428ci OHV Ford V8 Engine
4-Barrel Carburetor
345bhp at 3,400rpm
Ford C6 Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*One of just 51 AC 428 Frua Fastback examples ever produced
*Offered with comprehensive history file with many receipts and documentation
*Owned and treasured by consignor for several decades
*Well-documented and maintained example the rare AC 428


THE AC 428

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 Grand Routier. A Cobra MkIII coil-suspended chassis was extended by 6" in the wheelbase and dispatched 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 428ci (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.

However, shipping rolling chassis to Turin and back again after the bodies had been installed was both time-consuming and expensive, leading to delayed deliveries. 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 29 convertibles and 51 coupes. Despite attrition and even some cars broken down to create replica Cobras, marque experts estimate an outstanding survival rate with about 65 examples known remaining in existence.



THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1971 AC 428 Fastback is a particularly compelling example that clearly benefits handsomely from over two decades under the current ownership and restoration work performed during 2015 and most recently in 2021. One of 61 original right-hand drive Fastback and Spider examples, this later-production AC 428 Fastback retains the original engine and it is one of approximately 62 of the 80 cars equipped with a Ford C-6 three-speed automatic transmission. Resplendent in its Silver exterior finish over rich Black leather upholstery, this 428 is appropriately complemented by beautiful triple-laced chrome wire wheels. Only an approximate 32,000 miles are recorded on the odometer at the time of cataloguing. Recorded provenance dates back to 1985, when this AC 428 Fastback was imported from Switzerland via the Belgian port city of Antwerp by Portland, Oregon's Jim Feldman, one of the United States' premier AC marque experts. The current owner saw the 428 in November 1985 and was captivated, eventually acquiring the vehicle in July 1997.

Beautifully refurbished in 2015 under the current ownership with additional work performed most recently in 2021, this AC 428 Fastback is a top-echelon example that remains true to its origins, with just two select and extremely desirable upgrades enhancing the driving experience. Engine cooling is vastly improved with disconnection of the original and inadequate Kenlowe cooling fans and installation of a modern, high-capacity electrical fan mounted behind the radiator. Driving dynamics are enhanced with an improved rear-suspension kit sourced from Andy Shepherd at Uniclip Automotive and installed by Shawn Thomas. Extensive documentation includes books, literature, photographs, invoices and miscellaneous paperwork including owner history. Desirable additional items include a damaged but complete, intact, and extremely rare factory Owner's Manual and AC 428 sales brochure, plus a quality car cover. Exceedingly rare, hand built, and handsomely restored, this 1971 AC 428 Fastback is a wonderful example and truly marks the end of an era on several fronts.