1934 AC 16/66

‘AXO 270’ is one of just 12 Fixed-Head Coupes constructed. It is also believed to be just one of only two surviving examples, the other in need of restoration and exported to France in 2016, as well as the only 16/66 currently in roadworthy condition. 

We have used the term ‘roadworthy condition’ in the paragraph above but as you will see shortly that does a disservice to the superlative condition of this restored and much cherished motorcar. 

Purchased by the current vendor from a friend in 1994, the AC initially proved a touch unreliable on the road. “We began restoring the car a long time ago but the chap went bankrupt twice, perhaps even three times,” explains the vendor. Due to this stop-start nature of the renovation the condition of the AC deteriorated, that is until 2020 when Retroclassic Engineering Ltd of Gloucestershire finally began a proper, long-awaited restoration. 

“Proprietor Gary Roberts actually rents a building from us and he is the person who has carried out all of the work on the car. It has had a tremendous amount of money spent on it – far more than it’s worth – with an extensive professional restoration that used original AC parts, or those made by experts to maintain the integrity of the original AC design. He has spent a lot of time and effort getting it just so, and as such it’s now in wonderful restored condition. 

“It has always been a head turner. We took it to classic car meetings about 15 or 16 years ago and it was very well received. From memory, it was quite a thrilling ride too. Unfortunately, my husband’s ill health means that he is no longer able to drive the car, so it’s now up for sale”. 

There is no doubt that this is a delectable looking car; it’s svelte and thin-hipped, with a jaunty visual disposition. This look is aided and abetted by its eye-catching Cream and Grey colour scheme. 

The bodywork is first class with superlative panel fit and it’s been repainted to a very high standard. The finish is silken, and draws your eyes effortlessly over the little AC’s wonderful lines. 

Up top, it has a Metro sliding roof that, in period, saw the model endowed with a ‘false-cabriolet’ moniker; the material is in excellent condition and the sliding roof mechanism works perfectly, allowing daylight to flood the cabin. 

There are exquisite styling touches such as the roof-mounted faux landau irons and the offside cycle wing, which has a built-in housing for the spare wheel. 

Immaculate brightwork, superb wire wheels and fresh tyres complete a strong visual picture.

It could have been an easy decision to restore the AC’s cabin to within an inch of its life, resulting in a showroom new squeaky clean interior. However, great care has instead been taken to carefully refurbish what was already a wonderfully original interior. The net result is at the same time beautiful and charming. 

The fabric seats have been professionally repaired and cleaned and present very smartly. The dark mahogany dashboard and door trims retain their original patina and are better for it, while the rattan door card inlays (complete with storage pockets) provide much pleasure to the eye.

New seat mounting frames have been fitted and up top, the headlining is lovely and clean. There are elements that help to tell the story of this car’s history, including the black metal instrument dial with its faded, slightly worn finish, and the original carpets.

It’s a quite lovely place from which to pilot this 16/66.

The six-cylinder engine fires to life instantly and settles into an easy tickover; under throttle, the triple SU carburettors elicit a silky smooth intake noise (see from 4mins 20secs on our Video Review, below). Out back, the exhaust is unobtrusive, yet relatively deep and pleasant in its auditory offerings. 

We’ve had the AC out on his Majesty’s highway and it’s lovely, light and sprightly on the road – easy to manoeuvre and more than able to keep up with modern traffic. The engine is a joy, the gearbox mechanical and smooth in its machinations. As you would expect, braking takes a modicum of pre-planning. 

The mechanical rebuild included remanufacture of several parts, including a freshly cast engine cylinder block (importantly, the original block is available, although this will have to be arranged with the seller as it is not on-site with us), as well as refurbishment or replacement of others. 

Under the bonnet, you will find an engine bay that has been meticulously finished and detailed. Any new owner would happily take pride in showing it to all and sundry at a concours event. 

The underside is showroom-fresh, with freshly protected metal, as new running gear and with a stainless steel exhaust system fitted.

The AC’s V5C document is included and indicates that a total of six owners have enjoyed this car’s wares since its first UK registration on March 12 1934. 

Its history file is comprehensive and nicely presented in a binder with each document held in a separate plastic pocket. These include expired MOT test certificates/documents, a history of AC cars (including factory records appendices) and period road tests.

Of course, of principal interest are the photographs and records relating to the car’s recent restoration. These demonstrate the works completed, give comprehensive descriptions of them and note costs arising.

Finally, you will also find some AC Owners’ Club documentation and magazines present, as well as a recent online vehicle check showing no known issued with finance, theft, having been written off or imported/exported.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos to support our claim that this car has been restored to a wonderful standard and fettled to ensure that it performs beautifully. 

What a delectable and rare little automobile. 

It’s fresh from a restoration that cost far in excess of the car’s value. However, the wonderful results of it are clear to see from both the photographs in our Gallery and our Video Review. 

The next custodian of this vehicle will be taking ownership of one of two examples of the 16/66 Close Coupled Fixed-Head Coupes still in existence… and one that is in superlative aesthetic and driving conditions. 

We think that the AC will realise somewhere between £50,000 and £60,000. At the lower end, given the recent considerable fiscal outlay, that’s quite positively a steal; heck, even at the top end of that, there’s no doubt that the same applies.

There’s no doubt that ownership of this beautiful car will be a privilege for its next custodian.

Here’s to the AC’s next 90 years!

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.