Lot 596: 1973 AC 428 Convertible
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua

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 sportscar as a luxury Grand Routier. 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 an even more sensational fastback-styled coupe. Although the 428cu in (7-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 80 being made between 1966 and 1973, the split being 51 convertibles and 29 coupés.
Surely among the most elegant of Anglo-American classics, this exceptionally original and unrestored AC 428 Convertible has enjoyed only two owners from new, the current since 1987, and displays a total of 11,604 miles on the odometer. The vendor advises us that a replacement speedometer was fitted at 12,000 miles, making the total from new a mere 23,604. Modifications listed consist of larger, cowled-in radiator; additional front air duct; two-stage Kenlowe cooling fans with indicator lights; brake servos relocated to rear of front wings; stainless-steel exhaust system; and Halibrand peg-drive alloy wheels on original splined hubs, giving a slight track increase front and rear. The car retains its original engine, which is reported to use no oil and displays good oil pressure. Finished in silver with original black leather interior, ‘MYW 927L’ is offered with sundry maintenance/service invoices, current MoT and Swansea V5.