News:

SAAC Member Badges are NOW available. Make your request through saac.memberlodge.com to validate membership.

Main Menu

Are American CSX fans aware some 428 Fruas gave been shortend for Cobra bodywork

Started by HistoryBuff, January 29, 2023, 03:30:19 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

HistoryBuff

I came across this letter from 2008 on a AC Owner's Club register

It appears that what some collectors fear is already happening–aging 428 Fruas are being cannibalized for their chassis, which once shortened 6″ in wheelbase, can accommodate a 427 Cobra body. On an AC Owner's club website I found one such case but they mention this fate awaits other 428 Fruas that are rusty or otherwise undesirable...
—————————————————————————————————————————————————

08, 11:38:40 »
Hi David

Both conversions already known and listed thanks in a first draft AC 428 Register I cobbled together late last year, which the Club has since removed to be replaced hopefully with their glossy on-line version sometime soon. [8D] I can attach a copy to an e-mail if you need.

To bring you up to date....

1.

Extracted and copied across from old Register I've saved on hard drive :

CFX 35: Fastback. Automatic. Now 428/ Cobra Conversion.
Manual. LHD. Trade advert: La Baule, Brittany France.
Status: Active.
E-mail received 5/1/08.
"Dear Sir,
the car we have for sale is a conversion from an AC Frua 428 to an AC Cobra
427. The engine is not the original 428 but a 302 that has been fully
prepared and that devellopps 450 HP. The body is a SC one. The chassis
number is CFX 35. Aluminium oil and water radiator. Aluminium vapor oil
Tank. Aluminium water expansion tank. Special laiton 3 discs clutch. Gearbox
is a toploader close ratio, wheels are original halibrand with hoosier
tyres.
Price is 200 000 â,¬uros.
Sincerly yours,
Nicolas QUERARD
PH : 00 33 2 40 24 10 36"

Cobra Ned

One can hope that no one looking for a genuine Cobra might be fooled by a CFX chassis number...

Royce Peterson

It's kind of sad because the Frua is a cool car. To butcher one and turn it into a clone with a 302 is especially embarrassing. 
1968 Cougar XR-7 GT-E 427 Side Oiler C6 3.50 Detroit Locker
1968 1/2 Cougar XR-7 428CJ Ram Air C6 3.91 Traction Lock