Chassis No. CF33
Engine No. 7L1030

Following the success of the race-bred AC-bodied Shelby Cobra 427, AC Cars set out to reestablish itself as a true independent manufacturer with an entirely new grand-touring flagship: the AC 428 Frua. Introduced in 1965 as a spiritual successor to the AC Ace, the refined and sophisticated 428 combined British engineering with Italian craftsmanship and American power. Each car began life on a lengthened Cobra chassis before being shipped to Turin, where master coachbuilder Pietro Frua—renowned for such Italian designs as the Maserati Mistral—clothed it in elegant hand-formed bodywork. Power came from Ford's 7.0-liter (428 cu-in) big block V8 producing 345 horsepower, which reached the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic or four-speed manual transmission. Only 81 examples were produced before production ceased in 1973, most as fastback coupes and a smaller number of convertibles.

This 1969 AC 428 Convertible, serial number CF33, is one of approximately 28 convertibles produced. This example is believed to have been first purchased in England, originally finished in dark red and equipped with the three-speed automatic transmission, heater, air conditioning, and radio. The car reappeared in the public eye in the 1990s at a public sale at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 1995. Between 2006 and 2008, it underwent a thorough restoration in Italy—performed by Quality Cars in Padua and Soragna-based GPS Classics founder Tommaso Gelmini, where it was refinished in its current navy blue with a matching blue soft top over a red interior and fitted with a dashboard from a later 428 example. It was displayed at the 2009 Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este and entered the care of the Belgium-based consignor that September. In 2021, the owner commissioned significant mechanical enhancements including the fitment of an alloy block V8, producing approximately 500 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission. This extensive work was performed by August of Ohain, Belgium from March to September of that year and totaled around €70.000.

This well-documented example is now offered following over 16 years of long-term Belgian ownership and is accompanied by an extensive history file including invoices, correspondence, and photos from its restoration in the mid 2000s. The original engine block and automatic transmission remain with the car and will be included in the same lot—they will be shipped to the new buyer's destination of choice at the buyer's expense.

Restored to an especially striking specification, this exceptionally rare 1969 AC 428 Frua Convertible remains today in very nice condition. It is a masterful synthesis of British engineering, Italian elegance, and potent American power; the result of which is a unique and refreshing addition to any discerning stable of classic cars.