Lot details
Registration No: 518 XUN
Chassis No: 404/X/3097
Mot Expiry: July 2011

Stanley Harold `Wacky' Arnolt made a small fortune selling engines and other equipment to the armed forces during World War Two. A former mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Wisconsin and lifelong petrolhead, he set up S.H. Arnolt Inc in Chicago during the late 1940s to distribute MGs and other European imports. A visitor to the 1952 Turin Salon, Arnolt came across a MG TD-based coupe and convertible on the Bertone stand. Smitten by the Italian carrozzeria's work he promptly ordered 100 of each which left Nuccio Bertone somewhat flabbergasted. Production of the Arnolt MG began shortly thereafter and things went well until after about 100 cars had been made MG announced that it could no longer supply powered chassis to Bertone. However, by then Arnolt had invested heavily in Bertone's assembly capabilities and even become one of the Turin firm's directors. After a brief dalliance with Aston Martin, the American entrepreneur successfully negotiated the purchase of 200 404-series chassis and tuned 1971cc engines from Bristol Cars Ltd. Charged with styling the nascent Arnolt Bristol was new Bertone designer / aerodynamicist Franco Scaglione (who would go on to create the famous Alfa Romeo B.A.T. concept cars). To distract the eye from the engine's height (a corollary of its triple Solex downdraught carburetors) and the box-section chassis' compact 96-inch wheelbase, Scaglione clothed the two-seater with a mixture of swooping curves and sharp edges.

Predominantly bodied in steel with an aluminium bonnet and boot, the Arnolt Bristol could be had in roadster or coupe guises (though, just six of the latter were built). However, the roadster was sub-divided into three distinct specifications namely: Competition (pared back racer), Bolide (marginally more civilized) and DeLuxe (full-height windscreen, side windows, convertible roof, glovebox etc). Benefiting from independent transverse-leaf front suspension, a well-located `live' rear axe (via longitudinal torsion bars) and four-wheel drum brakes, the model became renowned for its fine roadholding and balance. Typically developing 130bhp @ 5,500rpm on a 9:1 compression ratio, the Bristol BS1 MKII straight-six was allied to four-speed manual transmission. After testing an Arnolt Bristol in February 1956, Road & Track magazine announced the figures it set (0-60mph in 10.1 seconds and 107mph) were "the best we have ever recorded for a two-litre machine". Leaving the Bristol factory as a powered chassis, each car was then bodied at Bertone before arriving at the Arnolt factory where the finishing touches were applied. Predictably expensive given that it was effectively hand-built across two continents, the sports car could also be had with a variety of options including: a front anti-roll bar, remote shifter, Alfin brake drums, convertible top, bumpers, Borrani KO steel wheels and different back axle ratios etc, while disc brakes were often retro-fitted during the 1960s.

With its low kerb weight (circa 990kg), punchy engine and progressive handling, the model had obvious potential as a racer. Assembling a team of special lightweight cars for the 1955 Sebring 12-hours, Arnolt was rewarded with a 1st, 2nd and 4th finish in the Sports 2000 class. The following year his cars took 2nd and 3rd in class. While in 1957, the Works team withdrew after a fatal accident involving driver Bob Goldich but a privateer Arnolt-Bristol claimed 5th in class. The marque's final class win came during 1960 when the team crossed the line in 14th, 22nd and 39th places overall. Although, no longer competitive in international events, Arnolt Bristols continued racking up SCCA class wins until well into the 1960s. Interestingly, `Wacky' Arnolt entered an Arnolt Bristol Bolide for himself to drive on the 1955 Mille Miglia but never made it to the start line. Built between January 1953 and December 1959, just 142 Arnolt Bristols of all types are thought to have been made. A factory fire resulted in a dozen cars being written off (though, some are thought to have been bought back by the Arnolt company to use as spares). Thus, the best current guess is that something like 85 cars have survived. `Wacky' Arnolt died in 1960 which signalled the beginning of the end for the company that bore his name. His cars, however, live on enjoying a legacy that has little to do with their meagre production numbers but a lot to do with their competition pedigree and outlandish looks.

The well-known American Bristol restorer Mike DiCola has been keeping tabs on numerous Arnolt Bristols since the 1970s and it was he who told the vendor that this particular left-hand drive example - chassis 404/X/3097 - was supplied new to the Governor of Chiapos (Mexico), Efrain Aranda Osorio. Thereafter, the DeLuxe roadster is thought to have migrated to Guatemala before returning to the United States during 1973. Reportedly dry stored for almost three decades, the two-seater was something of a 'barn find' project by the time it arrived in the UK circa 2002. Although rather dilapidated, the non-running Arnolt Bristol was found to pleasingly retain its factory-fitted: chassis, body, engine, gearbox and back axle. Furthermore the presence of the original hood, sidescreens and tyres plus the lack of wear evident when various mechanical assemblies were stripped down led the vendor to conclude that the 7,500 miles shown on its odometer represented the total covered from new. The subject of a leisurely but thorough restoration, chassis 404/X/3097 was UK road registered as '518 XUN' on September 1st 2008. Finished in Sage Green metallic with green leather upholstery, the two-seater is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its bodywork, paintwork and interior trim, while he rates the engine, gearbox and electrical equipment as "all good". Eligible for a host of prestigious events Europe wide, we are informed that the DeLuxe roadster was invited to Goodwood this year. Riding on correct type steel wheels, this very special, seemingly ultra low mileage Arnolt Bristol is worthy of close inspection. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and the aforementioned original hood, sidescreens and tyres.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until July 2011.