Japan vs United Kingdom — 1968 vs 1965
| 117 Coupe 1600 GT | 428 Frua Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 345 hp |
| Torque | — | 440 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 7,014 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 5.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 142 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,250 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,578 mm |
| Length | 4,280 mm | 4,597 mm |
| Units Produced | 86,192 | 81 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
The 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe 1600 GT counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Putting the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe 1600 GT against the 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — Japan versus United Kingdom. The 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 345 hp compared to 120 hp, a 225-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Isuzu 117 Coupe uses a Inline-4 DOHC displacing 1,584 cc, while the AC 428 relies on a V8 OHV (Ford FE 428) with 7,014 cc. The 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe claims a higher top speed at 142 mph compared to 115 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 81 units built, the 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Isuzu 117 Coupe's 86,192 examples. On the collector market, the 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe 1600 GT, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.