Description
When Stanley “Wacky” Arnolt, an American importer of MG and Bristol, spotted two prototype sports cars on Bertone’s stand at the Turin Motor Show in 1952, he was so impressed that he ordered 100 examples of each. He arranged for MG to ship the chassis to Turin, where the cars were coachbuilt by Bertone; thus the Arnolt-MG was born. Besides MG, the S. H. Arnolt company was also the American distributor of Bristol Cars. Building on the success of the MG-derived Arnolt, he commissioned Bertone to create a bespoke body for the Bristol 404. Inspired by the famous Alfa Romeo BAT, the renowned Bertone designer Franco Scaglione created a roadster with a fantastic look: the 1953 Arnolt Bristol. The car was built by Bertone on a chassis equipped with a Bristol six-cylinder inline engine (type BS1 Mk2) of 2. 0 litres. In total, 142 chassis were shipped to Turin, but twelve were destroyed in a fire. This means that only 130 of these magnificent sports cars were built, and it is estimated that only 40 remain.
This example, bearing chassis number 3132, served as a factory demonstrator. Some claim it could be the car numbered 40 at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1958, but that is not confirmed. It is, however, certain that this Arnolt Bristol was in the main Chicago showroom, adjacent to the warehouse where the above-mentioned fire destroyed 12 cars on 12 December 1956. Fortunately, number 3132, which was in the adjacent showroom, was damaged but not beyond repair. After the fire, the coachwork and remaining parts were recovered in the showroom (except the engine, which had been removed—probably to be fitted into another Arnolt as a warranty replacement). The car was sold as a project to David Dubrul, who intended to repair it but never did. The Arnolt was later entrusted to Tom Trotman, Ed Howell and Daniel Rapley, before arriving in Belgium in 2013, where it underwent a complete restoration. This restoration lasted a few years and the car is now in perfect competition condition, ready to participate in any prestigious event. The colour of the Arnolt Bristol is a gorgeous mid-blue metallic, inspired by Franco Scaglione’s favourite shade, also used for the famous Alfa Romeo BAT7. This metallic colour beautifully highlights the silhouette of the Arnolt Bristol, and the blue interior suits it perfectly. Technically, the car has also been completely overhauled: engine, gearbox, suspension, steering and brakes are all as-new. Driving this beauty is a real pleasure. The view of the sculpted bonnet is incomparable. The sporty interior offers generous space, and the magnificent Bristol six-cylinder inline engine produces a sound reminiscent of a Second World War fighter aircraft. This must be one of the most spectacular sports cars of the 1950s, and its futuristic look remains present today.
Beyond its sensual design, exclusivity and superb mechanics, this Arnolt Bristol offers another asset: it is eligible for the Mille Miglia (and almost certainly accepted) and will be welcome at all internationally renowned concours events such as Villa d’Este, Amelia Island or Pebble Beach. This example is also well documented and fully restored with care, down to the smallest detail. It is probably one of the most correct Arnolt Bristols in the world.
If you are looking for a top‑tier 1950s sports car, this timeless beauty is exactly what you need for your collection.
