ever in the 24 Hours of Le Mans was made in 1959 by BE214 driven by Ted Whiteaway and the still young John Turner. They were 7th overall and first in class.
Behind that, AE205 in 1957, LM5000 in 1958 were both second in class.
Have a nice weekend, waiting for comments...[;)]
Louis
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Keith asked me to post these photos of BEX 289 on his behalf so here they are.
Jerry
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/BEX2891959CharlesVogele.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/BEX2891960cegga_14.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/BEX2891960LeMans24hrAC20LM20N3020Copyright0Washington20Photo203.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/BEX2891960LM24hrcegga_20.jpg)
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Louis,
Many thanks, all much clearer.
If you go to this website:
http://www.experiencelemans.com/contents/en-us/d131_1961_Le_Mans_24_Hours_Competitors_Results.html
you'll see these results credit BEX 1110 with finishing 17th, but also 1st in the 1601 - 2000 GT class - is this a mistake in these results? I note that the Porsche is credited with finishing 5th O/A, and with winning the Sports Car class.
Tim
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Tim,
In my explication, the most important was:
The group classification IS INDEPENDANT from the engine category class.
In 1961, you have a classification in Sport and GT. The Ace is 7th in GT (first mistake of the website "experiencelemans.com", the Porsche in 10th position is a GT and not a Sport car)
classification in GT is
1- Ferrari #14
2- Ferrari #20
3- Porsche #36
4- Lotus #38
5- Lotus #40
6- Sunbeam #34
7- Ace #28
Second classification is the class based on engine category, in our case we are looking at 1601-2000 class.
1- Porsche #33
2- Porsche #32
3- Maserati #24
4- Triumph #27
5- Triumph #26
6- Triumph #25
7- Ace #28
For the period we are talking about, you don't have to mix car category and engine capacity class.
My source is ACO
It should be better to understand like that...[;)]
Louis
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Well, well, well...
It seems we can have a different eye reading the classification, I mean:
The overall classification is, of course, the same !
The Sport and GT winners are the same !
But starting in 1960 some people mix group and engine capacity class (generalized only in 1978 on ACO documents like "Les 24 Heures du Mans 1923-1982" from the Automobile Club de l'Ouest).
The ACO classification is the one I gave yesterday, does FIA think different ?
Let's investigate...It's important for our Ace !!! [;)]
Cheers
Louis
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A selection of Le Mans Aces:
Firstly, BEX1110, missing from the transferred post above :
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/BEX1110Lemans1961.jpg)
And then the same car, at the same place, some 49 years later:
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/BEX1110LeMansClassic2010f.jpg)
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/BEX1110LeMansClassic2010rear.jpg)
One of the most famous of all Aces, BE214, in 1959. Before the race:
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/BE214017Page7B.jpg)
During the race...
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/BE214during24HrsLeMans1959.jpg)
...And after the race!
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/BE214After24hrsLeMans1959.jpg)
BEX399 made it there in 1958:
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/BEX399LeMans58.jpg)
And 1961:
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/BEX3991961LeMans24hr.jpg)
and a more recent shot:
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/BEX399Le_MansNo27.jpg)
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Thank you so much for the pictures...!
specially BEX399 in 58. You can see through the years how the regulation regarding windscreens has modify cars aspect.
Remember BE214 in 58, on both Tony and Rinsey's books you can read the story between practises on wednesday with a race windscreen and practises on thursday with a standart road windscreen. The first time I heard about a 30" difference for one lap, I could not believe it ! At that time in Le Mans, a lap with an Ace Bristol was around 5 minuts for 8.67 miles and one of the most important parameter was top speed.
Looking at the nice picture of BEX1110 before scrutineering you can also notice the car has no hardtop fixed. This ace in 61 had a hardtop for the race. I have to check if this equipment had to be fix for regulations reasons or because the team wanted to have a better top speed.
There is of course a relation between those 2 equipments: windscreen/hardtop.
This is a picture of BEX365 at the 24 Hours 1960
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2myvloj.jpg)
Another picture of BEX365 but at Le Mans Classic 2002 (the first edition of this event):
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2e1vcdj.jpg)
The car still has its original "unusual" windscreen. In fact it is an XK120 screen (to be confirmed), why not an ordinary AC road one ? Jean, the actuel owner of BEX365, speaks about a rule asking for a split windscreen.
To close, for now, the different classifications of the 24 Hours:
- The official classification of the race by the organizer (the ACO: Automobile Clib de l'Ouest) is the one I gave.
- The CSI (Commission Sportive Internationale) is a division of the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), can give a classification by engine capacity in each group: in 1961 BEX1110 is 17th overall and first in GT 1601 to 2000.
Thanks again for the pics.[;)]
Have a nice weekend
Louis
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Back in 1958, I found some nice pictures on website cobracars.be
I you read Tony and Rinsey books it makes a good compilation with those pics.
Project LM5000 started in 57, Thames Ditton commissioned Tojeiro to build the car. The body was studied by Morton.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2quudj5.jpg)
If you look at page 229 on Rinsey's book and the picture showing the engine, the chassis looks different. Anybody to tell us why ?
The car is lovely from this angle, you can notice the yellow sticker on the left of the numberplate. This is Le Mans regulation for the drivers to identify the different categories of groups and classes when following...
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2md75z.jpg)
Tony Bancroft gives the story of the Test at Goodwood before Le Mans. Ken Rudd was not very enthousiast about handling.
Is there a reason at that time the wheelbase was different from each side ? Some old road cars have a short difference due to suspension but in that case...
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2wgdq2x.jpg)
100D2 engine
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2lkeefo.jpg)
On the road to Le mans, I loved the anecdot about the crewman in the ferry who INSISTED to shunt the car and despite the fierce engine and the hard brakes, he bumped the front [:(!]. I think you can notice this incident at the front left of LM5000 during scrutineering.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2z7h5k7.jpg)
The car driven by Peter Bolton and Dickie Stoop was timed just under 5', disappointing ! But top speed was good on Mulsanne straight at more than 150 mph (I always thougt strange this part of the circuit has a different name in french, for us it is "Hunaudières straight" because Mulsanne is the slow corner at the end of it)
The car during the race
(http://i54.tinypic.com/v95kx.jpg)
1958 edition was very wet, the two Aces (LM5000 and BEX399) finishing close together in 8th and 9th position overall. It was very hard at the end for LM5000 due to rear chassis failure.
Mister Bird, you have two nice babies in your garage, congratulations...![;)]
(http://i53.tinypic.com/w7ou3s.jpg)
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Keith asked me to post a few more photos on his behalf, this time of the special LM5000 that raced Le Mans 24 hr in 1958 together with BEX399.
Jerry
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/LM5000LeMansprototype1958.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/LM5000No28.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/LM5000Interior.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/LM5000LeMansAC.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/LM5000LeMans1958No28.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/LM5000LeMans1958.jpg)
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Keith and Jerry, thank you so much !! [;)]
To continue about LM5000 in 58, as I wrote in my last message I was "confused":
- by the picture of the car at the page 229 in Rinsey's book showing the rear of the car without body.
- by the picture of the engine in the car in my last message.
In both cases, looking at the chassis displayed beside LM5000 in Bird's collection, it does not fit together...
when reading carefuly the book, the chassis broke a first time in Le Mans and started to break again in Goodwood TT in august 58. It was decided to redisign the chassis, in consequence.
We can notice two little blisters on the upper rear as shown here:
(http://i51.tinypic.com/263itzq.jpg)
Those blisters were not on Le Mans pictures...
If you look at the the picture of the chassis, you can notice paint is different at rear back. It is said the problems at the end of the 24 Hours race were located at the back of the car. This different color shows the repair made after Le Mans.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2cd7eva.jpg)
Why rear left ? Because Le Mans and Goodwood are "clockwise" circuit and the left side of the car is more solicited.
The conclusion is also: picture in page 229 of Rinsey's book was shot after august 58 when the chassis was modified.
That was a hard job for me to explain, sorry for my "frenglish" ![:p]
I am back from Retromobile in Paris where I found a few new pictures, I spoke also with Georges who owns BEX1192 from Le Mans 62.
Back with more pictures soon...[;)]
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One thing, the chassis picture shown is of an Ace, certainly not of LM5000 which looks completely different with its spaceframe construction.
After I made this post I saw I received an email from Tim Isles with exactly the same remark.
Tim also remarks LM5000 is not an Ace as it shares very little with production models apart from the engine and gearbox design.
Technically this is correct of course but maybe we can view this topic as AC's combined efforts at Le Mans during the production run of the Ace which includes Aces AND the one-off LM5000.
Jerry
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Yes Jerry,
All of us agree LM5000 has very little to share with an Ace, but she is registered as an "AC Ace LM" in Le Mans datas.
We can consider LM5000 is one of the eight Aces which took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans...
LM5000 ran in 58 with BEX399.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2po9q1l.jpg)
BEX399 is breaking for Indianapolis turn.
Miserable weather, isn't it Mister Marshal !
Louis
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I found last friday an interessant picture about (again...[:D]) LM5000.
As Tony tells in his book, a crewman damaged the front of the car when shunting the car in the ferry.
This picture shows LM5000 during scrutineering, here at weigh station. Quite a big bump no ! [:(!]
That is the kind of anecdot we are looking for here !
Please admire the "numbers-painters" in white coats and tie with their brushes...
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2a6wmeo.jpg)
I wrote the copyright on the picture, I bought it to the famous "Washington photo" in Le Mans.
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quote:
Originally posted by ANTOINE PRUNET
Hello Louism
Sorry for my typo with VD 31156. Of course I meant VD 21156 which I had not seen before on the car at Le Mans.
I am still struggling to understand how to post in this forum a photo of BEX 289 at Le Mans with plate VD 2065. (What does (http://) mean?) Anyway that change of plates does not change anything with the car.
The reference to Drogo is (another) mystery to me: I have seen many photos of many Drogo cars (mostly Ferraris) but this Ace never appeared.
Regarding AE 205 ex-Le Mans, I have a picture of a Japanese entry in some Mille Miglia retrospective. It is metallic green and looks like the car shown in Rinsey Mill's excellent book, on the bottom of page 136. But this forum...
Regards
Hello Antoine,
Five minutes ago, I spoke with Georges Gachnang. Still very young and enthusiast !
On the way to Le Mans, the car was behind this big american car on a trailor. After the race, the car returned to Switzerland by road but for some insurance reasons the number plate VD 21156 was changed for VD 2065.
VD 2065 was the professional registration of André Wicky, the co-driver of the car. Wicky is very well known for Le Mans fans as a driver and as entrant (Bizzarrini, Porsche...).
A picture of BEX289 with the plate VD 2065 is certainly on the way back from Le Mans to Aigle after the race.
And the most important, still no information about this "Drogo" conversion...
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2u5fdwi.jpg)
The white Alfa Romeo at the back belongs to the "pit chief" of the team, he was also the chemist of Gachnang's village: Aigle.
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Nice to read the learned discussion on Aces at le Mans. To try and dispel a little confusion here are some points:
1) LM 5000 was named by A.C. and registered with Surrey County Council as the 'Ace le Mans' and to be entirely pedantic any other 'standard' competition Ace which ran at le Mans could be correctly described as a le Mans Ace.
2) The picture of the chassis, which seems to have caused a bit of head scratching is of AE22.
3) The chassis breakage suffered by LM5000 reflects a bit of a Tojeiro failing in that several of his designs seem to have had a compliance problem in the suspension geometry leading to over stressed components and some major failures. In this instance the rear suspension was by heavily inclined semi-trailing arms which somehow fed heavy loads into the differential case which is magnesium. I have two differential cases and one of them has a mounting lug completely torn out and cracks around the other two mounts - was this the failure? Who knows, as the original le Mans/Goodwood tubework from the spaceframe is no longer present one cannot say if there was a failure there as well.
4) After The Tourist Trophy in 1958 the rear suspension was redesigned at Thames Ditton. It looks very much like Alan Turner's work, but I could not be certain. In any event it was a proper bit of engineering and has never given a moments concern since. The geometry was changed to strut and wishbone, hence the small blisters in the rear decking which give clearance to the pinnacle nuts which mount the top of the strut/coil spring/damper.
5) The British Rail Channel Ferry accident, whilst en route to le Mans in 1958 has left traces with the car to this day. It was never properly repaired for the race, or afterwards and it was only because I hit a low bollard, at walking pace, in Caen, whilst returning from le Mans, in exactly the same place on the nose, some years ago, that I finally had to repair it properly. Fortunately David Sanderson was available and it was possible to lift the bonnet skin and untangle the spaghetti like tubes around the nose without sacrificing too much of the 1958 paint.
6) The parts used on LM500 are mostly unique. The engine was one of two 100D2S, the other engine went into BEX399. The gearbox was a BWCR12, but shortened. The differential is magnesium with straight cut crown wheel and pinion. The rear suspension is completely one off. The front suspension is similar to and shares some parts with the later Greyhound - another Alan Turner work. Alloy rim Dunlop competition wheels were used. The steering wheel, Smith's gauges and gear lever knob are standard Ace....
The really interesting 'what if' arises if you consider why A.C. took all the trouble to sort out and develop LM5000 in late 1958/early 1959 and then abandoned the design completely, apart from some very minor carry over into the Greyhound?
Discs all round, coil springs all round, space frame chassis, really good aerodynamics and, as I can testify over many racing miles, delightful roadholding plus Cavendish Morton good looks: 1958/59 remember - the Ace/Ace 2.6/Ace 3.6/Cobra family had to carry on with transverse leaf springs til 1965, the ladder chassis was never retired and no one ever accused a Cobra of aerodynamics. Could a production version in 1959/60 have been a world beater?
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Barrie Thank you so much and welcome !
With your intervention, it's all clear now.
Accept my apologize for my mistakes about LM5000.
Why not going in 1959 now ?
As you know, 59 is the best result ever at the 24 Hours by an AC Bristol.
Our main actors are: chassis #BE214 entered by Ken Rudd and driven by Ted Whiteaway and John Turner.
This picture was taken after the chequered flag
(http://i34.tinypic.com/2ppen39.jpg)
The two drivers in the car, Ted at the wheel with helmet and John.
Near the car on the right is Jane Waugh.
Can you confirm it is the mechanic Arthur Harwood with hat behind Ted ?
More to come...
Louis
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BE214 left Thame Ditton in november 1956 and was bought by Don Levy in Ken Rudd's garage.
The car had been seen in various club races and was quite badly damaged in august 57.
Then Jane Waugh purchased BE214 in 1958.
Both Tony and Rinsey books tell the story in details, the most important to know is to remember Le Mans involvement started when Jane and Ken Rudd met each other in february 59.
After specific preparation for Le Mans in Rudd's workshop and tests in Goodwood, The car arrived for scrutineering:
(http://i55.tinypic.com/dgowv8.jpg)
(http://i51.tinypic.com/fbmj2w.jpg)
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2rqhqnn.jpg)
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Another important actor of the story is Ken Rudd.
I saw him twice, both case thanks to Steve Gray (AC Heritage):
The first time at Goodwood Revival 2005 where an AC garage was recreated
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2eofhgz.jpg)
The second time in september 2008 during the Revival again, a few months before he died in 2009.
Ken Rudd is sitted in Steve's AE35
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2upeop4.jpg)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/f0qcyd.jpg)
And finally in John Arnold's AE51
(http://i52.tinypic.com/34g0j1i.jpg)
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Bertrand organized the return of John Turner in Le Mans in 2009, exactly 50 years after the brilliant race of the 24 Hours 1959.
John Deveson and BE214 where also in Le Mans to commemorate, taking part at the Cavalcade a couple hours before the start of the race.
John Deveson, BE214 and John Turner.
(http://i52.tinypic.com/inesud.jpg)
Brenda and John Turner
(http://i51.tinypic.com/w8b784.jpg)
Ready for the show with a nice view to the pitlane.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/690wox.jpg)
During the cavalcade, John is driving BEX1205 at good speed in Mulsanne straight.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/4hfn94.jpg)
heavy traffic at Porsche curve.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/t9xws2.jpg)
After a couple of laps, back again in the paddock where John is talking to another driver, less successful than him in the 1959 race !! [:D]
(http://i54.tinypic.com/4h7ed0.jpg)
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Copy of the original poster of the "24 Heures du Mans 1959"
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2hplu9k.jpg)
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From a french fan collecting period magazines...
"L'Automobile", november 1956:
I won't be able to translate the whole text but as a conclusion the journalist writes "driving an Ace Bristol gives a sensation close to ecstasy" [:p][:D][:D][;)] [^]
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2h8a1yc.jpg)
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Another test inside "L'Automobile" in january 1960
(http://i54.tinypic.com/5dvv2a.jpg)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2n8rbmg.jpg)
(http://i55.tinypic.com/o6y8w7.jpg)
Back on Le Mans track soon...[;)]
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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.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/3503vki.jpg)
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.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2ut18ye.jpg)
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Another Ace was driven to Le Mans, VPL442, a sort of "T car" as it is said today.
Lap time was around 5' during practises, this was improved during the race in 4'48, best lap EVER for an Ace Bristol at Le Mans old track in between 1957 and 62.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2hriwj4.jpg)
It was a tough race for the Ace in the 2 litres class, understand the other competitors were true cars delop for racing (Ferrari 500TR, Maserati A6GCS...)
(http://i53.tinypic.com/29zscgg.jpg)
Race strategy was calculated with an average of 100 mph. After 12 hours the position was already 10th at a good distance of the Ferrari 500TR for the class battle. Rudd and Bolton finished to keep that position covering 3780,473 km with an average of 97,9 miles per hour.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/24lo5g1.jpg)
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NEVER an Ace Bristol will cover a better distance during 24 Hours at Le Mans, even if 1959 will be the best result with a 7th position overall.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/35ivhjk.jpg)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/103ei6v.jpg)
Le Mans was definitly a "british" year in 57 with Jaguar's in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th position...not bad.
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AE 205 was sold then in USA and raced in SCCA in 1958.
Thanks to Stephen Pehl and his marvellous http://www.acaceca.de.tl/
We have now this picture taken in Watkins Glen:
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2lna92h.jpg)
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I wrote in the first page of this topic that I did not know where AE 205 was today.
Thanks to Antoine Prunet who told us it was entered by a Japanese in some recent Mille Miglia. Even with such precious information I was not able to find some recent pictures and Stephan had one a few days ago from an australian fan called Geoff Dowdle.
Yes Antoine, it was Mille Miglia 2004.
It seems AE 205 is in perfect condition today in Japan...
(http://i51.tinypic.com/29xzwp3.jpg)
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Hi Louis,
These pictures of a green car are in fact AEX 178, which has been modified to look like AE 205. If you look closely you will see that there is a difference in the depth of the grill aperture.
AE 205 is still in the USA. After competing at Le Mans it was sold to the USA where it continued to be used in SCCA competition.
Tim
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I am so sorry Tim, I was so enthousiast to have found AE 205...[:I]
In my (old) register, AEX 178 is located in UK (Jackson)
Some of you have recent news of AE 205 ?
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No problems at all Louis. There was also a second, earlier Ace modified to look like AE 205 but it reverted to a normal nose a long time ago. I'll give Tony Bancroft a ring to see what he knows about AE 205, but perhaps the current owner may read this thread and let us know about the car. There are some photographs of 205 posted on Flickr, but they were taken some time ago. Tim
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I am wondering why this "modified Ace", to look like AE 205, was accepted for Mille Miglia (Bertrand will understand...[;)])
Cheers
Louis
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My understanding is that the AC-engined Ace is eligible for the MM, as is the Aceca-Bristol, but the Ace-Bristol is not because it never took part before the event closed after the 1957 running. Somebody out there will know much more. Tim
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quote:
Originally posted by tim isles
These pictures of a green car are in fact AEX 178, which has been modified to look like AE 205. If you look closely you will see that there is a difference in the depth of the grill aperture.
One more detail Tim,
AEX 178 has front drum brakes to compare with AE 205 disc brakes...
Regards
Louis
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Le Mans track had some specificities everyboby knows, the most famous is of course the 3.7 miles Mulsanne Straight.
1 minut pedal to the metal for a 917, around 100 seconds for an Ace Bristol in 1957...
Here in 1971:
(http://i55.tinypic.com/nmyp29.jpg)
This straight, we call "Hunaudières" in France, was cut for safety reasons with 2 chicanes in 1990.
Another singularity was after Mulsanne corner, the slowest part of the track. Because the speed was to quick in front of the pits, the signalling area is situated at Mulsanne several miles away from the pits. Each team had a telephone to shout to the guys in signalling area to prepare the panel for the next lap.
In 1991, new pits were built and it was the end of it.
this famous picture from the AC team was taken in Mulsanne.
(http://i52.tinypic.com/x6lwso.jpg)
We are here in Mulsanne in 1957 just after the corner at the signalling area, a D Type in the front then AE 205 of Rudd and Bolton, #53 is a small Monopole with a Panhard engine.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/qq8syb.jpg)
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Still chasing BEX 289, the Ace entered by Gachnang in 1960.
First, a gift from Georges Gachnang: a picture of BEX 289 with its special body in front of the castle of the city of Aigle in Switzerland, his home land.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/24uxjyv.jpg)
The Gachnang brothers are famous for building some interessant and beautiful prototypes and single seaters in the sixties. Their cars were called CEGGA which means: Claude Et Georges Gachnang Aigle.
The first CEGGA (CEGGA 01) powered with Maserati engine. Georges and Claude behind their achievement.
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2hgqsk6.jpg)
The Gachnang dynasty is still in motor racing today with Natacha Gachnang, daughter of Georges' son, and Sebastien Buemi driving in formula 1. Sebastien in the son of Georges' daughter.
From Natacha's blog, Natacha and her grand father Georges.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/5zmz2h.jpg)
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We had already some nice pictures of BEX 289 in the first posts of this topic.
On this view of the 1960 start, the two Aces can be seen: BEX 289 #30 and BEX 365 #57.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/fuoqw7.jpg)
Georges at the start of the 24 Hours, running to take the wheel of the Ace.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/qrb286.jpg)
Note the chock behind the rear wheel and the opened door. This was the tradition for the Le Mans start, it prevents to use the hand brake.
The car had, in the first hours of the race, some engine problems due to air filters. Because of vibrations, some parts of those filters went in carburators. BEX 289 had to stop at least one hour to find and fix this problem.
What a shame they did not use air straighteners, isn't it Keith ?
BEX 289 in Dunlop curve.
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2h8dd7a.jpg)
During the night, Georges was driving the most of the time because André Wicky was wearing glasses and it was better like that. At 2 AM, bothered by a little DB between Indianapolis and Arnage, Georges went off the road straight in the sand aera. The car was stopped hardly and the driver, without seat belts at that time, was hurted at his head by the wipers motor.
Georges was not badly injured but had to give the wheel to the reserve driver, Jean Gretener.
The rule of the race was clear: If the reserve driver takes the wheel to replace one of the two drivers of the team, that driver won't be able to come back again in the race. That is why Georges Gachnang left the wheel to Jean Gretener until the end of the 24 Hours. It is not the subject of this topic but the story of the winning Ferrari in 1965 has something to see with that rule...
BEX 289 here in Mulsanne.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/n4z1oj.jpg)
and probably in Le Tertre Rouge.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/55qec0.jpg)
Even if the car had finish the race, it was not classified covering insufficient distance.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2j5m8fm.jpg)
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Thanks to Bertrand, Georges was back again in Le Mans last year for the 50th anniversary of his participation.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/5bqjrn.jpg)
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Claude and Georges Gachnang
(http://i53.tinypic.com/n3s1n6.jpg)
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The power of internet is amazing...
I was looking at the pictures of 1957 Le Mans 24 Hours on Steve Gray AC Heritage website. One of them represents "The Team in Paris", showing Ken Rudd's lorry and the caravan.
My first reflection was: "Why going in Paris ?". If you look at a map of France, Paris is not the route to England via Cherbourg or Le Havre.
May be a visit to the french AC importer (Chardonnet) after the race, why not a recreation to the "Folies Bergères"...nothing realy credible.
I decided to look at the picture closely.
- The Citroën Traction close to Ken Rudd's lorry is registered in Paris ("75" number plate).
- The bus on the left looks like a Parisian.
- Trolleybuses "wires" can be seen at the top of the picture.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/vsnew4.jpg)
After a quick investigation, I discovered that we could not find trolleys in Paris in 1957 except in suburbs. So we can consider they were stopped on the outskirts of the french capital.
Another question comes: Where a trolley bus between Le Mans and Paris ?
The answer is: Le Mans is the only place, with Paris suburbs, to have such a public transport in 1957.
So I wrote on google "trolleybus Le Mans" and I had that picture as an answer:
(http://i52.tinypic.com/9vl9qw.jpg)
This is an old image of the "Place de la République" in the center of Le Mans.
If you start from the main tree in the middle and you go right, look at the building between that tree and the statue and you will discover IT IS the same one at the top of Rudd's caravan !
AC team's picture was not taken in Paris. Ken Rudd's vehicle was only parked, I think after the race, in the center of Le Mans...
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Nice investigation. It also proves you should never take anything for granted because other people say so or even have done so for years!
Jerry
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While on the Gachnang brothers and their BEX 289, is there any confirmation that the same car's later fastback bodywork had anything to do with Drogo's shop in Modena?
Best
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Nothing new Antoine...
I try to have some more informations by Georges Gachnang on what he exactly knows about the car after it was sold.
By the way I have that picture from april 1963 in Montlhery. You can see BEX 289 in a "swiss club" race, circuit are still forbidden in Switzerland after Le Mans tragedy in 1955.
Quite an unusual grid...
(http://i55.tinypic.com/jpirex.jpg)
At that time, BEX 289 owner is Jean Zufferey and the car looks like it was in Le Mans 1960. You can notice the wiper at the top of the windscreen in front of the driver, the one who hurt Georges' forehead during the 24 hours...
Still about that car, I have another picture from Le Mans 1960:
Arnage corner
(http://i52.tinypic.com/1690nib.jpg)
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Especially for Barrie Bird, a nice view of AC's pits in 1958.
- Still a little mark on the left side near headlight.
- Circular badge has a different position between left and right side.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2ug1khz.jpg)
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Before I have some news from Georges in Switzerland, let's talk about Georges...in Paris.
Thanks to him for the following informations.
As you can understand we are going now in 1962, the last entry of an Ace at Le Mans.
The story starts in september 1961 during the "Tour de France Automobile" when Jean-Claude Magne had a bad accident with his Ace BEX 1192.
The car went back to Thames Ditton for reparation. Jean-Claude had in his mind the 24 Hours of Le Mans so he asked the factory a special preparation for the Big Race to come in june 1962.
The result is:
- a special body at the front of the car for better aero with a smaller radiator grille and special wings including lights.
- side vents were cut on both front and rear wings.
- the fuel tank cap is inside the boot instead of being at the top of the rear wing.
- the quality of aluminium is different from a standard Ace, it was made from thinner sheets (AL 4 to be precise).
The car as it is today, we saw Georges and BEX 1192 at Goodwood Revival in 2005 (still the same number plate 3129 LL 75):
(http://i52.tinypic.com/34ijocp.jpg)
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2d0f7us.jpg)
Georges gave me some more technical datas:
- the engine was fitted with a "big valves" cylinder head but then Magne came back to the normal size. The fan was taken off in front of the radiator.
- 16" wheels and a special back axle ratio.
Le Mans started on april 7th and 8th for preliminary practises.
BEX 1192 was #62 (it was #60 for the race in june) driven by Magne and Maurice Martin.
(http://i52.tinypic.com/34zzmut.jpg)
It was a rainy day and their best lap in 5'11"60 (average 96,7 mph). The difference between april and june was the hardtop the car had for the 24 Hours in order to a better air penetration.
Top speed in Mulsanne straight: 138 mph.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/20ii36e.jpg)
I will write about the race soon...
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I have some news from Georges Gachnang.
Gachnang Brothers owned 3 Aces.
BEX 267.
BEX 289, the one from Le Mans.
BEX ? bought from USA and sold only 5 years ago to Italy via a garage from Geneva.
BEX 267 was sold in 57 to John Gretener (the same who became co-driver in Le Mans 60 after Georges Gachnang small injury).
- This car has a race history, see Reims 12 Hours in Rinsey Mills book.
- Written in AC register the car raced with Charles Vogele in 57/59 and then became the "Gachnang Bristol". At the end went back to Vogele family in 79.
I think it could be easy to make a confusion with BEX 289 for the Vogele period because Georges Gachnang says today he bought BEX 267 to Gretener.
BEX 289 was bought damaged after Vogele had an accident with Nadege Ferrier's Porsche during practise for Faucille hill climb.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/29psthi.jpg)
After Le Mans, BEX 289 was repainted in grey and then sold to a real estate agent in Lausanne.
After several years Georges saw the car in Geneva, in 1972 or 73. BEX 289 was stored in a coachbuilder workshop in Carouge aera.
At that time, the car had still the same body as Le Mans in 1960. This point is important because Piero Drogo died in 73 and in conclusion, it seems not possible the car was rebodied by his "carrozzeria" after this date.
Alain Larive purchased the car in 1979 and Alain says he already saw the car in 1976 in the hands of Michel Bricod (registration GE 151776).
picture below: BEX 289 seen in France in Montlhery (1980):
(http://i53.tinypic.com/23vezjl.jpg)
In Le Mans in 1979 for historic cars event on Bugatti circuit:
(http://i55.tinypic.com/291nvut.jpg)
The unknown period of BEX 289 is in between 1973 and 76, it was rebodied at the back during that time.
It was said that Jean Zufferey (ex president of an automobile club in Switzerland) owned BEX 289. It is a mistake, Georges remembers he used to drive an Aceca.
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Tonight, a message from Alain Larive tells me he did not buy BEX 289 to Michel Bricod. Another french owner is in between the two of them.
We have now an owner list like this:
Delivered new in august 57
- C. Vogele Switzerland 58/59
- Gachnang Switzerland 60
- ? in Lausanne Switzerland
- Michel Bricod Geneva Switzerland sold in may 74
- ? France
- Alain Larive France early eighties
- ???
If Georges Gachnang remembers the car in Geneva in 72 or 73 with the Le Mans hardtop, the "Drogo conversion" has to be made by Michel Bricod before he sold it in 74.
It's getting narrow now...
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Before I am going at Goodwood next monday where I will meet John & John...
Some pictures may be you don't know about BE 214:
Bad quality but interessant picture, don't forget in 1959 the team wanted to switch the windscreen with a new one between practises from Wednesday and Thursday. Unfortunatly the spare one had been delivered broken so it was decided to use a standart windscreen for thursday qualifying by the kindness of a Ferrari entrant of the 24 Hours who owned an Ace.
Thursday practises in Arnage:
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2a6sbjp.jpg)
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Ted Whiteaway pushing hard at Mulsanne corner
(http://i53.tinypic.com/eranow.jpg)
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A JP Margnac's picture at the arrival of the race.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/157eqe8.jpg)
Ted is driving and John sitted nearby without helmet.
At the back, Athur Harwood with his hat. Jane Waugh is behind the man with the red shirt.
I suppose the guy who took the B&W picture you saw before in that topic is the one wearing a stripped white and navy shirt.
You may be surprised by BE 214's green, it is due to that early colour picture.
BE 214 was jewelescent green as well as AC's works entries at Le Mans.
At that time, it was a tradition after the finish-lane for cars with their drivers and team to make a U-turn after the pits to be able to use the "Kings' alley" in between the fences and public as you can see here:
1964, the winning Ferrari 275 P driven by Jean Guichet (at the wheel) and Nino Vaccarella followed by Cobra Daytona on 4th place (Dan Gurney/Bob Bondurant).
(http://i55.tinypic.com/35d4x1v.jpg)
In a few moments after Margnac's shot, Ted and John will be kings too...
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BE 214 last monday at Goodwood...
(http://i53.tinypic.com/30bjki8.jpg)
(http://i51.tinypic.com/1zx0n7.jpg)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/20ro41x.jpg)
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Last monday I was able to look at the amazing collection of John Deveson's documents about his car's participation at Le Mans:
- Official entry form.
- Pictures album.
- Scrapbook.
- Jane Waugh's hotel bill.
- Complete scrutineering file.
At that time, cars had to go through 11 different scrutineers stations...
STATION 1: Vehicle identification
STATION 2: Drivers and team identification
Drivers: Ted Whiteaway and John Turner
Reserve driver: Bob Staples
Mechanics: Arthur Harwood, R. Battes, Bob Staples, J. Hamblett.
Petrol assistant: Tony Cowley
STATION 3: Specifications
STATION 4: Body control
Seats
Doors
Windscreen
Wings
Hood
Mirrors
Horn...
STATION 5: Electricity
STATION 6: Sealing and stamping
STATION 7: Ignition, extinguisher.
STATION 8: Tanks (petrol, water and oil)
for BE 214, petrol 111 litres
STATION 9: Petrol notification for the race = 1300 litres
STATION 10: Race numbers
STATION 11: Exhaust, weight, turning radius.
I have one more piece to add, the form given to media members summing-up technical datas:
(http://i51.tinypic.com/96c6r5.jpg)
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As Jerry said earlier in this topic:
you should never take anything for granted because other people say so or even have done so for years!
I told you about the "King's Alley", true it was existing in 1956 after the track and pits had been modified due to 1955 disaster.
It appears, looking at all photographics archives, that the first car seen in this alley was in 1961 and the last one in 1968.
Ted and John drove the car behind the pits after the 1959 finish.
Sorry about that, for me they are still Kings anayway...
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BE 214 has been delivered new to Don Levy in november 1956. At that time it was fitted with front drum brakes.
We can all see front disc brakes on 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours pictures, it is also confirmed on scrutineering documents.
A few month ago I asked John Deveson when the conversion was made.
Don Levy had a bad crash at Mallory Park on 6th august 1957 and John suspects the discs were fitted during the re-build of the car.
An early picture of BE 214 with Don Levy at the wheel, thanks to John Deveson.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2v0nzmo.jpg)
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The always young John Turner was aslo at Goodwood last monday, driving on the track a Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica...
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2mq80eb.jpg)
(http://i56.tinypic.com/52dobb.jpg)
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One more thing about Goodwood last week:
Many of you will be glad to see that picture of some good looking guys, won't you ?
(http://i55.tinypic.com/fw4xsj.jpg)
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1960, BEX 365 the Ace with split windscreen.
Drivers: Jean RAMBAUX and Pierre BOUTIN
Engine failure after 14 hours.
First picture taken on april 9th during preliminaries practices, best lap 5'26'2.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/143g6m0.jpg)
June 25th before the race, last preparations of the Aston Martin of Jim Clark and Roy Salvadori (they will finish third). BEX 365 can be seen close to the Aston.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2qdcpqp.jpg)
Start of the 24 Hours 1960, both Aces can be seen...
The #30 of Wicky and Gachnang and #57 of Rambaux and Boutin
The order of the starting grid does not depend of the two official practices sessions from wednesday and thursday (5'04" for BEX 365). The Le Mans Start is in the order of the engine capacity of the cars, the Corvettes #1, 2 and 3 at the front.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/335guo6.jpg)
Another colour image of the start.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/30ctyqg.jpg)
Tertre Rouge esses or Indianapolis curve.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2cfwcj7.jpg)
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As you read in this topic I am chasing AE 205 from Le Mans 1957 and I can't find recent pictures from that Ace. Tony Bancroft showed me a document from its owner in 1999 but I still don't know if the car is now in its original Le Mans colour.
I found this on flickr today:
(http://i55.tinypic.com/saxi1f.jpg)
Richard Milo's son posted that picture with this comment:
Not sure what year. AC Ace. I know that Dad owned both this car and the red AC concurrently. This car was on it's way to Sebring in 1958 on a trailer when my my Dad and Mom were in a nasty auto accident. Not sure what happened to this car, but my Dad flew back to PA and drove the red car to Sebring for the race. That must have been serious determination for an SCCA amateur driver.
We have the story in Tony's book at page 62.
It is AE 205 but still not recent picture...
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Two more pictures of AE 205:
In front of the same house than the previous post.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/14lii45.jpg)
Another one where we can see Richard Milo, race and track unknown.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/vgs8au.jpg)
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The last picture was taken at the Grand Prix of Watkins Glen 1958, september 19/20.
I have already post a picture of AE 205 at the same race earlier in this topic.
Thanks to the Nostalgia Forum.
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AE 205 at Le Mans in 1957, a picture I did not post before...
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2mcad5w.jpg)
Mulsanne corner from the inside
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It was a fantastic weeekend at Le Mans...
Some interessant informations for this topic will follow.
John, I did the correction with the right spelling for Ted Whiteaway.
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Firstly I spoke with Olivier Gachang, Georges' Son, Natacha's father and Sebastien Buemi's uncle...Hope you still follow me.
Olivier has rented a shop at Le Mans Circuit village during the 24 Hours to retail a selection of his cloth's collection "Warson". Philippe Siffert, Jo's son, was also a member of the staff. Various pictures were on display on walls and some of them from BEX 289 at Le Mans 1960.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2igp00y.jpg)
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2egg23a.jpg)
(http://i51.tinypic.com/260yej4.jpg)
Philippe Siffert:
(http://i53.tinypic.com/287noe9.jpg)
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A car we did not talk about: BEX 399.
The only one scoring two entries at the 24 Hours, 1958 and 1961.
The car is today like at Le Mans 1958 with its swiss colours.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/of9flj.jpg)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2i9h8x4.jpg)
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2e51vs4.jpg)
(http://i51.tinypic.com/i5usgp.jpg)
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Some period pictures of the same car in 1958:
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2gy53mc.jpg)
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2po9q1l.jpg)
That picture has been already posted at the first page of this topic, Indianapolis corner did not change a lot in 53 years.
The marshal is ready for intervention, I love that picture...other times.
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Looking at BEX 399 modern pictures, I could make some remarks comparing the car as it was entered at Le Mans 58 about the two stripes width along the body and number 27 absence on the boot.
One detail is more interesting to learn about the history of the 24 Hours.
First picture is BEX 399 today, a blue mark is stuck near the numberplate:
(http://i54.tinypic.com/of9flj.jpg)
The same year was entered LM 5000 with a vertical yellow rectangle:
(http://i56.tinypic.com/iyosv8.jpg)
Now in 1959, I am not certain but I think we can notice a blue square close to "GB" badge but John Deveson would be able to confirm looking at his photograph collection:
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2jbpfud.jpg)
In 1960, the Gachnang's BEX 289 has a blue mark:
(http://i54.tinypic.com/112dcud.jpg)
And finally 1961 with a picture of BEX 1110 during scrutineering with a (blue) square too...
(http://i51.tinypic.com/ncbjna.jpg)
Those marks where different regarding the engine capacity of the car, easy for a quick driver to appreciate what was in front of him. Le Mans has always been a race with a big gap in between competitors (cars and drivers...), can you imagine a 60 mph difference at top speed in Mulsanne straight ! Two weeks ago, you were able to see it is still the same problem today but THAT IS LE MANS.
In 1958, the 1500cc to 2000cc has a vertical yellow rectangle.
1959, blue rectangle.
1960, still in blue.
Barrie Bird's LM 5000 has the correct configuration but BEX 399 is wrong today with its blue square.
In conclusion, as you can see, a swiss talented model-maker has got it right...
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2qcjksg.jpg)
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Confirmation in the book:
"La Suisse et les 24 Heures du Mans", Turbo Editions, author Jean-Marie Wyder
(http://i53.tinypic.com/351u3dc.jpg)
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And now the same BEX 399 but in 1961:
(http://i53.tinypic.com/mutqab.jpg)
The rad cowl looks like a "do it yourself" job...
You can see behind the Ace, the little BMW 700S n°63 driven by Faucher and Petit who failed to qualify.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/k2gyo3.jpg)
The same BMW on the right of the picture with the number plate starting with 7 (it was 7676 EZ 76)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2q9dfyo.jpg)
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Have you noticed a little "blister" on BEX 399 bonnet ?
Unusual air filters dimension ?
-
Louis,
Just to say that for me this is a really super thread you are running. It really captures the 'magic' of Le Mans and the part that the Ace played in its history.
I hope you long continue to find such excellent period photographs!
Tim
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Thank you Tim, it's a pleasure...
Better if it is not a monologue. [;)]
Louis
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Louis
It's a very informative thread, read, enjoyed and appreciated by many AC enthusiasts.
As one delves deeper into a subject it often feels like a monologue, rest assured many have contributed to your thread, however the subject matter
AC Ace Bristol's at Le Mans 24hr 1957 -1962
is easier researched by a French AC enthusiasts living in France with the bonus of a good command of both English and French.
Your research is helping substantiate and authenticate AC's paticipation in the Famous Historic Le Mans 24hr..[;)]
Please keep delving into those archives and publishing your findings on both your French Forum and the ACOC Forum.
Louis, please note I have anglosized the Title to your thread as requested. ( Initially set up in French to make it easier to cross reference with both Forum)
Cheers for Now
Keith ..[:)]..[:)]
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Guys, of course I keep delving...!
It's good to find nice pictures but starting the thread I wanted to have more, like stories and anecdotes. To do that, I had to find the right persons.
After a few month, I give you a point for the eight chassis:
AE 205: Still in US, no contact.
LM5000: UK, Barrie is a member of this forum.
BEX 399: Germany, I wrote a letter a few days ago.
BE 214: UK, many contact with John the owner and John who drove in 59.
BEX 289: For now the car is "lost", contact with Georges Gachnang.
BEX 365: France, contact with Jean actual owner. Few documentation.
BEX 1110: France, to contact via French Club AC.
BEX 1192: France, owned by Georges, member of this forum. Some more information to come.
As you can see, the story is not finished...
One more thing, does the ACOC start to think about Le Mans Classic 2012 (July 6th,7th and 8th) ?
Louis
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Before the start, june 21st 1958.
Side by side BEX 399 and LM5000
www.les24heures.fr
(http://i55.tinypic.com/sfkrjk.jpg)
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Two more Aces in the history of Le Mans 24 Hours...even if they did not start the race.
Thank you Tony for infos and Stephan for pictures.
BEX 135
Seen at test day in april 1959 entered by famous belgian team Garage Francorchamps. BEX 135 was driven by Blary (Armand Blaton, Jean's brother) and André Pilette (another well known family). The car has been timed in 5'22 but entry withdrawn later, in June André Pilette drove succesfully a Ferrari 250 from the american team NART at the fourth place.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2zhhxc5.jpg)
(http://i56.tinypic.com/jpdimx.jpg)
BEX 1139
Same scenario like BEX 135 but in 1961. The french agent Chardonnet entered the car for test day where it was lapped in 5'26"5.
I have no picture and no information for this car...
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Coming back to the Gachnang's BEX 289, Alain Larive former owner of the car gave me a copy of a swiss magazine: la Revue Automobile n°31 from July 14th 1961.
Unfortunatly the quality of that copy is not good enough for pictures.
A journalist makes a drive test of BEX 289 and the CEGGA Ferrari. I will try to give you a good translation of technical specifications of the Ace (as an exemple coil-spring suspension at the front).
From a german fan I had a better picture today taken from the magazine in front of Gachnang's workshop.
That picture shows:
- The CEGGA Ferrari based on a fabulous Testa Rossa
- BEX 289
- Another Ace with a similar body as BEX 289 at the front but without its typical hardtop
It shows more than one Ace left Georges and Claude workshop with a modified body.
The best I can do to show the three cars, from left to right: CEGGA Ferrari, Ace modified and BEX 289.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2dke4vm.jpg)
The Ace in the middle could be BEX 429 but it is only a supposition, another picture of what could be this car...
(http://i56.tinypic.com/ws4fes.jpg)
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Beautiful picture of BEX 289 found by Lutz from Germany.
The car has just passed the pits and enters Dunlop curve to the right. Many of you have in their mind the famous Dunlop Bridge which is an iconic image from the "circuit de la Sarthe", the car will go through in some two hundred yards because in 1960 that bridge was located before the top of the hill...
(http://i54.tinypic.com/1zwcj9f.jpg)
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An advertising made by Ghia from Aigle, Gachnang's home city, telling in a german magazine how sensational are the Ace Bristol modified in their workshop.
Talking with Georges, never BEX 289 had been sent in Ghia workshop but some Aces like the one I suppose to be BEX 429 in my recent post were modified by Ghia with Gachnang's design and agreement.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2hn6ixg.jpg)
Information given by Georges today:
BEX 289 was bodied at Gachnang's workshop by the two brothers with assistance given from Franco Senaldi, Franco was an italian employee of Carrosseria GROSSMAN located at Aigle (again...). A mutual agreement between them left him working on the Le Mans Ace project outside Grossman.
I will give you some important news about BEX 289 soon (in french we use an english word to call that method: teasing [:D])
-
I will be with Bertrand at Aigle in Switzerland by mid october, we will meet Georges Gachnang and then be able to give you the news I was talking about in my last post.
For now I have more to write about BEX 289 in period, thank you again for informations and pictures given by Lutz M from germany.
To be as clearest as possible, a chronological sequence will be better.
08/01/1957: BEX 289 Ex-Works, engine 100D 627, primer with beige trim.
Sold to Charles Voegele via Swiss dealer Hubert Patthey.
First produced disc-brake Ace.
Registration ZH 110741
Between 1957 and 1959, the car was used as a road purpose but Voegele entered the Ace for racing also, Lutz recorded some events:
05/15/1958: Vienna Aspern Austria.
06/22/1958: Vallelunga Italy.
10/12/1958: Innsbruck Austria.
06/14/1959: Rossfeld Hill Climb Germany.
09/06/1959: Accident with Nadege Ferrier during Faucille Hill Climb test as recorded by Rinsey Mills in "AC Six-Cylinder Sports Cars" page 163.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/29psthi.jpg)
By the end of 1959, bought by Gachnang's brothers and rebodied to be entered at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1960, registration VD 21156.
04/09/1960: Georges Gachnang drives BEX 289 at Le Mans preliminary test.
Car #31 morning session lapped in 5'10"5, afternoon session in 4'50"1 (I have a doubt about that time)
The only document we have about april test day at Le Mans shows BEX 289 without its hardtop...
(http://i54.tinypic.com/4pxly9.jpg)
05/22/1960: Nurburgring 1000kms, Gachnang/Caillet car #92 DNF.
06/26/1960: Le Mans 24 Hours.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/55qec0.jpg)
08/13/1960: Sierre-Montana Hill Climb
08/28/1960: Ollon-Villar Hill Climb.
10/02/1960: Marchairuz Hill Climb.
Early 1961: for sale via Hubert Patthey (note the mistaken Ex Works date).
(http://i53.tinypic.com/15guucm.jpg)
March 1961 also for sale by the Gachnang themselves.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/dxhkk3.jpg)
September 1961 still for sale by Garage Terminus at Lausanne.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/28lw7th.jpg)
The car is then seen in different races in 1963 in the hands of Swiss Jean Zufferey. It seems that Zufferey never owned BEX 289 as Georges Gachnang said.
04/07/1963: Montlhéry France.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/jpirex.jpg)
05/12/1963: Payerne slalom Switzerland.
06/16/1963: Sierre-Montana Hill Climb Switzerland.
06/30/1963: Ste Ursanne-Les Rangiers Hill Climb Switzerland.
Early 1964: for sale again via Hubert Patthey garage
And we lose BEX 289 until...1969 (coming soon).
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If you read some different posts concerning BEX 289, Alain Larive the french owner from the early eighties told us the car was owned in the seventies by a Swiss named Michel Bricod.
We had to find this man.
A Swiss fan found for me Michel Bricod in a local phone book saying it could be the right person, so I tried to call.
When I asked him if he used to have an Ace Bristol, the man said...YES !
Michel Bricod was 22 when he purchased BEX 289 in 1969. He had before a MGA and as a famous british driver from the fifties who recently gave up competition, his main motivations were cars and crumpets !
What was the symbol of power to be successful in those challenges...The AC Cobra. Michel told me a couple of true 427 could be seen in Switzerland by the late sixties, so he had to drive in an AC.
Mister Stauffer from Garage Saint Christophe in Lausanne sold him BEX 289. Of course he told Bricod the car had a race history at Le Mans but it was not realy to increase the value, anyway Stauffer did not forget to tell the young man if he could find some sand in the rev counter it was because the car went off the road in the sand bank at Mulsanne during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Which was true ! Except it was in Arnage and if you remember, Georges Gachnang hurt his head and had to give the wheel to the reserve driver Gretener.
Anyway Michel bought BEX 289 for an amount hard to believe today but it was quite an effort for the 22 years man.
Michel Bricod was disappointed with his Le Mans Ace. I think it was quite successful for girlies but very uncomfortable for the driver, hard, hot...A long cantilever at the front due to the modified body made impossible to drive every day without damaging the car.
In fact, the car was not made for a street utilisation (it makes me think to BEX 1205 today...)
For some reasons Michel Bricod had to leave Switzerland for Brazil a year later in 1970, the car was then stored in Geneva at Garage de l'Aviation near airport. When he came back two years later in 1972, BEX 289 was still there surrounded by high vegetation.
You must remember Georges Gachnang said he remembers seeing his AC in a Geneva workshop in 1972 or 73.
In conclusion...Michel Bricod is not the man behind what we call the "Drogo" modification but he was so pleased to talk with me about the good time when he had an Ace Bristol.
We have now to find later in between 1972 and 1976.
-
When I was writing recently I will give you some important news about BEX 289, I was not talking about Michel Bricod episode. [;)]
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As you understood, I have a revelation about the Gachnang's Le Mans Ace.
Bertrand and I will visit Georges Gachnang at Aigle in Switzerland by october 21st. That was the time I chose to give the news about BEX 289, the "missing" 1960 Le Mans Ace.
The information came quicker than I have expected.
I can write it now...
BEX 289 is back, bought by a french to be entered at the next Le Mans Classic 2012. The car is in Biarritz and I will post pictures as soon as possible.
-
Alain Larive is the first to give us some pictures of the car.
Ladies and gentlemen here is....BEX 289 !
(http://i53.tinypic.com/6zwphf.jpg)
(http://i55.tinypic.com/294qe6b.jpg)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/33aru60.jpg)
Some comments later...
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Louis.
Great Photograps and a really "Brilliant Thread" !!.
Congratulations on your success in locating BEX289 and so much information on the various Ace that ran in Period at Le Mans 24 hrs.
A very well sculptured and beautifully proportioned Ace. .. .. Zagato and Pininfarina could only agree !!.[:p]
Look forward to future installments, In the meantime could you please email me high resolution copy of both pictures for my pictorial reference library .. .. .. ..
much appreciated..[;)].
See you, Bertrand and French Party at Goodwood Revival .. .. (Sunday 18th September).
Cheers 4 Now.
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
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Thank's Keith,
I am looking forward for the Revival and hoping weather will be nice.
- BEX 289 was the first production Ace fitted with front disc brakes.
- Not only the body has been modified by the Gachnangs, we had to wait late 1964 to see the first coil spring Cobra. It was made in 1960 on Ace Bristol (no I don't forget LM5000 in 58 but it was a different chassis)...
(http://i54.tinypic.com/s5kac7.jpg)
As you can see BEX 289 was stored for years before today.
Picture Alain Larive
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As you read a few posts ago, BEX 289 has a race history apart from Le Mans.
Thanks to Alain Larive and Lutz Montowski again, you can see here some period pictures from local Swiss Hill Climbs.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2cff49z.jpg)
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2wp84qr.jpg)
(http://i53.tinypic.com/b6yc0j.jpg)
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2eft3y9.jpg)
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BEX 289 took all our interest during the last weeks but Alain Larive, former owner of the ex Le Mans 1960 Ace, had also in his library some nice pictures of another Le Mans Ace: BEX 1192, the last of the eight entered at the famous Prix d'Endurance in 1962.
Firstly, one of the pictures you have already seen taken at Le Mans in 1979. Alain Larive was driving BEX 289 at the small permanent circuit: The Bugatti.
Alain is at the back of the car in blue race suit talking with Bernard Maître.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/291nvut.jpg)
BEX 1192 was taken the same day at the same place and Georges who looks after this other historic Ace is Bernard's brother, the one on the picture with Alain.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/29axwzm.jpg)
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2r62pn4.jpg)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2weymiv.jpg)
One more of the same car given by Lutz Montowski, this time at Montlhéry july 5th 1981.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/kaqu74.jpg)
Many thanks to Alain and Lutz
See you soon !
Looking forward for Goodwood Revival where I will be glad to talk with some of you [;)]
-
Louis,
Thanks for sharing what appears to be an endless amount of information about AC Ace Bristol's at Le Mans (and other interesting AC history)… Every time I go to the Forum it’s like turning the page in an enjoyable book complete with great period and current photos including captions. Keep up the good work! Obviously, others are enjoying the thread as well, as I see you are approaching 10,000 hits on the forum “Read” counter.
Best Regards,
John
AEX521
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Louis.
Have emailed you a couple of pictures of George Maitre's Ace BEX289 whilst at the Ollon Villars Hill Climb in 2003 and a more recent one when at Tony Byford's Workshop, Please feel free to post on this thread.
(I Must learn to post pictures...)
Cheers
Keith ...[;)]
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Dear Thomas,
Thank you and welcome, please tell Georges to follow us as well. Feel free to bring us some more anecdots and informations about your Dad's Ace.
Dear Keith,
Checking my e-mails I did not find your, please send it again. BEX 289 is the ex Georges Gachnang, BEX 1192 is Georges Maître's [;)].
Kind regards
Louis
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Found at Goodwood Revival:
Tour de France september 1961: Georges and Thomas, I did not know BEX 1192 was already rebodied by that time.
In my mind the car had a bad accident at Tour de France 1961 and then rebodied at Thames Ditton for Le Mans 1962.
Credit FERRET PHOTOGRAPHIC
(http://i41.tinypic.com/2ef43gp.jpg)
-
I'm a little surprised that spectators were still literally on the course six years after Pierre Levegh went into the crowd.
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Dear Thomas,
I knew the BEX 1192 had an accident at Tour de France 61 but it's a surprise to see the car with a special front body in september 61 before it was sent back to Thames Ditton...
Dear Jim,
What you can see on that shot is BEX 1192, the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans AC Ace, but the car has been entered at different events before Le Mans. The picture shown is not from Le Mans but was taken at Tour de France, a race around the country in a succession of road stages, special stages and track races.
Nothing to see here with a circuit background, even from the early sixties.
It's a pleasure for me to have readers from the other side of the pond. [;)]
-
Well, heck. It said right there Tour of France, where one would expect that kind of spectator exposure. Gotta pay more attention.
Thanks for this ever-fascinating thread.
-
BEX 1192 again at Tour de France 1961.
Thanks to Lutz Montowski
(http://i51.tinypic.com/21d30cl.jpg)
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Back to BEX 289.
View of the dashboard:
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2ajc3gy.jpg)
The cylinder head shows today 100D 684, fitted before on BEX 343 it was removed and took place in BEX 289 in early eighties by Alain Larive.
As far as I know 100D 627 "passed away".
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2qdtrbn.jpg)
Very special Gachnang' sump ready for Le Mans but still on the car today...
(http://i53.tinypic.com/dcrm9k.jpg)
Pictures Alain Larive
-
Quite an interesting document:
BEX 289 in preparation in Gachnang's workshop, note that headlights are not cut off yet...
(http://i54.tinypic.com/j8m7o9.jpg)
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Before I leave for Aigle in Switzerland with friends from the ACO, a picture from the race in 1960 viewing the famous "Esses de la Forêt".
Works Ferrari TR 59/60 #9 driven by Phil Hill/Wolfgang von Trips chased by NART Ferrari TR 60 #17 of Ricardo Rodriguez and André Pilette.
Ferrari #9 will withdraw from the race after three hours (lack of petrol...!)
Ferrari #17 will finish in second place behind the winning Ferrari of Belgian drivers Olivier Gendebien and Paul Frère.
BEX 289 is behind the two Ferrari's
(http://i55.tinypic.com/1z6sb5v.jpg)
At the back of the Ace is John Wagstaff/Tony Marsh's Lotus Elite.
-
Very pleasant journey we had in Switzerland, magnificent landscapes with such a wonderful weather.
Aigle was one of our main destination, visiting Georges and Claude Gachnang home.
The first evening was a dinner at Le Sépey with Georges, his granddaughter Natacha and Jo Siffert's son Philippe.
From left, Georges Gachnang, Patrick Gruau (vice president ACO), Your Le Mans fan, Bertrand and Claude Gachnang.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/5ez50p.jpg)
Philippe Siffert:
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2ibbvag.jpg)
The day after was a visit to the Gachnang's familiy business, garages VW and Toyota in Aigle and a reception at Yvorne village, famous for its vineyard. The Gachnangs drove from home, a few miles away, with their "everyday" cars...
AC, CEGGA Maserati and COOPER Monaco.
(http://i42.tinypic.com/20f3jbm.jpg)
Georges was driving the CEGGA powered with a V12 Maserati, can you imagine the music and its echo in the quiet mountain village !
(http://i44.tinypic.com/14lub2d.jpg)
As you know, Georges is also Formula 1 driver grand father, Sébastien Buemi: here in between Bertrand and grand-dad.
(http://i39.tinypic.com/14v36ux.jpg)
I will post some more pictures of BEX 289 from Le Mans 1960. For now, that's the one we have seen at Aigle...
(http://i44.tinypic.com/1zmjxnk.jpg)
We did not have enough time to talk about that blue Ace you can see on the picture.
It is not a Cobra but an Ace powered with a V8 Ford, possibly BEX 480...Can you confirm ?
(http://i42.tinypic.com/az8ad0.jpg)
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Blimey ! We have to call Georges, that blue car is a RHD...
-
Confirmation from Georges Gachnang, the "Blue Snake" is BEX 480...
I think it will be great to learn about its history but in another topic.
-
So I can post now the latest period pictures of BEX 289 from Le Mans 1960:
Scrutineering
(http://i40.tinypic.com/10selja.jpg)
(http://i43.tinypic.com/2dtnkfd.jpg)
Before the race in front of the pits:
(http://i40.tinypic.com/34sjn9f.jpg)
(http://i40.tinypic.com/eg4tqr.jpg)
(http://i44.tinypic.com/j5wl0y.jpg)
And now during the race:
As you know Georges went off the track at Arnage corner just before midnight, it's easy to identify the pictures taken before or after that incident. The grille has been damaged during this drive in Arnage sand area, you will note the car started the race without extra lights fixed in the grille.
Here after the pits entering the Dunlop curve.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/2n6td0o.jpg)
Arnage, where Georges made his gardening...
(http://i40.tinypic.com/358e2pv.jpg)
Arnage again but from the back, a more usual angle
(http://i40.tinypic.com/25a84xv.jpg)
Pit stop:
(http://i44.tinypic.com/9rj31i.jpg)
Again in the pits during the night trying to adjust those lights:
(http://i44.tinypic.com/33ww0p4.jpg)
Action in the pits by Sunday morning:
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2rw51m1.jpg)
Dunlop curve on Sunday:
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2h8dd7a.jpg)
And after the race, ready to drive back to Switzerland !!!
(http://i39.tinypic.com/2dt9m37.jpg)
Sorry for the quality of those pictures...
-
BEX 365 from Le Mans 1960 very recognizable with its split windscreen.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/29xyydt.jpg)
And with its special fuel cap !
(http://i41.tinypic.com/mr36h2.jpg)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/r0a87k.jpg)
Pictures Alain Larive around 1980.
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My best wishes to all of you, health and happiness...
Hope to meet some of you at Le Mans or Goodwood in 2012.
Le Mans 1962, BEX 1192 going to be placed for the famous Le Mans start...
(http://i42.tinypic.com/xe4wma.jpg)
Picture from forum motorlegend, copyright François Rivière
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Information from Georges Gachnang:
The picture below is not BEX 289 but another Ace (BEX 429...) bodied by Carrosserie Ghia at Aigle for Bungener with a similar front in collaboration with Gachnang brothers.
We can see here the Ghia workshop not the Gachnang's where BEX 289 was modified...
(http://i54.tinypic.com/j8m7o9.jpg)
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This photo supplied by Keith shows BEX429 in April 1962 driven by André Bungener:
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/BEX429140462AndreBungener.jpg)
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Montlhéry 1963, the Paris outskirts circuit.
BEX 289 and the driver is probably swiss Jean Zufferey.
from the book: Les beaux Dimanche de Montlhéry 1962-1969 by Christian Courtel.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/1znoisz.jpg)
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Nice picture with following caption: Goodwood 1955.
From left to right: John Turner, John Coombs, Ken Tyrrell, Alan Brown, John Young.
I think it could be Easter 1956 when Ken Tyrrell drove a Cooper T24 for John Coombs. I have to ask John Turner some more details...
(http://i42.tinypic.com/qq4x0k.jpg)
Edit:
Confirmation from John Turner who knew that picture, the photographer was Patrick Benjafield, son of John Benjafield, one of the Bentley Boys who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1927 with Sammy Davis...
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So 1959 was the year for BE 214, John Turner and Ted Witheaway.
Before showing the next picture, I need to tell you a story.
Of course, both 24 Hours of Le Mans and AC Aces are great interest for me. Back some years ago in early 2004 I went with Betrand to visit the workshop near London where BEX 1205 has been prepared for the next Le Mans Classic '04.
Quite a few interesting cars in different work progress and I remember a lovely aluminium roofline catching my eye at the back of the workshop, after enquiry the coachbuilder confirmed it was a car I did not know at that time:
A Frazer Nash Le Mans Coupé...
What a gorgeous British little car sharing with the Ace the Bristol engine, only nine of them were made by the Frazer Nash company between 1953 and 1955. Three of them have been entered at Le Mans in 1953, 54 and 59.
The ex Le Mans 53 and 54 coupé, lovely isn't it !
(http://i51.tinypic.com/11gm4ns.jpg)
A few days ago on the french forum was posted that picture (copyright Michael Cooper Archives)
(http://i42.tinypic.com/351biah.jpg)
My two favourite cars on the same shot from Le Mans 1959 !
Action is at Arnage corner early saturday evening, elegant Ted Witheaway driving BE 214 in front of the unfortunate Frazer Nash Le Mans Coupé #421/200/203 stopped in the sandbank.
It will be the end of it for the lovely coupé, driven by Dashwood the car slid into the sandbank with fading brakes. Gearbox and steering were also damaged, that was the last appearance of a Frazer Nash at Le Mans...
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Louis, is this the Frazer Nash in the background?
http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/find/4100_results.asp?lCarID=1824924
John
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Absolutly.
Come on John ! I'm not ready yet...
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Hello, me again..!
BEX 1192, Le Mans 1962
Georges, 50 years ago !
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2v3q7w2.jpg)
copyright racebears UK
(http://i40.tinypic.com/24vlh0z.jpg)
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Louis M
Long time no Hear.
Hows the research re:- History of Ace racing at Le Mans 24 Hour..[;)]
Any updates since May 2012 [?]
Keith..[:)]
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Hello Keith, thanks to wake up the thread.
Some Le Mans Classic 2012 shots to wish you a Happy New Year...
BEX 289:
(http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/4886/dsc7115p.jpg)
FS 50:
(http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/681/dsc7769k.jpg)
David at work:
(http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8021/dsc7144a.jpg)
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Hello all,
Happy new year to all members and AC Bristol fans, looking forward to seeing many of you at Le Mans Classic in July...
For today a very nice little video from Girling Company, shot during the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours. Be watchful at 5'20", I have posted it to John Deveson and he has never seen before such a long piece of video of 650 BPK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZla3Wh2HOk
Enjoy !
Louis
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As a very amateur model builder I have been researching the Gachnang Aigle AC and have found a RACE TIME photo of #30 with the "VD2065" plate clearly readable. This can be found on the //revslib.stanford.edu/ site - with patient trawling through the results of a search for "le mans 1960". It was taken by George Phillips and copyright is reserved.
I hope this is helpful.
wild-wheels
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Hi
I dont know if this thread is still live. I can confirm that its Arthur Harwood sat on the rear (Its my dad!)
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AE205 for sale
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/28011/lot/61/1957-ac-ace-bristol-le-mans-roadster-chassis-no-ae205-see-text-engine-no-100d2-786d/