1957 Bristol 405
No Reserve

Registration No: 421 LNX
Chassis No: 405/4219
MOT: Exempt

• One of just 265 examples of the 405 Saloon manufactured
• Previously in the ownership of the late Brian May
• An exciting restoration project that is missing the original '100B2' engine

Having made a major contribution to both world wars, the Bristol Aeroplane Company ended 1945 with a surplus of skilled labour and, to redeploy this resource, created a luxury car division. Under the war reparation scheme, rights were acquired regarding pre-war BMWs and their powerplants. The company was, therefore, able to produce its first vehicle - the 400 Saloon - in the autumn of 1946. The chassis was based on that of the BMW 326, its graceful body inspired by the 327, and the engine a mildly modified version of the 328 unit. Introduced in 1954, the 405 Saloon was Bristol's first and, so far, only four-door offering. Effectively a long-wheelbase version of the outgoing 404, it was also the first of the marque to feature an opening boot lid. The newcomer was powered by the 100B2 version of the company's 1971cc OHV straight-six engine. It developed some 110bhp and drove through a four-speed manual gearbox plus Laycock de Normanville overdrive. The suspension was independent at the front by a transverse leaf spring and by solid axle and torsion bars at the rear. Braking was by drums all round (front discs were optional) and steering by rack and pinion. Total 405 production comprised 265 Saloons and 43 Drophead Coupes. The model was replaced by the 406 in 1958.

A rare and very sought after example of British motoring history, this very pretty Bristol 405 retains its original registration number, ‘421 LNX’, that denotes that it first was registered in Warwickshire. Said to have been previously owned by esteemed Bristol man, the late Brian May, the car has been preserved well, appearing to retain its original paint and interior. Unfortunately, however, at some stage the desirable 100B2 engine was removed and unfortunately never replaced, a common occurrence to keep up with the demands of historic racing. The vendor acquired the car in 2014 and immediately set about searching for an original engine, but due to owning a plethora of project cars, he did not get round to it. He did however manage to reconnolise the sumptuous original interior.

Now offered for sale without reserve, the 405 is offered as an interesting and rewarding project and leaves somewhat of a blank canvas for any prospective purchaser. Do you source an original engine? Or do you fit a later V8 as per some of the later cars? Or the perfect candidate for an alternative power source altogether? Regardless, the very-expensive-when-new grand tourer is supplied with its UK V5C which shows just two previous keepers from new.

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