1979–1985 AC 3000ME Specs & Performance

The AC 3000ME marked a significant departure from the company's traditional front-engined sports cars, introducing a mid-engined layout in a compact two-seat coupe. Its design originated from the Bohanna-Stables Diablo concept, which AC developed into a production model with distinctive wedge-shaped styling and a lightweight glass-fibre body. Beneath the exterior, a steel monocoque chassis with front and rear subframes provides the structural foundation. The unusual engine placement behind the passenger compartment gives the 3000ME a different character from the front-engined sports cars for which AC was better known.

Produced during 1979–1985, the 3000ME uses a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre Ford Essex V6 producing 136 bhp at 5,000 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. A five-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels. Its claimed 0–62 mph acceleration time of 8.8 seconds and 124 mph top speed reflect a balanced approach to performance rather than outright speed. With a kerb weight of approximately 2,072 pounds, the coupe combines relatively modest power with distinctive mid-engined packaging.