AC's roots go back to the turn of the 20th century, in West Norwood, London when the Weller Brothers, with financial backing from a local butcher named John Portwine, set their sights on building an automobile. Portwine was worried about the cost of the Weller Brothers' design for a complex 20-horsepower touring car and encouraged the brothers to try something cheaper - so a three-wheel delivery car was built and labeled as an "Auto-Carrier". It turned out to be a reasonable success and helped establish the brothers as legitimate manufacturers. Following World War I, John Weller began designing an advanced overhead cam six-cylinder engine which he felt would compete with the best W.O. Bentley had to offer. Unfortunately, Weller was ousted from his company in a takeover, but his engine lived on to be found in nearly every subsequent AC automobile for the next 40 years.

This 1929 AC Acedes-Magna Tourer is a beautiful example of an extremely rare pre-war AC and is perhaps the finest AC of the period. Initially sold by the renowned London AC dealer F.B. Goodchild, LTD, this AC found its way into the hands of distinguished collector John Moir in the early 2000s. Recognizing its potential, Mr. Moir enlisted the expertise of David Steinman for an extensive and meticulous restoration. Steinman’s craftsmanship, a regular feature on numerous concours fields, was prominently displayed at the 18th green of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Completed in 2002, the restoration proved to be exceptional. Just a year later, this AC was invited to the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it earned a class award and the prestigious Lord Montague Award for the most significant British car. Following this triumph, the Magna Tourer continued to impress, earning accolades at multiple other concours events, including the CCCA National First Prize and the AACA National First Prize and Senior Award badges.

Sold as part of the John Moir Collection in 2014, this exceptional 1929 AC Acedes-Magna Tourer found a new home with a discerning collector. It underwent another comprehensive, high-quality restoration a few years ago by Automotive Restorations Inc. in Stratford, Connecticut. A beautiful outcome once again after its second restoration, which earned an invitation to the 2019 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, where it won the prestigious Speed and Style Award. Recently refreshed in 2022, this AC is poised to grace the show field once again, ready to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless elegance and impeccable restoration.Top of Form

Outfitted with stylish sports-touring coachwork, the body is finished in a deep crimson red with black fenders paired with a lovely eye-catching polished bonnet, a typical flourish for AC cars of the time. Wire spoke wheels, a spare mounted tire on the passenger side, fender-mounted lights, a tight-fitting black convertible top, and an integrated rear-mounted trunk with a set of wine glasses in it, round out the posh appearance of the exterior.

The right-hand drive open interior is trimmed in black upholstery and features a woodgrain dash, a dividing glass between the front and rear compartments, and a rear-mounted 8-day Jaeger Paris clock. The finely tuned overhead-cam two-litre inline-six produces a comfortable 65 horsepower, which sends power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. The chassis is constructed of semi-elliptic live axles and mechanical drum brakes, to round out its proper British mechanics.

Beautifully presented, thanks to its two comprehensive restorations in the last 20 years, this Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance award-winning AC with its striking polished hood will garner attention to whatever show field its next caretaker decides to stroll onto.

Offers welcome and trades considered

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