26th May, 2021 13:00

Imperial War Museum Duxford

 
  Lot 58
 

1952 Bristol 401
1 of just 618 examples made

Sold for £46,125

(including buyers premium)


Lot details

Registration No: KGA 753
Chassis No: 40L1071
MOT: Exempt

  • 1 of just 618 examples, 81,980 recorded miles and current ownership since 2016
  • Subject to £4,397 worth of engine work in 2018 by Stanton Motorsport
  • Recently fitted with a high performance radiator, brake servo and high torque starter motor
  • Offered with a collection of invoices, old MOT's and parts of the Brown log book

Introduced in Autumn 1949, the 401 was characterised by its super-smooth, aerodynamic bodywork. Honed in the Bristol Aeroplane Company's wind tunnel and built using Milanese coachbuilder Touring's 'Superleggera' technique, it boasted a commendably lithe kerb weight (c.2,700lbs). Equipped with transverse-leaf independent front suspension and hydraulic drum brakes, the newcomer proved a notably fine handler taking Touring Class wins on both the Cannes and Tulip Rallies during 1951. Powered by a 1971cc OHV straight-six engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the elegant sports saloon promised nigh-on 100mph performance. Only in production for four years (by which time a mere 618 are thought to have been made), the model's exclusive £3,212 13s 4d price tag was a reflection of the aircraft quality materials used in its construction.

Finished in Deep Burgundy with Tan upholstery, ‘KGA 753’ was subject to an extensive bodywork and paintwork restoration in 2008 before entering the current ownership eight years later. Believed but not warranted to have covered 82,000 miles from new, the Bristol is accompanied by a selection of old MOTs which date back to 1972 at 44,683 miles and thus go some way towards corroborating its odometer reading. Treated to £4,397 worth of engine work in 2018 by Stanton Motorsport including refurbishing the carburettors, ‘KGA 753’ has also been fitted with a high-performance radiator, brake servo, high-torque starter motor and Mike Robinson overdrive. Upgraded in 1963 by Bristol Cars with a 100A camshaft and discreetly hosting a Bluetooth stereo, the 401 is judged by the seller to be in ‘good’ order with regards to its gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork, while he rates the engine as ‘excellent’. Offered for sale with a copy of its original order form, collection of invoices, old tax discs, the aforementioned MOT certificates, parts of the buff logbook, and numerous photographs from the 2008 restoration. A rare opportunity

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760

 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 26th May, 2021

AUCTION VENUE
Imperial War Museum
Duxford
Cambridgeshire
CB22 4QR

About Imperial War Museum    

AUCTION VIEWING

Tuesday 25th May from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 26th May 2021 from 9am

BUYERS PREMIUM
12.5% (plus VAT @ 20%)

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