Description
Registration Number: KEN167
Chassis Number: 400/ 457
The Bristol Aeroplane Company, after the conclusion of World War II and the cessation of military aircraft production, applied its advanced aero-technology and skilled workforce to create a new automotive division, which would eventually become Bristol Cars. Their first production model, the Bristol 400 of 1947, was built upon the well-regarded BMW 326/ 328 underpinnings, featuring an aerodynamically designed body crafted from steel and aluminium.
Notable for its “thinking man’s luxury” approach, the Bristol 400 incorporated independent front suspension, a four-speed transmission with synchromesh on the upper three gears, and a highly modified BMW six-cylinder pushrod engine. This provided the vehicle with an impressive top speed of 92mph. Only 487 examples of the 400 model were produced before it was succeeded by the 401 and 403 models in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
This specific example, Chassis Number 400/ 457, has been in singular ownership since 1971. The car was discovered in a garage on the south coast, where it remained on axle stands for almost four decades.
Since acquisition, the vehicle has been successfully started, demonstrating good oil pressure. The car remains largely complete, with the exception of the rear wings. Additionally, the chromework has been replated and carefully dry stored. Furthermore, another Bristol 400, subjected to the elements over the same period, was also recovered, and many parts from that car can be included in the sale to aid in the restoration process.
£14, 995.
