This motorcar is now sold, please contact our sales team if you are thinking of selling your AC.

Despite several successful seasons and victory in the 1965 FIA World Manufacturers GT Championship, the Shelby Cobra programme was effectively curtailed that year by Ford's decision to concentrate on its in-house GT40 project. Faced with dwindling sales and denied the Dearborn giant's backing, AC's Derek Hurlock began planning a new model line. Conscious that the Cobra MKIII - although an adrenaline pump par excellence - was somewhat lacking in usability, he conceived its successor as a far more sophisticated Gran Turismo. Named after the cubic inch displacement of its 7014cc hydraulic-lifter Ford V8 engine (also confusingly fitted to late street Cobras), the 428 was built on a six-inch stretched version of its illustrious forebear's chassis. Benefiting from all-round independent coil-and-wishbone suspension, rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes and a Salisbury limited slip differential, this race honed set-up was deemed necessary to harness the powerplant's quoted 345bhp output. Charged with clothing the resultant high-speed projectile, Turin coachbuilder Frua previewed a wonderfully elegant convertible and strikingly rakish fastback at the 1965 Earl's Court Motor Show and 1966 Geneva Salon respectively. Finally entering hand-built production in 1968, the 428 was fearsomely expensive. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and over 145mph even when fitted with standard three-speed automatic transmission, its list price was over £1,000 more than an Aston Martin DB6.

This Motorcar in particular left the Thames Ditton factory on the 15th of December 1970, heading to the well established agent H.R Owen Ltd of Sloane Street. Then being registered for the first time on the 3rd of February 1971, It was then noted in the factory ledger that the car was with Hexagon Motors in November 1971. Originally sporting white bodywork and black interior.

• 1 of 81 manufactured

• 3 owners from new

• 58,000 miles from new

In more recent history the car had the sills refurbished and resprayed in late 2007, shortly thereafter the most recent custodian acquired the 428, and immediately had a quicksilver stainless steel exhaust fitted. As part of his V8 collection, it has been dry stored and lightly used locally. It has just been through our pre sale AC heritage works service and recommissioning package. The exterior bodywork is sharp with only a few small age-related marks, to the rear of the car. The brightwork is all original and slightly patinated aside from the bumpers that have been rechromed. In the cabin, the leather interior is in good condition throughout. Floor mats are tidy and our in house trimmers are attending to the carpet areas on the gearbox tunnel.

A tidy and practical classic that would be the perfect candidate for the upcoming motoring season.

To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment.