Beskrivning
1954 Bristol 403 HVH34 ‘Constance’
Welcome to this description of my 1954 Bristol 403. A matching numbers car in superb usable condition.
Chassis no. 403/ 1512
Engine no. 100A/ 3213
Specification
The car is painted in Cambridge Grey - a fairly light metallic green colour which was a period colour for the car, with red leather interior.
It comes with a huge history file, some Bristol club magazines where the car is featured, a rare original handbook, workshop manual and parts book (for the 401 - this was also used for the 403)
It would be best to describe the car as ‘standard improved specification’ - it has had some modifications which would have been found in Bristol models that followed. These are very typical amongst 403s and add to to usability and safety. It also has had its 2 litre 6 cylinder Bristol engine rebuilt and uprated to a high specification.
The desirable changes to the cars specification are as follows:
Front disc brakes
Overdrive
High level rear brake light
Flashing indicators (to accompany the original trafficators that still operate)
Front inertia reels seat belts, lap belts in the rear
Door mirrors
Two speed wipers
Thermostatically controlled electric fan
Heated rear window
Restoration
The car has undergone a total restoration, completed around 2021. The restoration covered every aspect of the car, both bodily and mechanically. This included an engine and gearbox rebuild, new interior and coat of paint. A file of every invoice relating to the restoration is with the car, totalling over £79000 of work.
On purchase the car had a very full service and other expenditure at Spencer Lane Jones, totalling £3900, and there are many other invoices with the car relating to my ownership, which include regular maintenance (servicing items), and new dampers. The pancake air filters (which are with the car) have been replaced with the original air filter system.
History
Supplied in 1954 to H R Martingale in Leeds, registered on 30th April, 1954, its first owner was probably a Huddersfield mill owner. The car was supplied in dark blue with a red interior. Not all owners are known but I have secured history images of the car in the 1970s and details of the last three owners with some more history, and pictures of the car being restored. Behind the wheel the car is excellent to drive, very strong engine, excellent brakes, no problems with keeping up with traffic. Great for cruising with overdrive engaged. A great gearbox. A real head turner.
We have travelled to and around Scotland, the Isle of Man, Wales and many more local trips to Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. the car is well known in club circles.
Genuine reason for sale - we are very tight for space, however the car is kept garaged and has regular outings as the weather permits.
We have enjoyed every minute of ownership, and the car attracts interest wherever you go.
The car is presented in superb condition, as per the images, but has signs of use - a small paint blemish on the front cowl, and a few other tiny marks, just as you may expect with a car that has been used for touring. It is regularly serviced and cared for, registered as a historic vehicle, and carries a current MOT.
