AC 428 Spider

The AC 428 Spider, produced by AC Cars Ltd. between 1965 and 1973, represents a limited series of Anglo-Italian grand touring automobiles. Constructed on a lengthened version of the AC Cobra 427 Mark III chassis, the model utilized a steel tubular frame engineered in Thames Ditton, England. The bare chassis were shipped to Carrozzeria Frua in Turin, Italy, where Pietro Frua oversaw the fabrication and installation of the bodywork. Upon completion, the bodied cars returned to the United Kingdom for mechanical assembly, interior fitting, and final testing. The vehicle was powered by a 7.0-litre Ford FE-series V8 engine, sourced from the Galaxie and Thunderbird model lines. Output varied modestly between individual vehicles, but figures of 345 horsepower and over 460 lb-ft of torque were standard. Transmission was provided by either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic unit, both supplied by Ford. The suspension, derived from the Cobra, employed independent coil springs at all four corners. Disc brakes were fitted as standard equipment. The Spider variant, distinguished from the fastback coupe by its folding fabric roof and reinforced chassis, accounted for 29 of the total 81 AC 428 units produced. Bodywork remained steel throughout, contributing to a curb weight exceeding 1,450 kilograms. Performance figures included a top speed of approximately 145 mph and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds, though variations existed based on gearbox and final drive specification. Chassis number CF3 was retained by AC Cars for demonstration purposes and later served as the personal vehicle of company chairman Derek Hurlock. It appeared in promotional materials and was used during press evaluations. Chassis CF14 was delivered new to Rob Walker, former racing team proprietor, and subsequently passed through several collectors, including its sale at public auction in Monterey, California, during the early 21st century. Further documentation for individual chassis is limited, owing to incomplete factory records and irregularities in production numbering. The AC 428 Spider ceased production in 1973 due to rising costs, limited demand, and increasing regulatory complexity. The model occupies a transitional space in the history of British performance vehicles, combining large-capacity American engines with Italian coachwork and British chassis engineering.