AC ACE Concept
Project Kimber, the British consortium
which originally hoped to buy Rover but ultimately failed, had plans back in
2006 to revive the Smart Roadster under the AC badge as the AC Ace. So far the
car has failed to materialize. The Ace name revives one AC has used before both
in the 1960s and late '90s.
The AC Ace concept was designed by the
same man who designed the Jaguar XJ220, and features some decidedly retro
styling elements, although the layout and basic shape of the AC Ace concept remains
almost identical to that of the Smart Roadster. Except for the dramatic scissor
action doors.
The AC Ace concept featured front end
styling similar to classic british sports cars - in particular the Austin
Healey "Frog Eye" Sprite. The shape of the car's grille was just
about the only connection with the original car.
