Gentleman's Express Club AC 428 Register - Updates

[Classicus]

Updated 6/11/08
   
   http://acfrua428.activeboard.com/
   __________________________________
   
   29/7/08
   A little rough and ready as starting to finish things off now so hopefully no mistakes, but some pictures of all "known" AC 428s now available to view over on the Register.
   
   http://acfrua428.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=115841&p=1
   
   Paul [:)]
   
   ______________________________________
   
   14/7/08
   Unfortunately as "The Gentleman's Express Club" AC 428 Register has always been a temporary one and my good lady's patience is now being strained to record highs, regrettably I won't be able to spare the time to continue updating and maintaining it all for very much longer. So if anyone would like to refer to any of the pics. or period articles currently archived in Photobucket well beforehand, say for cross-reference purposes with the Register, please drop me an e-mail for a confidential password to view. For ID and copyright reasons only could you also include your usual Forum name and Forum registered address as well.
   
   http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p273/classicus/?special_track=nav_tab_my_albums
   
   New e-mail address cancelling old is 428classicus at googlemail Dot com........
   
   Thanks and enjoy - 270 entries so far ! [8D]
   
   Paul
   http://acfrua428.activeboard.com/index.spark?forumID=115841&p=1
   
   ________________________________
   
   1. CFX 29. Active USA
   Posted 26/2/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=845
   
   
   
   "It certainly appears that my car has escaped alteration by corrosion, accidents or intentional modification. It differs in some respects to yours, Emmanuel, as we discovered in side-by-side comparison. Your car has improved routing of the fresh air ducts, which I would like to adopt.
   CFX29 seems to have been shipped to Canada (?) originally, and then entered the U.S.A. as a 1970 Ford. It benefited from life in a dry climate, and shows virtually no rust. So it is a good example of the state of build at the time it left the factory in August 1969 (I believe that's the date Andy Shepherd found in his archive).
   If photos of my car would be of help to others, I'd be glad to share them."
   
   2. CF 46 Fastback. RHD. Reg. WNJ 179H
   Photos taken in Belgium (Knokke ?) - 24th Feb 2008
   http://www.klassiekergespot.nl/viewcars.php?city=Knokke&view=city
   
   
   
   With grateful acknowledgements.
   
   
   
   3. CF 67 Fastback. KJB 318 L
   Active UK.
   http://www.raceorganisation.com/scc/2003/silverstone/default.asp
   
   ROL SPORTSCAR CHALLENGE
   Silverstone, 22 March 2003
   
   
   
   "The opening round of the new ROL Sportscar Challenge was won comfortably by pole-sitter Richard Chamberlain in his mighty Porsche 935R.  Andy Shepherd, in his carbon-black AC 428 Frua, gave chase and endured a rather more interesting time than was apparent from outside.  Having broken the gearshift, searing heat from the exhaust system then began to burn the carbon fibre sills and fill the car with smoke!"
   
   
   
   4. CF 77 Convertible
   Photo taken in Belgium (Knokke ?) 12th June 2006
   
   http://www.klassiekergespot.nl/viewcars.php?city=Knokke&view=city
   
   
   
   
   With grateful acknowledgements
   
   
   
   5. Query 7.  CF ? Fastback. Swiss style plates
   
   http://www.automobilrevue.ch/_apps_gallery/index.asp?ArtikelID=15216&IMGID=36250
   
         
   
   
   
   6. Query 12.  CF ?  & CF ? Both unknown
   On Hurst Park's website
   http://www.hurstpark.co.uk/acd.htm
   
       
   
   
   
   7. Query 13. CF ? Silver fastback and green convertible in background.
   Any ideas where this might be or whose car it is ?
   
   http://www.motorbase.com/profiles/vehicle/picture.ehtml?i=52;p=88908544
   
   
   
   
   
   8. Query 14.  CF ? Unknown.
   http://ccars.narod.ru/history/60xx.htm
   
   
   
   
   
   9. Anyone speak Russian !
   http://www.konigmotor.ru/ru/Main/BaseModification/4TCX6SI.html?cartype=
   
   
   ################################################
   
   Updated 12/5/08:
   Bit rough and ready on here but will be added to the other list eventually....
   http://acfrua428.activeboard.com/index.spark?forumID=115841&p=1
   
   _________________________________________
   
   1. CF 19 Active USA
   Interesting article about Dean Versaw
   
   http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special43/articles/0525cars-dreamcar0527-ON.html
   
   2. CF 23 Cobra Conversion
   Message posted 6/5/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=217&whichpage=4
   
   Silverstone 2006
   
   
   
   3. CFX 28
   http://www.heritageclassics.com/ac/69ac428/69ac428trk.jpg
   
       
   
   
   
   4. CFX 30 Fastback. LHD.
      Status: Active. UK
   
      Message Posted - 16/4/2008
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=906
   
   
   
   5. CF 35 Cobra conversion
   Message posted 6/5/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=217&whichpage=4
   
   6. CF 39 Cobra conversion
   Message posted 6/5/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=217&whichpage=4
   
   7. CF 47 Cobra conversion
   Message posted 6/5/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=217&whichpage=4
   
   8. CF 54
   Status: Active USA
   Message posted : 12/5/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=321&whichpage=1
   
   
   
   9.  CF 57. PNB 909 J
   Status: Active Switzerland
   
   10. CF 59. Active UK. Reg. No: JYY 779J
   Engine No:1889K11KR. Mileage:57250. Black trim.
   Unsold H & H Auctions (16/4/08 ?)
   http://www.classic-auctions.co.uk/
   
   
   
   11. CF 76  Convertible JUV 19K
   Status: Unknown
   
   
   12. CF ? UK  Reg. 4 ALD
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=217&whichpage=4
   
   
   
   #############################################
   
   Updated 3/7/08
   To be added to the other list eventually....
   http://acfrua428.activeboard.com/index.spark?forumID=115841&p=1
   
   __________________________
   
   1. MA 200
   Posted 21/5/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=590
   
   "She's coming along...thanks to Jason and the boys at Creative Workshop."
   
   
   
   2. CF38. Reg. no. 9848 AC. Mileage: 47361
   H & H Auctions - 28/5/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=943
   http://www.classic-auctions.co.uk/lotdetail.php?&lotid=25279&aucid=2721
   
   "The survival rate is good - even though Keith Moon owned one. A few have 'fallen by the wayside' as ACOC 428 registrar Andy Shepherd puts it - and a small number of 428s are known to have been converted into Cobra replicas, leaving an estimated 25 right-hand drive survivors.
   CF 38 has a vast history file - and four years ago underwent an extensive restoration programme by a body and chassis specialist well known for its work on ACs and other coachbuilt cars. This included a "bare-metal refurbishment of the bodywork, repaint to the highest standard, with all brightwork rechromed", though the interior said is said to be "original and in exceptionally good condition". Mechanically, it underwent a "thorough overhaul". The owner now describes the 428 as "excellent" in chassis, engine, transmission and wheels and tyres and "faultless" in respect of its body and paintwork. Since the restoration, it has covered only approximately 1500 miles.
   AC is the featured marque on the Drivers' Club Walkway at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, and this car has an invitation to this prestigious historic event. What better way to seal ownership of this splendid and appreciating Anglo-American GT than to enjoy it at one of the world's top motoring events."
   
     
   
   
   
   3. CF59. Reg. No:JYY 779 J. Engine No:1889K11KR
   H & H Auctions. Mileage:57250. M.O.T:DEC 2008
   
   28/5/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=943
   http://www.classic-auctions.co.uk/lotdetail.php?&lotid=24836&aucid=7298
   
   Finished in Flash Red with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres (though, he rates the interior trim as "average"). Said to have had just "two previous owners" and to have only covered 57,000 miles from new, 'JYY 779J' was reportedly treated to "rebuilt sills in late 2007" and a respray earlier this year. While, other recent work is understood to have seen it benefit from a "new radiator, replacement cylinder head gaskets, new master cylinders and overhauled calipers". Riding on wire wheels, this ultra-rare and stylish GT is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until December 2008.
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   4. CF 75
   Posted 26/5/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=942
   
   
   
   
   5.  CF78. Reg No. MYW 927 L
       Engine no. 1127R8KR
   
   11 Jul 2008. Goodwood Festival of Speed, Chichester, Sussex
   
   http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?sContinent=EUR&screen=lotdetailsNoFlash&iSaleItemNo=4
   
   The concept of Italian styling coupled with American V8 horsepower was well established by the late 1960s, and no doubt influenced AC Cars’ decision to reconfigure its fire-breathing Cobra sportscar as a luxury Grand Routier. A Cobra MkIII coil-suspended chassis was extended by 6” in the wheelbase and despatched to Italy to be clothed in elegant steel coachwork by Pietro Frua, the result looking not unlike the latter’s Maserati Mistral. The first car, a two-seater convertible, was completed in time for the 1965 Earls Court Motor Show, while the following year’s Geneva Salon saw the launch of an even more sensational fastback-styled coupe. Although the 428cu in (7-litre) Ford Galaxie engine that gave the model its name produced less power than the Cobra 427’s, the 345bhp on tap was capable of delivering all the performance that customers desired. Shrugging off the car’s 1,416kgs weight and seemingly unhampered by the automatic transmission, as fitted to the majority of cars, this stupendous engine enabled road testers to record sub-six-second 0-60mph times and 0-100mph times of around 14.5 seconds, with a maximum speed in excess of 140mph. Hampered by an inflated price - the 428 cost considerably more than the contemporary Aston Martin DB6 - production never attained Cobra levels, a mere 80 being made between 1966 and 1973, the split being 51 convertibles and 29 coupés.
   Surely among the most elegant of Anglo-American classics, this exceptionally original and unrestored AC 428 Convertible has enjoyed only two owners from new, the current since 1987, and displays a total of 11,604 miles on the odometer. The vendor advises us that a replacement speedometer was fitted at 12,000 miles, making the total from new a mere 23,604. Modifications listed consist of larger, cowled-in radiator; additional front air duct; two-stage Kenlowe cooling fans with indicator lights; brake servos relocated to rear of front wings; stainless-steel exhaust system; and Halibrand peg-drive alloy wheels on original splined hubs, giving a slight track increase front and rear. The car retains its original engine, which is reported to use no oil and displays good oil pressure. Finished in silver with original black leather interior, ‘MYW 927L’ is offered with sundry maintenance/service invoices, current MoT and Swansea V5.
   
     
   
     
   
   ##############################################

[administrator]

No 2 is Andy Shepherd's fearsome black racer, currently 'resting'.

[Classicus]

Also noticed in pic. 3 a dark green convertible behind the silver fastback as well. Pity about the wording above the nearest tent being so illegible....
   
   http://www.motorbase.com/profiles/vehicle/picture.ehtml?i=52;p=88908544

[Rheinubung]

Photo #4 sure looks like a Montverdi vs. the one-off AC 429...

[cmaddox3]

quote:Originally posted by Classicus
   
Updated 10/3/08:
   
   8. CFX 29. Active USA
   Posted 26/2/08
   http://www.racecar.co.uk/acoc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=845
   
   "It certainly appears that my car has escaped alteration by corrosion, accidents or intentional modification. It differs in some respects to yours, Emmanuel, as we discovered in side-by-side comparison. Your car has improved routing of the fresh air ducts, which I would like to adopt.
   
   CFX29 seems to have been shipped to Canada (?) originally, and then entered the U.S.A. as a 1970 Ford. It benefited from life in a dry climate, and shows virtually no rust. So it is a good example of the state of build at the time it left the factory in August 1969 (I believe that's the date Andy Shepherd found in his archive).
   
   If photos of my car would be of help to others, I'd be glad to share them."

   
   OK, if CFX29 was shipped to Canada originally, then the two plate numbers shipped to Canada were CFX 27 and CFX 29.  The two plate numbers shipped to the USA [back in the day] would have been CFX 28 and CFX 30.
   
   I saw one of the Canadian Frua's in the spring of 1977 in Oakville Toronto.  The owner had listed it for sale and we were going to try to import it.  Unfortunately, when we inquired with the DOT/EPA they stated that the car would have to pass safety/emissions standards of the year of manufacture, in this instance 1969.  In 1967 there were no EPA statutes and the more stringent DOT standards came in 1968.  Both the EPA/DOT assured us in no uncertain terms that the car would not pass the battery of tests they would throw at it [they were/are such buttholes!] and we were scared off from even attempting to import essentially an identical car to CF7 [save for left-hand drive] simply because the nigh identical parts were assembled anywhere from 13 to 25 months after CF7.  If we had simply driven up to Canada, bought the car and driven it across the border we probably would have been fine, but since we had contacted the DOT/EPA to inquire we figured we had tipped them off.
   
   Incidentally, the owner in Oakville also owned an Accea that was in fairly rough [but restorable] shape too.
   
   As best I can remember [it's been 30+ years] the Oakville Coupe was either pale green or grayish in color, it was in worse cosmetic shape than CF7, but as it had a Holley it would have been more than a match for CF7 [with it's autolite carb] in performance.
   
   I would suspect the Frua Coupe I saw was CFX27 and not CFX 29 because of the timing quoted above.  I would love to see pictures of it, perhaps it was the car we travelled to see and  attempt to purchase/import.  I know my dad would have loved to have imported that one and I'd love to have a left hand drive example.
   
   Please Post Photos!  If I can be of any assistance, please email me: mailto:cmaddox3@sbcglobal.net ...
   
   I also have to say I'm really liking these Burnt Orange, Red and Burgundy colored coupes!  If I had one to paint in any choice of colors it'd probably be a toss up between Red with a black interior or Burgundy with a Khaki/Camel Brown interior.  Absolutely drop dead gorgeous!
   
   --  Chuck
   
   P.S. THANK YOU CASS for your continuing efforts in this regard!

[J Jones]

I posted the info about CFX29. I have no evidence that would lead me to believe the car was originally shipped to Canada - just a suggestion I saw on another thread that Canada was the port of entry for importation of Frua AC's into North America.
   When I have time, I'll take photos and post them (how, I do not, as yet, know).
   My car is now red, but there is evidence it was a sort of light metallic blueish color before it was repainted. I have no idea when it was repainted, though there was (and is still) an AC Owners Club decal on the windshield, covering a small stone chip in the glass.
   The car came to me with no documentation. I saw it on a transporter, and bought it before the wheels hit the ground. Subsequent investigation shows no evidence of any damage (except for a front bumper brace that is unattached on one side - a possible repair), and no sign of rust.
   I replaced the radiator, hoping that would help the heat problem, and trashed the original in a fit of cleaning out my garage. Too bad - I should have kept it. Ahhh well.

[Classicus]

As things are starting to fall behind with Updates a bit, put together a temporary AC 428 reference register for updating purposes only until the official Club one's ready. Also my memory being what it is I'm starting to forget what's what ! [:I]
   
   http://acfrua428.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=115841&p=1

[Classicus]

Updated 26/3/08:
   (Edit : First thread entry at top put into correct numerical order.)
   
   CF(X): 29, 46, 67, 77. Query Nos: 7, 12, 13, 14.
   
   http://acfrua428.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=115841&p=1

[Emmanueld]

Hi Paul, Maybe you might want to show a more dignified photo in your registry like:
   
   
   The car will be repainted in it's original BRG livery! When it's finished, I will send you a bunch of photos for you files. As far as the windshield, I have not done anything yet, It's going to have to come out when we paint the car and there is a risk of breakage. ???
   
   
   Regards,
   
   Emmanuel [:)]

[Classicus]

Mine is only a temporary interim Register until the Club puts up their own one at some stage, but be interested of course to see your finished pics.
   
   Looking forward to a great article on both your cars too !
   
   Paul

[Classicus]

Current rough total of all AC 428s and conversions.
   
   Hopefully no errors !
   
   Paul [:)]
   __________________________
   
   http://acfrua428.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=115841&subForumID=397875&p=2
   __________________________
   
   Final Rough Totals:
   
   Quick Reference List - including but not counting MA 200 and CF 81 the final prototype pop-up headlight car.
   
   Fastbacks known :
   CF(X): 4, 7, 19, 20, 22, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 43, 46, 49, 55, 57, 59, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 69, 70.
   
   Total = 23
   
   Convertibles known : CF(X): 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 54, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80.
   
   Total = 24
   
   428/ Cobra Conversions etc. known :CF(X): 18, 23, 32, 35, 39, 47 and 68.
   
   Total = 7
   
   Grand total : 54
   
   Queries Unknown: 1 - 15
   _____________________________________________________
   
   Guesstimated Summary
   
   A). 54 cars "known".
   
   CF(X) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 43, 46, 47, 49, 54, 55, 57, 59, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80.
   
   B). 26 cars "unknown".
   
   CF(X) 5, 8, 10, 11, 13, 21, 26, 27, 41, 42, 44, 45, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 60, 61, 66, 71, 72, 73, 74.

[Emmanueld]

This According to the website id CFX4: http://www.motorlegend.com/coupe/ac-428-frua/2,12587.html
   
   http://www.motorlegend.com/modules/base_pict/edito/33047.jpg
   
   First coupe built, 4 speed and halibrands.
   
   Emmanuel[:)]

[Emmanueld]

CFX29 owned by J.Jones.
   
   
   
   Emmanuel

[tim isles]

With regard to the register posted on 18 May, herewith a small correction - CF19 is a Fastback (and is currently in the USA). Quick question. Why leave off CF 81, which is a 428 in every respect, and therefore the final car (and 31st convertible) made?
   Good luck with the hunt!
   Tim Isles

[Classicus]

quote:Quick question. Why leave off CF 81, which is a 428 in every respect, and therefore the final car (and 31st convertible) made?

   
   
   Thanks for all the input and good question ! I overlooked it so my apologies ! [:)] In me defence m'lud probably because I've always been a bit uncertain simplistically because it's a different shape. I think someone brought this interesting point up on here last year but as I can't remember the final result, it's still only my own unenlightened view. I suppose the basic question is how do you define a 428 ? The shape, under the body or....? I expect the Club knows but as this is only a temporary Register more than happy to abide by whatever goes.
   
   Any idea when the new Register might be appearing ?
   
   Thanks for the support
   
   Paul [:)]