The Model Z Ace was introduced in 1930. It had a low-
mounted body on a long 145-inch wheelbase frame. Its body was
built by another Cleveland firm, the Facto Auto Body Company.
It had a large 5.3-liter, straight-eight engine (mated to a four-
speed gearbox) that made 114 bhp at 3,300 rpm. Jordan sought to
capture some of the interest in aircraft during this period by using
toggle switches for various accessories and even incorporating an
altimeter into its dashboard. Jordan wasn’t completely dependent
on gimmicks, however—it used high-quality components and even
included filters for its oil and fuel, an automatic windshield washer,
thermostatically controlled radiator shutters, and other unique and
advanced features. Its engine’s crankshaft ran smoothly on five main
bearings, and the car stopped with the aid of fully hydraulic brakes.
Unfortunately, the Ace Roadster's price and market timing
doomed it from the outset. Priced at over $5,000, it arrived just one
year after the stock market crashed and eliminated the ability of
many potential customers to afford such a car.
Found in 1998, this lone surviving Jordan Model Z Speedway
Ace Roadster was restored, and received a class award at the 2008
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
lu
(lu)
#1