Lot 016: 1969 AC 428 Convertible

Launched at the London Motor Show in 1965, the elegant Frua-designed and bodied 428 was based on the chassis of the legendary 7-litre Cobra, lengthened by 6in and powered by Ford's 7016cc big-block FE engine, in this case coupled to a three-speed automatic C6 'Police' transmission. Chassis were built at the AC plant in Thames Ditton then shipped to Frua's workshop in Italy where the body was fitted and then sent back to England to have the powertrain and trim added. Pietro Frua also designed the bodies for the 428's closest competitor, the Monteverdi 375L, and the Maserati Mistral, which it resembles. As John McLellan put it in a 1983 edition of Thoroughbred and Classic Cars: "In 1966 there was a certain market for a grand tourer in the heroic mould, combining the performance and panache of a Lamborghini or a Maserati with the running costs of a Ford sedan. Surely AC would reap the rewards of this excellence". Sadly not, as by 1973 only 81of these elegant and fast - 145mph was available, with 0-100mph in 14 secs - GTs had been made; 50 coupes and 31 convertibles. The 1973 OPEC fuel crisis was not kind to thirsty GTs, however practical or exquisitely styled, and AC boss Derek Hurlock decided to shut down production, despite a firm �1/2m order for nine more from the HR Owen distributors. The survival rate is good - even though Keith Moon owned one. A few have 'fallen by the wayside' as ACOC 428 registrar Andy Shepherd puts it - and a small number of 428s are known to have been converted into Cobra replicas, leaving an estimated 25 right-hand drive survivors. CF 38 has a vast history file - and four years ago underwent an extensive restoration programme by a body and chassis specialist well known for its work on ACs and other coachbuilt cars. This included a "bare-metal refurbishment of the bodywork, repaint to the highest standard, with all brightwork rechromed", though the interior said is said to be "original and in exceptionally good condition". Mechanically, it underwent a "thorough overhaul". The owner now describes the 428 as "excellent" in chassis, engine, transmission and wheels and tyres and "faultless" in respect of its body and paintwork. Since the restoration, it has covered only approximately 1500 miles. AC is the featured marque on the Drivers' Club Walkway at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, and this car has an invitation to this prestigious historic event. What better way to seal ownership of this splendid and appreciating Anglo-American GT than to enjoy it at one of the world's top motoring events.