During some 30-year ownership of a Mr Bob Standbridge, AE414 had the opportunity to enjoy plenty of Classic Rally’s and European adventures including the RAC Euro Classic in 1993 which was well documented within the history folder, and the 2003 47th Rallye Internationale des Alpes Historique.
Mr Bob Standbridge’s history with AC’s dates back to 1954 where he and his wife Mo took delivery of the 10th production AC Ace chassis AE34. Competing previously in a Sunbeam Alpine, the Ace was quite the step up. Both he and his wife found considerable success during their 7-year ownership. In Bob’s words “Mo and I competed in every type of motoring event, autocrosses, hill climbs, driving tests and sprints”.
In 2008, Mr Standbridge commissioned AC engine specialist Rod Briggs to completely strip and rebuild the engine to modern standards.
In 2010, Mrs Standbridge sold AE414 to Mr Robert White of Dorset, UK. Mr White was a very successful local businessman within the Poole, Dorset area. It was Robert’s love for motorcycles that first connected him to his good friend Jay Leno, US chat show great and a huge collector of motorcycles and vehicles. Unfortunately, Robert was diagnosed with cancer circa 2014-2015 but he was eager to see the impact of his legacy within his own lifetime. So much so, he agreed to sell his good friend Jay Leno his collection of Brough Superior Motorcycles for £3.5 million, with all the money going directly to Poole hospital, meaning work to the new Cancer Centre could commence. Following his passing, the remainder of his cars and motorcycles were auctioned to also be donated to the Cancer Centre, as well as a further donation of £2 million.
Within the collection:
AC Ace AE414
Ace Ace Bristol BE 1059
1930 Bentley 4 ½ Litre Tourer
“They say that you should never be possessed by your possessions; but Robert took more pleasure from his possessions than any man I have ever met,” said Leno. “The evening ritual of winding his George Daniels watch, for example, was an active delight to him as an opportunity to take pleasure in its mechanism.” Jay Leno
Following the sale in 2016, AE414 was Purchased by Mr Williams of Devon, UK. During his tenure, large amount of works were carried out, including the fitment of disc brakes to the front (original drums present). Mr Williams sold AE414 to the current owner in 2018.
We are pleased to offer AFT 900 with a complete set of original handbooks & a considerable history file, priced at £199,500. For further details please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Viewing available by appointment at TI Developments SW, Unit 11, Washington Road, West Wilts Trading Estate, Westbury, BA13 4JP
Please contact George Keller
01373 300255
sales@tidevelopments.co.uk
