This fabulous and very well-maintained example of Bristol’s ‘businessman’s express’ has picked up several concours awards in the past

PRICE £ pls ask
YEAR 1972
ENGINE 6286cc/ V8/ OHV/ Carter AVS4401 four-barrel carburettor
POWER 335bhp@5200rpm
TORQUE 425lb ft@3400rpm
MAXIMUM SPEED 143mph
0-60MPH 7. 0sec
GEARBOX RWD, three-speed automatic
MILEAGE 97, 031 miles
MOT New from sale
CHASSIS NUMBER the details below
COLOUR Mid-metallic blue
INTERIOR Beige leather
WIDTH 1727mm
LENGTH 4902mm

BACKGROUND
While the Bristol 411, launched in 1969, showed a gentle and natural styling progression from the attractive yet imposing lines of the 406 model of 1958, its Chrysler V8 engine significantly increased in cubic capacity and power compared to the old A-type V8 of 5211cc. This Anglo-American Bristol’s new B-series unit of 6277cc gave around 30 per cent more power, with the vehicle it was propelling noted for its additional comfort, improved performance and enhanced handling. In particular, the adoption of a limited slip differential definitely gave the 411 significantly better road manners than its predecessors, helping to tame the extra muscle. The nickname of the ‘businessman’s express’ was very well-deserved.

There were five series of 411 - if you don’t include the so-called Series 6 that Bristol offered in the 21st century as a refurbishment option for the model - over the course of the seven-year production run. The Series 2 of 1971 added self-levelling suspension, while the Series 3 (1972) tweaked the styling with four headlamps up front - something that also necessitated the fitment of an alternator. With the Series 4 of 1974, there was a rise in engine capacity to 6556cc plus new rear lights, while changes for the 1975 Series 5 were quite minimal, with a return to the original Bristol badge as well as the fitment of inertia reel seatbelts. The model was then superseded by the very different 412.

OUR CAR
It was on the 4 January 1972 that this Bristol 411 Series 2 was registered, having been ordered in December of the previous year from Anthony Crook Motors Ltd of Kensington by a Hampshire owner. It passed through a number of UK mainland owners, being re-sold by Bristol Cars itself, before heading for an owner in Guernsey in 1992 as a 78, 946-mile vehicle. The new owner commissioned Bristol Cars to restore and repaint the 411 from its previous Dark Grey into a metallic Bristol Blue, before the car headed for the island. Although the extensive history folder shows lots of care and attention throughout the car’s life, it was with its Channel Islands custodian that it had lots of love especially lavished on it, even to the point that it would be sent back to Bristol Cars in London for annual servicing, plus any other maintenance required. This included a full interior retrim during the mid-1990s. Essentially, if this 411 needed something doing to it, then it was done, no matter how large or small the job, or whatever the cost. It was also a regular club Concours entrant during the 1990s and 2000s, with the paperwork file also including evidence of several awards.

In 2018 the car passed through Robert Hughes Automobiles, which fettled the car prior to sale to an avid car collector in the south of England. Being a perfectionist, he decided to have some additional work done and ended up spending £5000 to return the car to Concours standard. In 2019, at 96, 355 miles, the same owner sent the car to Vitesse Engineering for a comprehensive service. Suffice to say, this car really is ‘best in class’ and it truly shows.

BODYWORK
As you would expect as a show winning car and a full repaint in the early 1990s by Bristol this 411 is simply the BEST we have ever had. That the car also spent a large chunk of its life in the more pleasant climate of Guernsey also seems to have paid dividends. The paint and chrome are both little short of excellent, with the only real blemishes being a stone chip on the bonnet. The opening panel gaps are even and tight, including the covers for those distinctive Bristol features of front wing compartments for battery, brake servo and spare wheel.

All the road wheels are matching Dunlop SP Sport FR70 R15 93H tyres, with plenty of tread left and no obvious issues such as sidewall damage or uneven wear.


INTERIOR
It’s inside where this Bristol scores especially highly. There’s an expansive and lavish amount of tan ‘warm stone’ leather, which looks especially lovely and, aside from very minor creasing, shows few signs of age or wear. Combined with the pale wood veneer and beige carpets and door cards, the whole cabin feels very light and airy. There are no issues with the timber and the carpets have been kept very clean. Overhead, the headlining is free from any marks or damage. All the switchgear works, as does the recently recharged air conditioning.

There are a few sympathetic upgrades. A modern Pioneer stereo has been installed, albeit with a wood (or faux wood) surround, so it blends in well with what surrounds it. There’s also its remote control unit - handy for any fussy back seat passengers - mounted on the centre console, which is removable. Underneath the rear seat, a CD autochanger unit has been neatly installed under the rear bench seat.

The boot area is similarly smart with its carpeting matching the rest of the interior. A fire extinguisher is fitted and there are also three boxes of useful spare parts.

ENGINE AND RUNNING GEAR
The 6277cc V8’s home is very tidy and while some detailing could easily bring it back to its former Concours condition, it’s still nice enough as it is that nobody would be ashamed to show it off. It all looks pretty stock, save for a few plastic cable ties securing some of the hoses together so they look neater. No leaks are apparent, and all the fluids are at the levels they should be, and of healthy shades. Look beneath the car, and the chassis has been thoroughly undersealed.

The substantial 6. 3-litre Chrysler V8 engine starts well from cold, although it is wise to let this one warm up a bit before moving off. It idles smoothly and steadily, and shows no signs of overheating - something that can be a concern with such a large V8. But there are no issues here, even when the vehicle is left idling for extended periods, the temperature needle stays resolutely in the middle of its gauge. Gear selection via the three-speed Torqueflite automatic is so light that it seems like you barely have to touch the wood-topped lever. And, suffice to say, 335bhp on tap, acceleration is impressive, especially with kickdown, but this is also a car content to just pootle around if required. The power steering handles the weight and size of the car well, as do the brakes - they stop this 411 quickly and cleanly. 

SUMMARY
This is a prime example of a plush, elegant and powerful classic - and a rare one too, as a mere 287 411s were constructed. It has been very well-looked after throughout its life, and it’s easy to see why it was so successful on the club Concours scene. It remains very true to the original Bristol ethos, but where some upgrades have been carried out, they’ve been done very well and in sympathy with the rest of the car. The car comes with seven large folders of history, bills and proof of meticulous maintenance throughout its life, plus two sets of keys. If you want a luxurious, stylish and rapid classic that is more left-field than most of its contemporaries, look no further.

While Greenside Cars Ltd has tried to ensure information and assessments are accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able, therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from it. We highly recommend that you examine any vehicle to check the reliability of the information supplied. Please contact us for further details, images, or to arrange a viewing of this Bristol 411.