• Year of manufacture 
    1951
  • Car type 
    Coupé
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Number of doors 
    2
  • Number of seats 
    4
  • Location
    Netherlands
  • Exterior colour 
    Other
  • Gearbox 
    Manual
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

- A very rare and still affordable car which is very special
- When new, these were unaffordable cars due to the high production costs
- Full aluminium body inspired by Touring of Milan, but the contours were developed in Bristol’s own wind tunnel to create a shape of very low drag
- Beautiful restored example
- Absolute impressive car to drive
- When new, three Jaguar XK120s could be purchased for the cost of one Bristol 401

Following World War II, the British Aeroplane Company Ltd decided to return to car production and using the established links between the British factory, Frazer Nash and BMW, they managed to bring the former BMW designer, Dr Fritz Fielder to the factory at Filton, Bristol.

He developed a much improved version of the six cylinder BMW 328 engine and placed this in a lengthened 326 chassis with a 327 based body.

In 1947, the Bristol 400 made its debut and a year later at the Earls Court Motor Show, the 401 was announced with revised coachwork styled by Touring of Milan, tested in the Filton factory wind tunnel.

The 401 had a production run of a mere 650 in the period 1949-1953 and less than a dozen are known to have been bodied by specialist coachbuilders.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

We personally very much like the brand Bristol. A brand which is known by the real car collectors as a unique and special brand which went further then just designing or making a car.
Due to the airplane background Bristol cars were fully tested in wind tunnels and therefore the design is made on such a way that as less as possible external objects can be found.

This Bristol was formerly owned by a large classic car collector who carried out an impressive restoration.

The entire car has been restored and pictures of the different stages are available on request.

Technically the complete engine and drive train has been overhauled.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

Exterior wise this Bristol is a very attractive car. Due to the impressive restoration the car has a very shiny and beautiful appearance.
The beautiful metallic green has a very nice deep shine.

The brightwork is in a beautiful condition as well.

The light and glasses are in the same nice condition.

Fittings of the doors, boot and bonnet are excellent.

A beautiful appearance.

CONDITION INTERIOR

The interior of the Bristol has been restored on the same level as the exterior. Therefore the condition is very impressive with a beautiful beige leather which is finished with dark green piping.

The complete interior is in an as new condition.

The wooden dashboard is in a superb condition.

The steering wheel show some patina and one could decide to restore the steering wheel to the same level as the rest of the car.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The car runs and drives well. Like all Bristol 2 liter engines, this car has a fantastic exhaust note.
The gearbox is very easy to use, the brakes are effective, and the clutch is working very adequate.
Bristol cars are a joy to drive, certainly if you have a well sorted example like this car.

Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.