1948 Bristol 400
No Reserve

Registration No: JNF 506
Chassis No: 400-1-378
MOT: Exempt

• Very original and solid example for a more straightforward restoration
• Comprehensive history file, dating back to 1973
• V5C records 1 previous owner until 2002, when acquired by the vendor
• Mille Miglia eligible model

With the support of the War Reparations Board, the rights to manufacture the BMW 326, 327 and 328 and their famed six-cylinder engine were secured by the Bristol Aeroplane Company’s fledgling Car Division in 1946. Place a pre-war BMW 327 alongside Bristol's first offering, the 400, and the ancestry is self-evident, but there were many differences. The decision to make it a four-seater saw it based on the longer chassis of the 326. The aircraft grade Bristol body was more streamlined than that of the 327, while Bristol developed the already impressive 328 engine into one of the finest 2-litre units of the period, which powered not only all Bristol models until 1961, but various sports and racing cars from AC, Arnolt, Cooper, Frazer Nash, Lister, Lotus and Tojeiro. The 400's interior trim was an unmistakably British blend of leather and wood. With its lithe 1170kg kerb weight, rack and pinion steering, independent front suspension, torsion bar controlled rear axle and four-wheel drum brakes, the Bristol was among the fastest and best handling saloons of its generation capable of humbling rivals with far larger engines. However, such excellence did not come cheap and only 487 examples of the 400 were made.

First registered in May 1948, Chassis 378 has one previous recorded owner until 2002 when the vendor purchased the car from our Buxton auction. In 1973, it was sent for a complete restoration which included having the engine, gearbox and suspension completely overhauled and the invoices from Bristol Cars are still available in the history file. The interior was re-trimmed and the carpets, headlining and leatherwork were refurbished and we understand that the car won the trophy for the best 400 at the 1976 Bristol Owners' Club Concours d'Elegance. It has completed just over 10,000 miles since 1974 and is completely original even down to the HMV radio. This rare example comes with a good documentation folder that includes lots of previous MOTs, the driver's handbook and workshop manual, a spares list and a number of invoices for work that has been carried out on the vehicle over the years. Unfortunately, shortly after purchasing the car it suffered some fuelling issues which resulted in a small, but luckily contained, fire around the carburettors which burnt the paint off the bonnet cowling. The car was subsequently taken to a classic car repair garage in Kent who got the car back to running standard and the vendor then put the car away for 20 years until we pulled it out of its resting place in dry storage. This has, however, preserved what must be one of the most original Bristol 400s available today and represents a fantastic project for any prospective purchaser.

On inspection we noted that the condition of the metalwork is overall in excellent condition with the underside having been preserved very well thanks to the dry storage which the vendor agrees with. The paintwork is very aged now and we have left it in its barn find state so it is covered in layers of dust. On opening the bonnet we are presented with a clean looking engine with the original triple SU carburettors - however, we have been advised the engine is seized from standing, although we have receipts from 1973 for a +10 rebore and +10 crank regrind and polish with new shells. The brakes are unseized and the car rolls easily with the handbrake still operable and we note all gears select. Evidently, this car is due a full mechanical overall / inspection and/or restoration to suit the purchasers' taste. Offered at no reserve, this Bristol could be the project of a lifetime.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430