1962 Bristol 407

Lot details
Registration No: 559 JTV
Chassis No: 407-6040

The 407 was in many ways a landmark car for the quintessentially British manufacturer Bristol. It was the first to be produced since the company's car and aviation divisions had gone their separate ways. It was also the first to be powered by an engine other than Bristol's own BMW-derived straight-six that, after 14 years of sterling service, now lacked the output of more contemporary units. In its place sat a Canadian-built 5130cc (313ci) Chrysler V8 which, with an output of 250bhp, endowed the 407 with literally double the power of the outgoing 406 and, in instead of the familiar four-speed manual transmission it drove through a three-speed Chrysler Torque flight automatic unit. The front suspension now featured coil rather than leaf springing and the rack and pinion steering was superseded by a Marles worm-type system. The styling, more evolution than revolution, resulted in sharper lines and flatter panels than exhibited by its predecessor. Motor magazine's period road test of the model proved it capable of sprinting to 60mph in 9.2 seconds and accelerating on to a top speed of 125.2mph.

Copies of this Bristol's factory records show it was delivered new to sole dealer Anthony Crook Motors on June 6, 1962. It is one of an estimated 88 made, of which only 20 or so apparently remain in roadworthy condition. The original engine was replaced by a 'new old stock' unit in 2008 at an indicated 42,000 miles, while the Beige interior was treated to a sympathetic £4,260 refurbishment in 2010 and the steering box overhauled still more recently. Finished in eye-catching Lava Red, '559 JTV' now registers an unwarranted but entirely feasible 63,000 miles and is being offered complete with a detailed service history that evidently confirms this rare English classic has been regularly and properly maintained throughout its 54 years.