AC 3000 ME

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Description

The AC 3000 ME is a distinctive model from AC Cars, marking a departure from the company’s traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Introduced in the late 1970s, the AC 3000 ME was a mid-engine sports car that showcased AC’s ambition to modernize its offerings and compete with contemporary European sports cars.

The design of the AC 3000 ME was a radical shift from AC’s earlier models, featuring a sleek and aerodynamic fiberglass body mounted on a steel chassis. The car’s low, wedge-shaped profile, pop-up headlights, and sharp lines reflected the design trends of the 1970s, giving it a futuristic and sporty appearance. The mid-engine layout provided a balanced weight distribution, enhancing the car’s handling and driving dynamics.

Powering the AC 3000 ME was a 3.0-liter Ford Essex V6 engine, producing around 138 horsepower. While not exceptionally powerful by modern standards, the car’s lightweight construction allowed it to deliver respectable performance, with a top speed of approximately 120 mph and a 0 to 60 mph time of around 8 seconds. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, offering a direct and engaging driving experience.

The interior of the AC 3000 ME was designed with comfort and practicality in mind, featuring supportive seats, a well-laid-out dashboard, and ample storage space for a mid-engine sports car. Despite its sporty exterior, the car was relatively well-appointed, making it suitable for both spirited driving and everyday use.

Production of the AC 3000 ME was limited, with fewer than 100 units built between 1979 and 1984. The car faced challenges in the market due to competition from more established manufacturers and the economic climate of the time. However, it remains an interesting chapter in AC Cars’ history, showcasing the company’s willingness to innovate and adapt to changing automotive trends.

Today, the AC 3000 ME is a rare and intriguing collector’s item, valued for its unique design, mid-engine configuration, and the legacy of the AC brand. Its place in the evolution of British sports cars is appreciated by enthusiasts who recognize its significance as a bold attempt to diversify AC’s lineup in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.

Additional information

Manufacturer

AC

Country

UK

Production Started

1973

Production Stopped

1984

Vehicle Type

Bodystyle

Coupe

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

2

Top Speed

124 mph (200 kph)

0-60 mph (0-100 kph)

9 s

Power

101 / 138 / 136 @ 5000 rpm

Torque

240 / 177 @ 3000 rpm

Engine Manufacturer

Ford

Engine

V6

Engine Location

Front

Engine Displacement

2994 cc (181.8 cu in)

Valvetrain

OHV

Valves per Cylinder

2

Bore / Stroke

93.7 x 72.4 mm (3.689 x 2.85 in)

Compression Ratio

9.1:1

Cooling System

Water

Charging System

Fuel Type

Petrol

Fuel System

Carburator, 1 x Weber

Aspiration

Normal

Fuel Capacity

Drive

Rear

Transmission

M5

Steering

Front Brakes

Rear Brakes

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tyre Dimensions

Chassis

Weight

1085 kg (2392 lb)

Length

3988 mm (157 in)

Width

1651 mm (65 in)

Height

1143 mm (45 in)

Wheelbase

2299 mm (90.5 in)