1971 AC 428 Fastback Coupe
Chassis no. CFX61

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 an even more sensational fastback-styled coupe. The 428ci (7.0-litre) Ford Galaxie engine that gave the model its name produced 345bhp and was capable of delivering all the performance that customers desired. 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. The 428 cost considerably more than the contemporary Aston Martin DB6 resulting in a mere 80 being made between 1966 and 1973.

These 'Continental Expresses' are thus incredibly rare and this example was first delivered new to the Claude Dubois dealership in Brussels, Belgium. A (copy) advertisement on file states that the AC had been kept stored in heated premises since 1977, while the accompanying copy of the bill of sale records that the odometer was showing approximately 6,000 kilometres when the car was purchased by the vendor in 2010. Additional documentation consists of copies of previous advertisements and old Belgian registration papers. Stored since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning before returning to the road.

Please note that if this vehicle is to be imported into Switzerland, Swiss Customs charges (Duty, Car Tax and VAT) will apply at roughly 12.5% of the Purchase Price. Included in this is the Swiss Duty which is calculated on the weight of the vehicle and shall be CHF 15 per 100 kg. Also included is Swiss Car Tax at 4% and this is calculated on the total Purchase Price (Hammer + Buyers Premium). Swiss VAT will then be applicable on the aggregated amount of the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium, Swiss Duty and Swiss Car Tax at a rate of 7.7%.
Please note that customs rates to other countries shall vary. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.