Well known car, veteran of numerous European trips and rallies
Comprehensive and very detailed history
The Appeal
Built in Filton near Bristol, this star of the Earls Court Motor Show took centre stage of the Bristol Aeroplane Company stand when launched in 1948. With advanced aerodynamics and futuristic features like flush door handles, ground breaking flush glazing and tapered boot with no external handle it wowed the crowds. It had an updated version of BMW’s M328 two litre six cylinder engine that produced a healthy 82bhp.
This example is one of less than 20 still on UK roads and is a well known car in the Bristol Owners Club. The enthusiastic seller has owned the Bristol since 2010, and over the past 14 years has covered over 30,000 miles on European trips and club tours.
Every journey has been documented in a diary and mileages tally exactly. When purchased in 2010 he discovered that the engine block that had previously been “stitched” was now damaged beyond further repair so a replacement block was sourced and a new engine was built at a cost of over £23,000.
The gearbox was also rebuilt and an Overdrive added for more comfortable cruising; that added a further £8,800! There are invoices on file that total in excess of £35,000 spent in the recent past.
Previously the Bristol was the subject of a full restoration in Germany during the late 1980s when it was painted its current red which is in fact Porsche India Red that suits the soft curves of the car.
The interior appears to be original, trimmed in natural Nubuck hide, with beige carpets and a fabulous Art Deco style wooden dashboard with period instruments.
The History and Paperwork
Built by Bristol Aeroplane Company in 1951
First registered in South Wales in March 1951 as PPD 5
Buff Logbook showing three Owners, all in South Wales
Exported to Germany in early 1980s
Restored 1985-1987 with colour change from dark green to red
Imported back to the UK in 1987, two further owners
Purchased by the Seller in 2010 at approx 30,000 miles, receipt on file
Old “stitched” engine discarded, replaced with correct earlier block and rebuilt between 2011-12, all itemised invoices on file
Gearbox rebuilt and Overdrive added, invoice on file
Large and comprehensive file of invoices and paperwork stretching back to early 1970s
Further file of invoices from its restoration in Germany
Old MoT certificates, earliest being 1984 at 18,837 miles
MoTs corroborate mileage
Reregistered as GSU758 on return from Germany, correspondence on file
Old Blue V5 document from previous owner 1987-1994
Features in LKJ Setrights book on Bristol Cars
Hand written diary of all journeys from 2011 to present, with mileages
Laminated guide to dashboard switchgear
Copy of Bristol Spares catalogue
Includes 9 plastic boxes of useful small spares, fuses, spark plugs etc
Original BRISTOL showroom display numberplate form Kensington showroom
A selection of Tour and Rally plaques
Large wood Bristol 2 litre sign, approx 3 foot diameter
Red Bristol elasticated fitted car cover included
The Condition
Lovely example, older restoration
Original natural Nubuck interior
Superb wood dash with Art Deco style gauges, all appear to work correctly
Original Ecko radio with roof mounted speaker
Smart original black and cream twin spoke steering wheel
Beige carpets with various marks and wear, would respond well to cleaning
Seats in undamaged condition, soft suede-like Nubuck material
Seats show various small marks, again could be cleaned.
Matching door cards with pockets, some marks
Clean roof lining, no damage
Attractive red paintwork with minor marks and paint damage –see photographs
16” steel wheels with Bristol hubcaps, all in acceptable condition
Lightly worn set of Michelin Pilot X tyres, matching unused spare wheel and tyre
Large boot space with dark grey carpet, all clean
In overall lovely condition the Bristol has proved to be highly reliable since it received its new engine in 2012. A look through the comprehensive history file proves that it has successfully completed numerous European journeys, with all mileages and comments noted.
All the work over the years has been carefully documented and every invoice is on file. The red paintwork is in presentable condition with minor blemishes and cracks in places. On the inside everything is nicely original with no significant wear or damage. It could be easily improved with a weekend of cleaning.
The Mechanics
2 litre straight six built in 2011-12
Triple carburretors
403 camshaft and pistons
Remote oil cooler and filter
Steady 55psi oil pressure on tick over
Thermostatic electric fan
Rebuilt gearbox with Overdrive
Rebuilt cylinder head for unleaded petrol
Bonnet hinges on both sides for easy access- see photographs
Upgraded Alfin front brake drums
Stainless steel rear exhaust, sounds sporty
Tidy corrosion-free underside with small amount of oil in places
Clean and tidy engine bay
No excessive smoke form the exhaust
Summary
We don’t think there can be many Bristol 401s left that are as lovely as this example. Always sought after by those “in the know” and highly regarded by Bristol experts the 401 is the epitome of a British sports saloon. Built by an aircraft manufacturer it has lots of advanced thinking and was very sophisticated in period. Even now some of the details and engineering are fresh and unique.
Well known in the Bristol Owner’s Club, and chosen as a feature car in LKJ Setright’s marque history, this 401 will be sure to give its new owner many years of exclusive and enjoyable motoring.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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