428 Frua Fastback Coupé "Manual gearbox" 1969 for sale

The concept of Italian styling combined with American V8 power was well established by the end of the 1960s and undoubtedly influenced AC Cars' decision to reconfigure its focused Cobra sports car as a luxurious Grande Routière. A Cobra MkIII chassis with coil-spring suspension was stretched 6 inches in wheelbase and sent to Italy to be clothed with an elegant steel body by Pietro Frua. The result speaks for itself. The first car, a two-seat convertible, was completed in time for the 1965 Earls Court Motor Show, while an even more sensational fastback-style coupé was launched at the Geneva Show the following year. Although the 428ci (7.0-litre) Ford Galaxy engine produced less power than that of the Cobra 427, the 345 bhp variant was able to deliver all the performance customers desired. Despite the car's weight of 1,416 kg, and unhindered by the automatic transmission fitted to most cars, this remarkable engine allowed testers to achieve 0-100 km/h times of under six seconds and 0-160 km/h times of around 14.5 seconds. With a top speed of over 140 km/h. Hampered by a high price - the 428 cost considerably more than the contemporary Aston Martin DB6 - production never reached the levels of the Cobra; only 81 were built between 1966 and 1973, split into around 51 coupés and just 30 convertibles. It is estimated that around 40 examples remain. This example was first registered in June 1969 and is one of six built with manual transmission. This example is in particularly original condition throughout. The exterior was repainted once for cosmetic reasons, but the interior is still in completely original condition and the leather is still wonderfully soft despite its age. The AC sounds beautiful and the 428 engine is powerful and smooth. The gearbox is also pleasant and there are really no unwanted noises to be heard. In other words, a contender for the ultimate cruiser. Gallery Aaldering has been Europe's leading classic car specialist since 1975! Visit our website for the current stock list (all cars offered are available in our showroom) and further information. We are located near the German border, 95 km from Düsseldorf and 90 km from Amsterdam. So it is easy to travel by plane, train, taxi and car. Transport and shipping worldwide can be arranged. No import duties/costs within Europe. We buy, sell and provide consignment sales (sale on behalf of the owner). We can arrange/provide registration/documents for our German customers (H-Kennzeichen, TüV, Fahrzeugbrief, Wertgutachten etc.) and Benelux. Gallery Aaldering,