A SPECIAL continuation model of the legendary lightweight AC Ace sports car dating from the early 1960s - now totally updated as the AC Ace RS - is to be launched by AC Cars, the original manufacturer which remains in production.

AC Cars chief executive Alan Lubinsky said the Ace RS is identical in looks to the 1962 model and will feature a new lightweight 2.3-litre 350bhp petrol engine which gives the car a 0 to 62mph acceleration of 5.8 seconds.

It will be priced from £89,500.

The original was the inspiration for the iconic AC Cobra.

"The new AC Ace RS may well be the last ever new AC model to be powered by a petrol engine," said Mr Lubinsky. "Already, virtually every one of our current model range offers an electric driveline as we at AC lead the sports car industry into greener territory."