What a strong history file contains
Look for a deep, well-organised file: the current registration document (a UK V5C, or the equivalent overseas title), a continuous or near-continuous ownership record, dated restoration reports with invoices and photographs, old MOT certificates, and correspondence that traces the car's life. The original instruction handbook and the factory toolkit and jack are prized extras that add both charm and value. Rally plates, event entries and period photographs all help build the story.
Provenance that adds value
Certain histories lift a car above its peers: documented period competition history, an unbroken chain of known owners, an association with a notable figure, or early delivery to a significant market. Because so many Acecas were exported when new — particularly to the United States — a car's delivery details and its journey home can be part of its appeal.
Verifying the story
Cross-check the file against the AC Owners' Club register and, where relevant, the marque Registrar, who can confirm build details and recorded changes. For a car used in historic motorsport, a valid FIA Historic Technical Passport is important both for eligibility and as evidence of specification. And if you are buying across borders, make sure the import and export paperwork is complete and correct — rules for moving historic cars between the UK, EU and elsewhere have tightened in recent years, and incomplete documentation can cause real difficulty.