engine sports car utilising a Maxi E-series engine and gearbox. AC Cars of Surrey needing a new fashionable mid engine car purchased the design and name with the idea of launching it at the 1973 Motor Show, however British Leyland stated that they could not guarantee supply of E series power and transmission units from Crofton Hackett due to the impending launch of the Allegro. In the event AC fitted the Ford Essex V6 with a specially constructed gearbox. It then suffered in development, owing to Type 1 crash approval, and was finally launched at the 1978 Motor Show as the AC 3000ME References E-series engine description Notes E E Gasoline engines by model Straight-four engines Straight-six engines