AC 70 Carriage

1976 AC Model 70 Invalid Car outside the National Motor Museum

Key facts

Year

1976
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

500cc
Cylinders

2 (flat-twin)
Valves

Pushrod operated overhead
Output

Not known
Maximum speed

55mph/88.51kph
Price new

Not marketed
Manufacturer

AC Cars Ltd

The Ministry of Pensions was formed in 1917 and undertook the supply of self-propelled vehicles to war veterans suffering from mobility problems. By 1920, The British Red Cross Society was awarding grants enabling vehicles for disabled people to be motorised.

In 1947, AC commenced the manufacture of purpose-built cars for the Ministry of Pensions. During the next 20 years, steady improvements resulted in the production of the Model 70. With fully adaptable features, including a wheelchair height seat and easily adjustable and optional primary controls, production continued until 1976. Due to the ease with which modern cars could be adapted, all AC 70s – once a common sight on British roads – were withdrawn in 2003.