Richard Stafford
Senior Specialist, Head of Research
LOT 123
1968 AC 428 Convertible Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua Registration no. YPF 409G Chassis no. CF25
Estimate: £225,000 - £250,000
Lot 123
1968 AC 428 Convertible Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua Registration no. YPF 409G Chassis no. CF25
The Bond Street Sale: Important Collectors' Motor Cars|4 December 2021, 15:00 GMT|London, New Bond Street
1968 AC 428 Convertible
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua
Registration no. YPF 409G
Chassis no. CF25
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua
Registration no. YPF 409G
Chassis no. CF25
• One of only 29 AC 428 Convertibles made
• Formerly part of Peter Black's Yorkshire Car Collection
• Engine and gearbox rebuilt
• Extensive recent refurbishment
• Formerly part of Peter Black's Yorkshire Car Collection
• Engine and gearbox rebuilt
• Extensive recent refurbishment
Footnotes
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 MkIII 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 a sensational fastback-styled coupe. 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 70 being made between 1966 and 1973, the split being 51 coupés and only 29 convertibles.
Finished in Guardsman Blue with black interior and dark blue mohair hood, this is one of the 29 AC 428 convertibles. For many years the car formed part of Peter Black's collection in Yorkshire and remained on display in his museum prior to being sold to the previous owner at Bonhams' RAF Museum, Hendon Sale in April 2007 (Lot 736). During his ownership the AC was used sparingly but was rigorously maintained, including full rebuilds of the engine and gearbox. Recently the car's underside has been comprehensively detailed; and the front and rear suspension fully stripped with all new parts fitted where required; the entire braking system fully refurbished; and a new set of chrome wire wheels fitted. Improvements include an aluminium radiator and fully adjustable 'Cobra' coil springs, shock absorbers and trailing links. This AC presents very well, has a lovely original interior, shows some 58,000 miles, and comes with a current V5C Registration Certificate for its original registration. Accompanied by a comprehensive history file together with a nice selection or original AC publications, this 'Gentleman's Cobra' is one of the rarest of AC cars
Saleroom notices
Please note the car has had limited use since 2019 due to COVID and other circumstances. The vendor recommends the car would benefit from a rolling road set-up and he suggests the American engine specialist, Martin Saville (RPM Motors), whose details are on file.
Additional information
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