BRITAIN’S oldest car-maker, AC Cars, has appointed Swiss entrepreneur David Conza as its new chief executive officer and investor in AC’s parent company Acedes Holdings LLC.

He will work alongside AC Cars owner and chair, Alan Lubinsky, who has led the sports car company for the past 26 years.

Mr Conza has an established track record as a successful entrepreneur and investor in different international venture companies including massage chair manufacturer Vitalizer International.

AC Cars said Mr Conza will introduce a new management team and guide AC Cars at an important juncture in its journey as it starts a period of sustained development for the brand including the development and launch of new-generation AC Ace and AC Cobra models.

The new models will be petrol-fuelled and developed alongside a new series of electric sportscars. AC Cars also owns English bespoke sports-car maker Zenos.

Mr Conza said: “I’m proud to be able to lead such a famous company and continue a legacy that stretches back 121 years.

“This is an inherently British brand, and we will honour that by building highly advanced cars worthy of wearing the AC badge.”

Mr Lubinsky said: “As a car enthusiast and successful entrepreneur, David has a fantastic insight into the market and what clients really look for when buying luxury sportscars.

“His passion and determination will propel the company forward, providing the impetus and investment needed to produce the next generation of cars. I’m excited to be working with him as we carry the spirit of AC Cars into the future.”

AC Cars was established by the Weller Brothers in 1901, producing cars and motorbikes from their workshop in West Norwood, London.

It produced its first vehicle in 1903, but the Autocarrier was introduced a year later (from which the name AC was later derived). The first three-wheel commercial delivery vehicle, it proved an instant success.

However, it was the AC Ace which cemented the company’s status following its launch in 1953. With an aluminium body designed and built by Eric George Gray, it gained the respect of racing enthusiasts for its everyday practicality and racing pace.

This was the car which would evolve to incorporate the Ford V8 and become the AC Cobra.

AC Cars said that the Cobra’s unmistakable shape and design had endured and through limited production with each car hand built, it remains reserved for an exclusive clientele.

By Neil Dowling