Description
The Bristol 409 was a two-door saloon from the British car manufacturer Bristol Cars, which was produced between 1965 and 1967. The car was the successor to the Bristol 408 and largely corresponded to its concept. The 409 was not a completely new design, but differed from its predecessor primarily through a whole series of technical modifications. With these modifications, Bristol was responding to the criticism that had been levelled at the previous models and was trying to adapt the design to the wishes of its customers.
The car was favourably received by the British press. In general, it was described as a sensible further development of an already high-quality vehicle. The exterior appearance was rated cautiously, but the driving performance and handling were convincing. In a newspaper report from 1967, the Bristol was described as "not a very attractive car, but as long as you're in it, it's great".
This example was first registered on 23 August 1967 and remained in its native UK until 2011. In that year, the last owner purchased this car and type-certified it in Austria. Until his death, he used the car for both rallies and trips and was almost always the centre of attention because of this peculiar vehicle.
The combination of the quirky British design and the powerful 5. 2-litre Chrysler V8, which sends its power to the rear wheels via a push-button-controlled automatic transmission, is fascinating. The elegant interior and the strikingly unobtrusive bodywork make it something special, the charm of which only becomes apparent over time. This was my experience and that of a friend of mine who helped me with the photo and video recordings.
The car was technically overhauled a few years ago and runs smoothly and powerfully. The bodywork is crispy in several places, but not on load-bearing parts. This is only noticeable at second glance with the dark paintwork and can be left as it is. If you want it perfect, you should plan for a full paint job.
Then you will own an extremely rare, eccentric Englishman with easy-to-handle technology that is a lot of fun to drive and generates even more questioning looks from outsiders. How many of the 72 (74?) Bristol 409s ever built have survived and how many are outside England? This is certainly the only Bristol 409 in Austria.
The car comes from an estate and currently has no MOT. On behalf of the surviving dependants, I am offering the Bristol as seen or with a new MOT/§57a ("Pickerl") if desired. The price quoted here is with MOT. 5-digit mileage read in miles, probably once around.
Private sale without guarantee and warranty. Viewing by appointment at the Traiskirchen/ Lower Austria location.
All information provided without guarantee and to the best of our knowledge and belief.
