AC 3000ME

The AC Cars Company is one of many British companies that produce sports cars. This company would have existed quietly and modestly, and just as quietly disappeared, if Carroll Shelby had not appeared with his AC Cobra project. The car turned out to be popular and widely known.

But by the early 1970s, this project had outlived its popularity. The old-school fashion had not yet arrived; the buyer demanded sports cars with a modern appearance and design. And preferably with a mid-engine layout. There was nothing like this in the AC company's arsenal.

Development

Meanwhile, a group of enthusiasts led by Peter Bohanna built a prototype sports car with a design that was quite modern for the time. The car's chassis is a monocoque to which square tube subframes are attached, and the car's body is made of fiberglass.

The car has a mid-engine layout and is based on components and parts from the Austin Maxi model. Peter Bohanna did not have the production capacity, but the AC company did.

Photo: "A.C. 3000 ME (1982)" by andreboeni

In 1972, the company took over all rights to the prototype and presented its version at the London Motor Show in the same year. The car received a more powerful 183 ci (2,994 cc) Ford Essex V6 engine and a five-speed gearbox of its own production.

But the launch into mass production of the new AC 3000ME dragged on until 1979. First, the car underwent adaptation to the new passive safety rules. Then, for a long time, they chose component manufacturers and fought for their quality.

How many were made?

In 1979, the AC 3000ME no longer looked very modern. The 1972 plan to produce 10–20 cars a week turned out to be clearly utopian. The new plan provided for the production of 250 cars per year. But apparently that was also very optimistic.

Photo: "1984 AC 3000ME at Ingliston" by kylegordon

Only 71 cars were built before 1984. Then the company changed its owner, and production was moved to Scotland, where another 35 cars were assembled. So, a total of 106 of these vehicles were produced.

AC 3000ME Performance and Specs

Popularity

Oddly enough, such a rare and little-known car has its own fan club. There is a website on the Internet for fans of this car. All produced cars have been counted, and on the website, you can track the fate of almost all AC 3000MEs. Which car was lost in the accident, which one is being repaired, whether the car was repainted, and what the original color was...

Judging by the reviews from fans of the AC 3000ME, the car is quite successful, fast, and maneuverable. If not for the company's problems, the Lotus Esprit would have been a worthy competitor.

AC 3000ME Price

Well, it's not cheap enough to buy with spare change, but it's also not expensive enough to sell your firstborn for. Although it is very rare and difficult to find on the market, its price has not skyrocketed. The figure hovers around $30,000.

To be honest, it's harder for you to see a 3000ME on the market than to "put your hand in your pocket" when you find it. Let's just say it falls into the "I need to start saving now" category. Well, who needs a retirement fund anyway when you can have a shiny AC 3000AM? Am I right?