1973 AC 428 Fastback Coupe
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua
Registration no. Not UK Registered
Chassis no. CF63

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. Although the 428ci (7.0-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 81 being made between 1966 and 1973, the split being 51 coupés and only 30 convertibles. It is estimated that around 40 coupés remain.

This rare example regrettably comes with no history file, however a previous auction description on files describes how it was first registered in the UK on 19th January 1973 as 'TNP 866L'. It is understood that it was featured in Classic & Sports Cars magazine (May 1995 edition) and the AC Owners' Club's November 1999 newsletter.

The AC had had only four owners from new prior to the current vendor, who purchased the car at a Monaco auction in May 2010, at which time it was reported as being in generally excellent condition. The auction description states previous owner had acquired the AC in 2004 and had it thoroughly re-commissioned by AC Cobra specialist Alan Smith of Thunder Road Garage. Kept in a heated and dehumidified garage by the previous owner, the car was used sparingly but regularly on club runs and outings. The AC has been on static display since its acquisition by the vendor in 2010 and will require re-commissioning before further use. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the 2010 auction catalogue description and bill of sale.

Please note that 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. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £250 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. 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. Please note that this vehicle is not offered with a registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.