Luigi Colani’s Unique Take on the AC 428 Convertible

Maestro Works - The world of classic cars is filled with hidden gems, and sometimes, the most intriguing stories come from vehicles that have been reimagined by visionary designers. One such example is the AC 428 Convertible, a rare British grand tourer that found itself in the hands of Luigi Colani, a designer known for his futuristic and aerodynamic concepts. This car’s journey—from its origins as an AC Frua to its transformation under Colani’s vision—makes it an exciting topic to explore.

The AC 428 Convertible, a rare British grand tourer, came into the hands of Luigi Colani and is regarded as one of his most refined works—some even consider it more beautiful than the original design. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)

The AC 428 was born from AC Cars' ambition to create a high-performance luxury grand tourer that could rival Ferrari and Maserati. To achieve this, AC collaborated with renowned Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua, who designed a sleek and elegant body to fit onto a stretched AC Cobra 427 Mark III chassis. First unveiled at the 1965 Turin Auto Show, the AC Frua 428 combined smooth Italian styling with raw American power, thanks to its massive 7.0-liter Ford FE V8 engine. Capable of reaching 141 mph with a 0-60 mph time of just over six seconds, it was a serious contender in the GT segment. However, high production costs meant that only 81 units were ever built, making it an exceptionally rare collector’s item.

The AC Frua 428 Convertible (pictured is a 1967 model) served as the foundation for Luigi Colani’s vision of his dream car. (Picture from: MyCarQuest)

Among these, one car stands out—not just because of its rarity, but because it was later modified by Luigi Colani, a designer known for his organic, flowing automotive designs. Unlike many AC 428s that were unfortunately repurposed into Cobra replicas, Colani had no interest in dismantling it for profit. Instead, he aimed to refine and optimize its design, blending his unique stylistic vision with the car’s original grand touring essence.

Luigi Colani’s AC 428 Convertible, chassis number CFX32, was originally delivered in March 1969 as one of just 26 Frua convertibles, initially registered in Britain under the plate DRJ 497T before he acquired it. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)

The car in question, bearing chassis number CFX32, was first delivered in March 1969 as one of only 26 Frua convertibles. It was a left-hand drive model and, before Colani acquired it, was registered in Britain under the plate DRJ 497T. Luigi Colani reportedly purchased the car in 1986 and transformed it into a distinctive spider, though details of the exact modifications remain scarce. However, from available photos, one notable feature is evident: the cabin is covered in red genuine leather, enhancing its luxurious appeal. This striking interior choice adds to the car’s mystique, making it not just a rare automobile but one with a truly bespoke character.

Luigi Colani’s AC 428 Convertible features a cabin wrapped in red genuine leather, adding a touch of luxury and mystique that enhances its exclusivity and bespoke character. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)

For years, Colani’s AC 428 remained largely unknown, hidden away from the spotlight until classic car enthusiasts recently rediscovered its story. A series of images found on the Reddit page WeirdWheels show the vehicle parked alongside other Colani-designed creations, such as the Colani Lada Gorby Offroader, Carisma Spider, and L'Aiglon Coupé. These rare glimpses provide valuable confirmation that the designer had indeed reworked the AC 428, further solidifying its status as a unique and fascinating piece of automotive history.

Luigi Colani’s AC 428 Convertible is neatly parked alongside his other creations, including (from left to right) the Colani Lada Gorby Offroader, Carisma Spider, and on the far right, the L'Aiglon Coupé. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)

Whether Colani’s modifications improved upon Frua’s original design is open to interpretation, but one thing is certain: this AC 428 is a truly one-of-a-kind automobile. With its blend of British engineering, Italian styling, American muscle, and a visionary designer’s touch, it remains an unforgettable example of automotive artistry—one that continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts around the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FORUM.ACOWNERSCLUB.CO.UK | COACHBUILD | WEIRDWHEELS ON REDDIT | MYCARQUEST | WIKIPEDIA | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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