1966 AC 428

The age of big-engined ACs commenced when Carroll Shelby transformed the 1961 AC Ace 2.6 into the AC Cobra by installing Ford’s 4.2-litre V-8 into the light roadster, progressing later to the 4.7-litre motor and finally to the 7-litre 428 V-8. While AC produced Cobra chassis and bodies for Shelby, in 1965 AC previewed the new Frua-styled 427 (6997 cc) at the London Motor Show. Soon to be the 428 (7014 cc) with the bigger engine, it was a modern two-seat convertible, and deliveries began in 1966.

The MkIII AC Cobra's chassis served as the basis for the 427/428, only the wheelbase was lengthened by 6 inches. Once built, each chassis was sent from England to Italy where Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua fit the new AC with his stylish Italian bodywork (a shape that echoed the earlier Maserati Mistral that Frua also penned). Each car then went back to England for the engine and trim to be installed. Very early cars had the ferocious 427 6997-cc engine fitted, but these were soon superseded by the calmer Ford Galaxie power of the 428 7016-cc V-8.

The AC 428 was one of the fastest GTs on the road in 1965 with 0-60 mph coming in 5.9 seconds, a 1/4-mile time of 14.4 seconds, and a top speed of 139 mph. A few of the cars had manual transmissions, but most were coupled to Ford's 3-speed C-6 automatic—a configuration that yielded 345 bhp at 4,600 rpm and a reasonable 15.6 mpg. With 4-wheel disc brakes and coil suspension, the car could be tuned for that 'boulevard' ride. Although a heavy car at 3,115 lbs against 2,100 lbs for the AC Cobra, there was no power steering option. Even so, period road tests describe the AC 428 as a great car to drive with a stiff suspension, good stopping power, and a comfortable interior.

In 1967 production of the AC Cobra was about to cease, making space for the new AC 428 fastback coupe. The car’s high price of £4,250 (by way of comparison, an Aston Martin DB6 at the time cost £4,998) as well as the oil crisis of 1973 hindered and ultimately ended orders. Over 9 years of production, just 51 convertibles, 29 fastbacks and 2 special-bodied cars were manufactured.

Today the AC 428 offers Italian looks and American brute performance in a British package, which is as rare a combination as the car’s production numbers suggest. Given its exclusive nature, the model has typically seen thoughtful and caring ownership over the years, and the AC Owners Club estimates that around 60 cars still exist, with a handful converted into AC Cobra replicas. Unusually for AC, the bodies were steel and can rust badly. Ford's cast-iron engine is reliable, but look out for any coolant leaks, as this can lead to overheating. Also, as the car was set only 4 inches off the ground, check for damage underneath. Once you find one that fits the bill, you will be rewarded with a very rare performance car at a fraction of the price of an Aston Martin DB6, and something that is more than just a little bit different.