345 bhp, 6,989 cc overhead valve V-8 engine, three-speed automatic transmission, independent coil spring front and rear suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,440 mm

• One of only 29 convertibles built

• Italian style, English engineering, American horsepower!

• Fresh from bare metal re-spray

The AC Frua is a terrific hybrid in the original sense of the word. Taking a 427 Cobra chassis, AC stretched it six inches and commissioned Carrozzeria Frua of Turin to clothe it in handsome Italian steel coachwork. For power, Ford’s street-tuned 428-cubic inch engine (6,989 cc) was used, and gearboxes were either four-speed manual or automatic. Only 81 were built: 49 coupés, 29 convertibles and three special bodies. Chassis were shipped to Italy, bodied and then returned to Britain for power trains and trimming. A better performer than much of its Italian competition, the AC 428’s production was limited by Frua’s capacity and Ford’s ability to supply engines. Finally, the energy crisis of 1973 finished it off.

This particular AC 428 Frua Drophead is one of the only 29 convertibles to leave the Thames Ditton factory. The factory ledger supplied by the AC Owners Club suggests this particular convertible variant was finished on 31 January, 1969 in the same colour as it sports today, Live Oak over black. The car is thought to have been dispatched to Mike Spence Ltd. on consignment, subsequently sold to HR Owens Ltd. on 20 February, 1969 and finally registered on the 21st of February.

The car’s file contains an AA Technical inspection report, which reviewed the car’s condition on 13 May, 1976. At this time the recorded mileage is only 17,810. Following this inspection there are many invoices on file from AC Cars Ltd., Thames Ditton, through September 1976. It appears the car was sent back to the factory for maintenance on a yearly basis until 1989, at which point it was sent to “Autokraft” for maintenance, who took over the AC Company. In 1989, the mileage was listed as 28,447, which is consistent with the previous invoices on file. Between 1989 and 1990, over £6,000 was spent on the car, including stripping down the engine, overhaul of carburettors, machine cylinder heads and road tests as necessary. More maintenance bills are evident throughout the 1990s, with a bill every year for maintenance check up to 2010 when the mileage was recorded as being 30,299, still in the possession of Mr. Warner of Esher Surrey.

The vendor has treated the car to a bare-metal re-spray and a new soft top, as well as a thorough check throughout. This is a rare opportunity to own one of the 29 AC 428 Frua dropheads in lovely condition with a “big block” motor under the bonnet!