• One of an estimated 51 coupés made
• Automatic transmission
• Known ownership history
• Dry stored since acquisition in 2012
• Requires recommissioning

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, styled by Pietro Frua. 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 circa 51 coupés and only 30 convertibles (published figures vary).

Decades later the 428 still had the means to impress. Sampling a convertible in a comparison test alongside a Maserati Mistral and Ferrari 330GTS for its November 2004 edition, Classic Cars magazine was struck by the 428's effortlessness: "The AC is flicked forward on a raised eyebrow of torque: 462ft/lb peaking at a shoulder-shrugging 2,800rpm. Left to its own devices, the 428 will out-run the Ferrari up to 90mph and just beat it over a standing quarter-mile, all without appearing to exert itself."

This AC 428 was completed on 3rd November 1969 and from 1972 to 1985 was understood to be in storage at the AC Cars factory. On 30th April '85 the car was purchased by Mr George Cammack of Edinburgh and three years later was a class winner at the AC Club's annual concours. Mr Cammack offered the 428 for sale in 1989, by which time it had covered some 30,000 miles, and it was bought by a Mr Jillies of the Edinburgh-based Drambuie Liquor Company.

In 1993 the AC was offered for sale at auction and purchased by Mr Andre el Zenny. When the next owner – Daryl Smith – acquired the car in 1996 the mileage had only risen slightly, to 33,231. The 428 was kept by Mr Smith until 2003 and while in his ownership underwent restoration but was scarcely used. In December 2003 (at 33,273 miles) the car was sold to Mr Steve Cunningham, who kept it until November 2004 when it was bought by Mr Michael Trösser in Germany. On 10th January 2008 the AC was sold to the immediately preceding owner.

The current vendor purchased the AC at Bonhams' auction at the RAF Museum, Hendon in April 2012 (Lot 331) and exported it from the UK. Since acquisition the car has been kept on static display and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. A most elegant, Italian-styled, Anglo-American Gran Turismo representing excellent value for money, 'CF46' is offered with photocopies of the 2012 auction catalogue description and bill of sale, and (part of) its last UK V5C Registration Certificate (for 'WNJ 179H').

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.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. 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. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.