1936 AC 16/80 March Special Sports Tourer

Registration No. DPJ 930

Chassis No. L 408

Financial difficulties saw AC taken over by the Hurlock brothers in 1930 and from then on the firm concentrated on sporting cars aimed at the discerning enthusiast. Existing stocks of spares were used at first but when these began to run out the brothers had no option but to make a fresh start. This they did using a new chassis, into which went Weller's six and a conventional ENV gearbox. The marque's reputation for producing well engineered and equally well finished cars continued under the Hurlock’s' ownership, enabling AC to prosper despite the higher asking prices that these exemplary standards necessitated.

An improved, under-slung chassis of 9' 7" wheelbase was adopted for AC's 1934 range, which was first displayed at the London Motor Show in October 1933. A synchromesh gearbox was standard by this time, all of which were incorporated in the 16/60hp and 16/70hp models launched in 1936.

Also in the range at this time was the 16/80hp model, under-slung at the rear and equipped with Moss remote-change synchromesh gearbox and Bendix self-energising mechanical brakes. Topped off by a supremely handsome roadster body, the 16/80 combined gorgeous looks with excellent handling. Motor magazine found the 16/80 'glued to the road as if on rails and delightful to handle; it enables one to recapture the real joy and spirit of motoring.'

Only 44 of these exciting sports roadsters were built, four of which were supercharged 16/90 variants. Today this rare model is one of the most sought-after of pre-war AC sports cars.

The low-slung chassis made it possible for the six-cylinder AC to accommodate sports-touring coachwork that was both stylish and comfortable. Among the most elegant was the four-seater sports tourer designed by Freddy March, heir to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, whose design team was responsible for some of the finest sporting coachwork of the period

The car offered here chassis number L408 was delivered to the selling agent in April of 1936 fitted from new with this ultra-elegant Sports Tourer coachwork by March and engine number UBS 6.5/361, registered ‘DPJ 930’ all of which it retains today, the first owner was a Mr E.C. Kyriakides of Park Lane London. Further known owners as shown in an original buff logbook for the car are- Mervyn Solomon 1952, Alexander Nelson 1953, O.A Belus 1957, A.R. McKay 1969 and Alan Huxley-Jones 1972, who is believed to have found ‘DPJ’ in an RAF Hanger in Ireland.

The car would remain with Huxley-Jones complete but in need of restoration until purchased by Roger Grundy in 1992, see photos on file. Mr Grundy embarked on a complete restoration of the car as illustrated in a photographic record, with work carried out by various specialists- as shown by many invoices on file. By 1997 this restoration was completed, and the resulting car claimed the AC Owners Club Willoughby Trophy for Best Amateur Restoration at the National AC Day in 1997.

More recently between 2016 and 2019 ‘DPJ’ has had a substantial engine rebuild with the original cylinder block being rebuilt around a new internal aluminium casting, bearings re-white metalled, crank ground, modern oil filter conversion fitted, new valves, hardened valve seats, new valve guides and much else besides, this work was mainly carried out by specialists Rod Briggs and Robert Picton, it is believed the car has only done circa 3000 miles since this work. The car is also fitted with a multi branch stainless steel exhaust manifold and a higher ratio rear axle ratio.

Whilst in the current owner’s custodianship ‘DPJ’ has benefitted from a new set of Blockley tyres and a rebuilt water-pump.

This handsome AC represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the most exclusive and sought after British sports cars of its era, ideally suited as in period to rallying or more relaxed Continental Touring.