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AC cars history
The history of AC cars dates back to 1901 when a wealthy businessman named John Portwine backed an engineer called John Weller in setting up a small engineering workshop in South London primarily to build motor cars. Two years later the first car, which was not badged as an AC, but a Weller was paraded at the British Motor Show. It was a two cylinder, twenty BHP auto, which the press commented on as 'having a bright and brilliant future'.
Within a year the company had developed a commercial vehicle, almost van like, except for having three wheels like a Robin Reliant, under the name of AutoCar and Accessories Ltd., It could must a massive 5.6 BHP and was powered by a single cylinder air cooled engine. A big shout away from latter day AC cars. The tri-wheeled became highly fashionable with firms in need of delivery vehicles, so much so that a passenger carrying version was launched in 1907, with production ongoing until 1915. The full name was shortened to AC in November of its first year. The very first badged AC car.
All production was halted, according to AC cars history during the Great War years, and it is told that the company actually produced an armoured car as their contribution to the war effort. Commercial manufacturing resumed in 1918 with a highly successful two seater sports car which boasted a four cylinder engine. 255 units where sold of this model. They where highly successful in competition such as hill climbs.
In 1921, professional racing driver Mr. S.F. Edge joined the board of directors. Portwine and Weller resigned. Edge then became the Chairman and AC Cars Ltd., was formed. With a sporting set up and, for this specific era, a huge range of colours where introduced to bolster the companies reputation as a market leader of the times.
This ensured success not only in racing but also on the general motoring front with good sales achieved. 1922 saw the 'light car' land speed record shattered, with 104.85 mph recorded. Success bred success and by 1928, the company was the largest automobile producer in the U.K., however with the world economic recession starting in 1929, the firm went into involuntary liquidation and all production ceased.
1930's – 1940's – 1950's – 1960's – 1970's – 1980's – 1990's- 21st century |
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