AC 16/90 Competition Sports

The 16/90 was AC's supercharged version of its pre-war Competition sports two-seater, powered by John Weller's 2.0-litre overhead-cam six with an Arnott blower. Only a tiny handful were built, and this car, chassis L662, is believed to be one of just three survivors. It was sold new in April 1939 and registered HPJ 878.

Its history is well documented. Early owners include Betty Haigh, remembered for her 1946 Alpine Trial class win in an AC, and a musician who used it to carry his double bass. It was bought for £15 in 1963 by Dr Arthur Holmes Pickering, and the boost gauge on the dashboard confirms its supercharged specification. It then spent years in storage while parts were collected for a restoration.

Bruce and Jim Young restored the car between 1997 and 2005, with mechanical work by Tim Abbott and a full retrim by Graham Williams. Invoices for the work are on file. It later attended the first Concours of Elegance at Windsor Castle. More recently 96 Engineering has recommissioned the engine and supercharger and the clutch, fuel and cooling systems. The car has been road tested. Price is on application and no mileage is stated.