The A.C. 2 litre Saloon

The A.C. which incidentally stands for Autocarriers goes back to the early days of motoring. Production commenced in 1908 with a single cylinder three wheeler with 2 speed epicyclic gears and tiller steering. These AC Sociables with two side by side seats were made up to the start of the first world war and could be purchased for less than £100.

In 1919 John Weller introduced his famous 1991 c.c. single overhead camshaft wet liner six cylinder engine, this was a very advanced unit but which did not go into production until 1922 but it remained in use until 1963, the output being increased from 35 bhp at inception to 103 bhp in 1963.

The model covered in this article was introduced in 1947 when post-war production resumed. The Company brochure of the time states:-

"Lounge comfort and ample accommodation for five people is the keynote of this modern styled body. The upholstery, trimmings and fittings are of the finest quality.

The Controls come to hand with an easy facility, the steering and seating are adjustable.

Ease of entry and exit for the rear passengers is not hindered by the front seats; an unusual feature in a two-door Saloon. Visibility in all directions is exceptional, adding greatly to the driving safety and passengers` enjoyment. A wide platform by the rear windows takes gloves, hats, bags etc. An altogether exceptional body designed and built in the A.C. Works".

The coachwork is of the close-coupled type with a very wide rear hinged door on either side, the bottom of each door contained a small compartment for the storage of maps, gloves and the like, the front seats were wide and comfortable with plenty of legroom and space. The boot space was ample and the exterior lid contained a compartment for tools. The spare wheel is stored separately below the boot floor.

The engine has the same famous aluminium alloy block but to a new specification and developing 74 bhp at 4,500 r.p.m., this being developed out of war experience. The cylinders are cast iron liners which were located at the bottom in the block by long spigots and at the top by shallow spigots which fitted in the cast iron cylinder head. On this cylinder head sits the camshaft and valve gear, the former sitting in cast iron bearings. The crankshaft is of the five bearing white metal type, this type of bearing is also fitted to the connecting rods, pistons have four rings, three pressure and one scraper.

Fuel is fed to the inlet manifold via three S.U. carburettors fitted with an automatic easy starting device and pumped from the tank via an S.U. electric pump.

A four speed gearbox with syncromesh on the top three ratios is connected to thehypoid bevel final drive by a tubular propeller shaft fitted with two Hardy-Spicer universal joints. An unusual feature at this time is the fact that bottom gear at 15.6 to 1 is the same as reverse, the latter usually being lower.

Girling hydro-mechanical brakes were fitted with 12 inch drums, the front being operated hydraulically and the rear mechanically. Steering is by Bishop cam with a 40 foot turning circle. Bodywork sits on a substantial pressed steel box section chassis with an almost central X shaped girder and which was underslung at the rear, wheelbase being 117 inches.

In all the new A.C. was a most desirable car to have in the austere post war period.

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