1936 AC 16/70 March Special Sports Tourer

Motorcar Studio is pleased to offer this rare and desirable 1936 AC 16/70 four-seat roadster with Earl of March coachwork. This AC has lived a remarkable life and is offered for sale for the first time in nearly 50 years on behalf of the estate of the late owner, who purchased it while living in England in 1970. Believed to be one of only 55 produced between 1933 and 1936, L441 has been used extensively for touring and shows. It remains in running and driving condition -- it was driven from Atlanta to the Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance where it was shown on the lawn in 2016. Its next owner will likely wish to embark on a cosmetic restoration as the paint and interior trimmings are tired and the car could benefit from servicing. Here are some additional details in the words of the late owner, taken from the "hang tag" which he displayed on this car at shows:

"This typical 1930s English tourer was made by the AC Car Company of Thames Ditton, West of London. The car is hand-made of aluminium on ash wood framing with wings of steel, all mounted on an under-slung Standard chassis shared with its contemporary, the SS90. There were only nine four seaters made in 1936 and only 55 in total between 1933 and 1936. The engine is AC's own 6 cylinder 2 litre device that employs wet liners in mostly aluminium castings with the exception of the iron head. The single overhead cam design was advanced for its time in 1920 when it first appeared and enabled it to survive in development into the early '60s, the horsepower rising from 35 bhp in its original single carbureted form to over 100 bhp with three SUs. This car has triple SUs and is rated at 70 bph as the name implies. Brakes are self energizing, by Bendix, employing the typical rods and cables of the day, and while the hand brake works on all four wheels its 'fly-off' action can catch out the unwary. The Jacking system is notable, the three jacks being permanently attached to the car enabling it to be raised completely from the ground. The car has had an active life during its current ownership since 1970 and has traveled extensively throughout Britain and Europe, including a double crossing of the Alps for its 40th birthday.”

The owner was involved in a number of British car clubs both in the UK and in the US and this car is well known. He took part in countless shows and touring events in the US and abroad, always driving the car, never trailering it, including: MCVV Vista Rallies, winning in 1972 and 1973; Manchester Vintage Car Club Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Vista Rally (1975-78); Astle Park Traction Engine Rally (1975 and 1982); Manchester Vintage Car Club Rally Manchester Southport (1976-1978); Grand Transport Extravaganza (1976 and1977); Buxton Opera Run (1979). He was awarded second in class at British Motorcar Day in Rome, Georgia (2010) and first in class (2011); First in class at the British Motorcar Day Roswell, Georgia (2013, 2014, and 2015); and "Diamond in the Rough” at Southeast British Car Festival, Dillard, Georgia (2018).

After trading his 1928 Cabin Cruiser on the River Thames for the AC in 1970, this car was a daily driver until 1986, and subsequently driven on average 2,500 miles each year. Records indicate an engine rebuild in 2015. A pallet of spare parts accompanies the sale which includes two core engines, a transmission and boxes of miscellaneous “unobtainium” used and NOS pieces. Stacks of paperwork are included along with an original English number plate, old registrations, many handwritten notes and a copy of an owners handbook / service manual. A rare opportunity for an intact, running and driving, alloy-bodied, coach-built car that would be welcome at the finest shows or touring events worldwide once restored.

For more information about this 1936 AC 16/70 March Special Sports Tourer for sale at Motorcar Studio in Atlanta, please call +1 404-692-5250. We welcome you or your inspector. Worldwide shipping available at reasonable rates.