Description
Presented in its original colour, finished in Metallic Silver over Black Leather, with its factory number plate, engine and gearbox, we’re delighted to present this interesting Bristol for sale.
It’s true that all Bristols, especially the later cars built in the Chrysler era, have stories to tell, but this one is exceptional. Presented for sale with a large history file and website detailing its origin, ‘barn-find’ discovery and restoration, we haven’t seen such a detailed and lovingly-compiled log of a car for a long time.
Starting life being built in 1972, it was then sold to its first owner in 1973. It bounced around the UK, as was the typical Seventies ‘car-swap’ fashion, and then the late eighties, before being sold out of Bristol’s Kensington showroom again in 1992.
From 1992 until March 2012 it was under the same ownership, although SORN’d from 1999 to 2012 until the current owner sourced it. In a sorry state, having sat in dry storage for over 12 years, and in need of extensive works to get it back on the road and eventually in a concours-winning condition, it was then up to the current owner to restore this 411 to its former glory.
From summer 2011 to 2015, this Bristol 411 was given an exceptional rolling restoration. Using OEM Bristol parts wherever possible and documenting the entirety of the build, aiming to retain as much of its character, including the original number plates, paint and trim as possible, a high-level breakdown of works conducted are as follows:
2011:
Rebuild rear chassis and complete rust proofing
Fabrication of inner wheel arches
Major service of engine and gearbox
Overhaul of brake system
Complete rewire and fit new dashboard
Re-chrome bumper
Re-veneer & lacquer wood trim and carriage
2012:
Repair dents and corrosion in body
Replace rubbers and fit new rear screen
Interior/ exterior repaint of factory colour
Retrim edging to doors with new furflex and rubbers
Replace worn leather with new over rear-wheel arches and centre armrests
Repair rear leather seats
Replace roof lining and sunroof
2013:
Remove and overhaul gearbox
Refit with torque converter
2014:
Repair carburettors
Replace ignition coil and spark plugs
Fit exhaust downpipe with new gaskets
Service and tune engine
2015:
Rear chassis repair
Rear suspension repairs and replacements
New alloy wheels and tyres
2019:
Full service
Restoration of fuel tank (relined etc.)
New fuel lines
New fuel pump
New carburettor
2022:
Full service
Although never built to be a concours winner, this 411’s got a few pieces of silverware to its name. Since the restoration, it’s been used as Bristol intended, not just on high days and holidays, as such there is some light wear to the car but it is so perfectly charming.
This Bristol also benefits from some discrete but worthy upgrades including AP Racing brakes (so this 411 actually stops unlike some!), period alloy wheels and an upgraded stereo and speakers. This 411 is ready for its next adventure.
Presented with a full, documented history, alongside a range of old paraphernalia, we’re going to be sorry to see this one leave.
As with all of our vehicles, we have a digital folder available on request containing more images, walkaround videos, pictures of the underside and scans of the service history. The car can be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
More photos coming soon.
