Messages

1

General Forum / Re: 1937 AC Numbers Matching Drop Head Coupe for sale

« on: September 29, 2020, 03:07:12 »

Now listed for sale here: https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1937/ac/six/101381646

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General Forum / 1937 AC Numbers Matching Drop Head Coupe for sale

« on: July 29, 2020, 03:53:11 »

I am a UK expat, now living in the USA and have been asked the help the family clear the estate of their rather eccentric uncle who passed away earlier this year.  He collected records and owned a couple of vintage vehicles, one of which is the AC.

You may have seen my previous posts relating to the vehicle.  Thanks for your help and insight so far.  I was considering purchasing the vehicle myself, as I have a passion for old vehicles.  However, I have decided that my pockets probably aren’t deep enough for this one. She should therefore be passed on to someone that has a passion for this marque and will be able to bring her back to her former glory.

The vehicle in question is RHD and was imported to the US in September, 1976.  Therefore, she has been under the same ownership for almost 44 years!  Prior to purchase (in 1975), she was restored by a Ford engineer in the UK.  Originally the car was built for a Mrs Smith and was painted dove grey with red wheels.  All 5 wire wheels were professionally restored in 1991.  The same year, it was exhibited at Meadowbrook Concours.

The seller has a letter which details all this information and will be shared with the lucky new custodian of this rare vehicle. 
Full disclosure, the vehicle has been sitting for the last 15 years but kept in a garage undercover during this time.  It is likely therefore that she will need full recommissioning.  Further, although she still has the numbers matching engine, it has succumbed to the usual porosity issues.

A replacement rebuilt engine can be located for £15K in the UK.  Alternatively, it could be rebuilt for slightly less.  Further, I have been pointed to a company in Portland, Oregon, by an owner of 5 ACs in the US, that could do the same.
I conducted a Google search by the number plate and to my surprise, I found an article from 1956 where the car had been listed for sale (see attached).

The aim is to list the vehicle on Bringatrailer in the USA.  Once that happens, I’ll let you all know.

If however, you may be interested in advance of the auction, please let me know.

Thanks, Konrad

3

General Forum / Re: 1937 with Cats Paw Engine

« on: July 14, 2020, 15:21:28 »

Thanks for the additional feedback.  I'm not too sure why it has an earlier grill.  Here are some additional photos of the vehicle.  Please provide further thoughts.  I tried to take as many photos as possible.  I think they give a fair representation of the vehicle. 

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General Forum / Re: 1937 with Cats Paw Engine

« on: July 13, 2020, 17:24:49 »

As stated, I viewed the car yesterday.  It seems to be in very good condition and was clearly well looked after.  It was procured by the current owner (who has unfortunately passed away) in 1976 from a dealer in the UK (it had been restored in the UK then or a little earlier).  Further, the engine number matches the information on the oval plate (see attached photo).  Fortunately, the owner was a hoarder and kept all of the documentation relating to the vehicle.  I could only seem to upload one photo on this site.  Thanks

5

General Forum / Re: 1937 with Cats Paw Engine

« on: July 09, 2020, 02:06:36 »

Thank you all for your input.  I am going to view the vehicle on Sunday and will take a load of photos.  Is there anything in particular I should be taking photos of?  If I decide not to purchase the vehicle myself, I will help the owner with the sale.

6

General Forum / Re: 1937 with Cats Paw Engine

« on: June 30, 2020, 17:31:02 »

Thank you all for your responses.  It is promising to hear that the vehicle can be repaired.  I know that it is a difficult question but, worse case scenario, what do you think it would cost to get roadworthy (new block versus sleeves).  As the car hasn't been used for 15 years, I'm sure that everything else needs to be gone through.  Any idea what would be a fair price to offer the seller given it's current state?  Thank you!

7

General Forum / 1937 with Cats Paw Engine

« on: June 28, 2020, 02:47:55 »

Hi

I'm hoping that someone on here is able to help.  A 1937 AC has come up for sale near me in the USA.  It has been sitting for 15 years because the engine block is porous (it has the original Cats paw engine).

Is it possible to still find engine blocks for these vehicles? If so, what are likely costs and are there engine re-builders that can rectify a porous block in the USA? How hard is it to find spares? If she were restored, how much could she be sold for?

Thanks!