1971 AC 428 Coupé
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua
Registration no. Not UK Registered
Chassis no. CF64
Engine no. 1126 RSKR

The concept of Italian styling coupled with American V8 horsepower was well established by the late 1960s, and no doubt influenced AC Cars' decision to reconfigure its fire-breathing Cobra sports car as a luxury Grande Routière. A Cobra Mark III coil-suspended chassis was extended by 6" in the wheelbase and despatched to Italy to be clothed in elegant steel coachwork by Pietro Frua, the result looking not unlike the latter's Maserati Mistral. The first car, a two-seater convertible, was completed in time for the 1965 Earls Court Motor Show, while the following year's Geneva Salon saw the launch of an even more sensational fastback-styled coupé. Although the 428ci (7.0-litre) Ford Galaxie engine that gave the model its name produced less power than the Cobra 427's, the 345bhp on tap was capable of delivering all the performance that customers desired. Shrugging off the car's 1,416kgs weight and seemingly unhampered by the automatic transmission, as fitted to the majority of cars, this stupendous engine enabled road testers to record sub-six-second 0-60mph times and 0-100mph times of around 14.5 seconds, with a maximum speed in excess of 140mph. Hampered by an inflated price - the 428 cost considerably more than the contemporary Aston Martin DB6 - production never attained Cobra levels, a mere 81 being made between 1966 and 1973, the split being 51 coupés and only 30 convertibles. It is estimated that around 40 coupés remain.

Forum threads found online on the AC Owners Club forum detail the previous (Australian) owners restoration and modification of the car, leading up to the sale in November 2011 when he sold the car to the Middle East. Forum posts by the previous owner describe the car as having been delivered new in the UK, and subsequently having been in Vancouver, Canada from where the previous owner purchased it, unfortunately there is no history on file to confirm this.

Equipped with the customary automatic transmission, this rare Anglo-American Gran Turismo is believed to have been acquired by the current vendor in 2011. Stored since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. The only documentation available is a photocopy of a Middle Eastern registration card issued on 21st January 2013.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £350 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers. Please note that this vehicle is only offered with a photocopy of its old registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.