Best of Both Worlds: European Cars With American Engines

AC 428 Frua

The British company AC is best known for its part in the Cobra legend as a provider of bodies for early Shelbys. It was also a company that continued producing the best 289 and 427 Cobras after Shelby ceased production in 1967. However, the company introduced their own interesting European-American hybrid in 1965 (via Hyman).

Called the AC 428 Frua, it was a refined Gran Turismo coupe or convertible designed and assembled by Frua design studio in Italy. The basic mechanics were completed in England, and cars were on their way to Turin, where its final fabrication took place. Under the hood were American-made engines in the form of Ford’s 428 V8 with 345. The car was a fast cruiser, nicely equipped, and also expensive. This is why AC built only 81 examples before production ceased in 1973.