Description
1949 Bristol 400
Originally dispatched to a Mr David Scott-Moncrieff (Cousin of Bunty Scott-Moncrieff - the famous ‘purveyor of horseless carriages to the gentry’) of Fife in Scotland. The then well known distributors of Bristol Cars Galt’s of Glasgow assisted in the sale to Mr Scott-Moncrieff, a copy of the original quotation paper work from Galt’s is present within the history of HFG 555.
Chassis Number: 400/ 438
Registration Number: HFG 555 (Original Registration)
Date Of First Registration: 9th August 1949
Following the ownership of Mr Scott-Moncrieff, HFG 555 was sold to a George Strathdee of Aberdeen (who we understand was titled Lord Strathdee). HFG 555 was kept alongside Mr Strathdee’s considerable collection of 14 ‘vintage’ Bentley’s. George Strathdee owned the car until he passed in 1996, upon which the car passed through a dealership until reaching marque specialist Jonathan Bradburn. Mr Bradburn’s family have long existing ties to the Bristol marque from being original distributors in the 40’s & 50’s alongside the likes of Frazer Nash & AC. Upon Mr Bradburn’s Purchase of HFG 555 the dealer failed to mention poor oil pressure of the original 85A engine, so it was decided for a Bristol BS1 MK II engine to be fitted (Ex Arnolt Bristol Roadster) which in the 60’s was prepared for fitment into a BMW 328 but never fitted. The engine features triple Solex carburettors, sports camshaft and anti-surge baffles with swish gates in the sump, producing 130 BHP which at the time and presently are impressive figures for the Bristol 6 Cylinder. During the engine change the later BorgWorner CR5 reconditioned gearbox was fitted. The original matching numbers 85A engine and 400 type gearbox is offered with the car but will require reconditioning.
Fast Forward to 2003 the total millage of HFG 555 stands at 56, 000 miles from new, the coachwork presents in tastefully patinated deep Black whilst the original specification Beige over Brown leather upholstery also, patinated beautifully provides the somewhat lost cabin experience expected from a Bristol 400. Being a 1949 model, you can find the rear window has opening and closing features improving the through ventilation along with the spare wheel fitted to the boot, these cars are seen as the most desirable and useable of all 400 variations.
The 4th owner being a Mr John Tasker purchased HFG 555 from Mr Bradburn in June 2003.
John Tasker started out his career at the age of 15 as an aircraft apprentice within the Halton Technical School. 3 years later following the completion of his apprenticeship he joined the Royal Air Force as an aircraft engineer, spending vast amounts of his time with the Bristol Britannia of course manufactured by the Bristol Aeroplane Company. He went on to spend several years as flying crew chief on Britannia. His last RAF posting, in the mid 1970’s, was in Bristol working on the Tornado engine project. Following his years at the RAF he spent the remaining years of his working career with a commercial airline company again in the engine department. In 2018 John turned to Bristol engine specialist Lee Keller to arrange a complete rebuild of the BS MK II powering HFG 555, the opportunity for John to assist during the engine rebuild was given and the outcome is a truly stunning ‘fast road spec’ engine which has only covered a mere 1500 miles since. During the engine build HFG 555 was completely re-wired and front disc brakes were fitted. Following the completion John was described by the engineers as “highly intelligent & meticulous”, many stories were told from his RAF years, an all-round brilliant experience for all parties.
John’s lifelong fascination of both the Bristol Aeroplane Company & Bristol Car Company along with his meticulous nature really is testament to the way this Bristol 400 is presented and performs on the road.
For the past 21 years HFG 555 has been kept in a car-coon with 24/ 7 ventilation, sadly John Tasker passed away in 2023.
We are pleased to offer HFG 555 fully recommissioned along with the original matching numbers engine, complete set of original handbooks & a very considerable history file.
