AC

AC Cars is a seminal British automaker that has been a champion of innovation throughout its long history, and classic AC motorcars are some of the most sought after rarities among serious car collectors. The history of AC (formerly Auto Carriers Ltd.) goes all the way back to 1903 when the London-based Weller Brothers designed their first entry into the Crystal Palace motor show. Their original touring car was going to be expensive to manufacture, so their backers urged them to apply their concepts to the design of a more economical "three wheeler." They did so, and the car, named the Auto-Carrier, went into production in 1904. It was instantly popular and became the foundation of the longest standing car manufacturer in England.

AC's John Weller became known as the designer of the overhead cam 6 engine, the first of which were up and running in 1919. (They were still being used as late as 1963.) The company weathered the Great Depression and World War II to emerge in 1947 with the 2-litre engine and a hefty government production contract. They went to lightweight bodies, using fiberglass and aluminum for models like the Petite.

In the 1950s AC introduced the classics that are in such demand today, like the AC Ace and the AC Aceca. AC Cars will always be known for their high performance, and they are a stalwart on the historic racing event circuit. These days, the stunning AC MkVI is being manufactured in Monaco.