The relationship between Bristol Cars and Carrozzeria Zagato was a very personal one, led by Bristol founder and MD Tony Crook, who insisted on using the company for design work on his eccentric, unusual and utterly glorious cars.
The 412, based on the previous 410, looked like nothing else on the road. Vast and slab-sided, it was a huge car and one with immense presence. It still is.
It’s also exceptionally rare, especially in Convertible from, with a retractable roof and a removable Targa-style top panel.
It’s as exclusive today as it was when new – hand-made from aluminium panels and exquisitely trimmed with leather and walnut. It’s a very special car indeed.052.jpg1.48 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Direct from a well-known Bristol collector
UK V5C
MOT and tax exempt
Selection of bills and invoices
The Bristol was acquired by its previous owner, a Mr R.F Guard, from a Mr R.F. Fuggle of Bushey Heath, to join his impressive collection of Bristol Cars. The car and its stablemates were carefully garaged in a dry, well-aired barn and were regularly exercised over a one-mile circuit in his grounds.
When Mr. Guard decided to reduce his collection, the new owner purchased the car so that it could be immediately enjoyed whilst his other 412 was still under restoration. As the owner’s 1979 Bristol 412 nears completion, he has decided to sell this car. Interestingly, the car only covered 2,137 miles in the hands of Mr Guard in the years between 2006 and 2018, so it was used regularly but sparingly. 228.jpg1.51 MB
THE INTERIOR
Retrimmed in red leather
Immaculate walnut veneers
New carpets
When he acquired the car in 2018, the new owner decided to completely retrim the interior in red leather, replacing the carpets, the rear folding roof and restoring the Targa top and other roof areas. It has also had new seatbelts installed. It presents beautifully with barely any signs of wear and is spotlessly clean.086.jpg1.3 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Unusual Pegasus Blue
Original wheel trims
Chassis and body reportedly very good
Incredible styling
The Bristol has been kept in original condition and preserved very well thanks to its long-term ownership where it was kept in optimal storage conditions. The paint retains a deep shine, there is no notable damage and the original bumpers and wheel trims are present and in excellent order.
The vendor reports that the car has been fully inspected and that the separate steel chassis is in good, solid condition, as is the body frame beneath the alloy exterior panels. 040.jpg1.81 MB
THE MECHANICS
5.9-litre Chrysler Pentastar V8
Torqueflite automatic transmission
Freshly serviced with new spark plugs
Engine, gearbox and axle oils drained and refreshed
Starts and runs well
The vendor reports that the Bristol is in great running order and has just been given a comprehensive service ready for its new owner, with the engine oil refreshed along with the transmission fluid and hypoid oil in the rear axle.
The big V8 is a tough and reliable unit used in multiple Chrysler Group cars in the USA so spare parts are plentiful and inexpensive, making it a surprisingly easy car to own for something so exotic and unusual. 193.jpg1.37 MB
SUMMARY
There are only 26 412 Series 2s known to still survive and of those only a handful will be convertibles, making this an extremely rare car. It’s also a wonderfully unusual one, with a bold and imposing street presence. Plus, it’s in immaculate condition and is reported to drive very well indeed.
There’s a lot of it, but it’s a lot to like.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller’s discretion.
