In 1973 AC built the first AC 3000ME as an all new, British built sports car featuring a tuned Ford V6 Essex engine mounted in a mid-engine configuration. The first production cars were not built until 1979. The car offered Italian styling that was well received but the engine just could not deliver the expected performance that the cars name and appearance suggested. The last AC 3000ME was produced in 1984 after building only about 82 cars. A link to the 3000ME official site for more info
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This is the car I want...just need to earn or win the big bucks. It was in the Petersen Car Museum and I did see an ad in AutoWeek for this car last year. I have been e-mailing the owner and have found out he is asking $50,000. 1981 SHELBY AC 3000 ME Believing that an affordable mid-engine car would sell well in the U.S., business partners Steve Hitter and Barry Gale imported a British AC 3000 ME, which was to be fitted with an American drivetrain to meet emissions standards. When General Motors delayed providing an engine, Hitter arranged through Carroll Shelby, who was recently hired by Chrysler to consult on a new line of performance cars, to obtain a turbocharged four-cylinder K-Car engine. Although the car showed promise, Chrysler management declined to support the project and the AC Shelby remained unique. Collection of Steve Hitter |
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This was taken in the museum. |