1967 AC 428 Frua - Prototype

Chassis Number: CF3
Engine Number: 5L831

- Fully restored matching numbers example
- Factory prototype and press car used on 428 brochures.
- Believed to be 1 of only 6 remaining 428 convertibles specified with a manual gearbox, of which 8 were originally built.

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 the all-around independent coil-and-wishbone suspension, rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and a Salisbury 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 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 a standard three-speed automatic transmission, its list price was over £1,000 more than an Aston Martin DB6.

Chassis number CF3 was built by AC Cars Ltd and first registered on 1st March 1967 with registration number PPL428E.
It was noted in AC’s workshop ledger as a prototype and used extensively over the next 4 years by the renowned company owner Derek Hurlock. At this time it was used by AC’s then Sales and Service manager K.R. Judd.
There is correspondence on file between Judd and the previous owner mentioning it was the first convertible with a steel body, of which the rest of the production cars followed suit. Furthermore, Judd mentioned that the car was air freighted to France at one point during its time with AC to feature in a BP promotional film. It featured extensively in company promotion brochures and advertising material.

This right-hand drive car was sold by a relative of Derek Hurlock and passed through various owners, eventually being exported to the USA in 1985, by notable AC restorer and collector Jim Feldman. Correspondence and the sales adverts of this transaction are on file alongside the import documents. A major restoration was carried out by Vantage Motors of Stanford Connecticut, resulting in 3 Concours wins in 2006, 2010, and 2015 (Greenwich, Connecticut).
This no-expense-spared restoration was instigated by Mr R. Philips who bought the car in 2002 and kept it for 18 years until it was repatriated to the UK in 2020 and was provided its original registration number by the DVLA.

The 428 has been serviced in the last 12 months alongside a new clutch, uprated water pump, and replacement brake master cylinder and servos. We are delighted to offer this 428 Frua with its first-class history and is one of the finest driving examples we have had through our doors.

SOLD

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