1949 Bristol 400 Saloon For Sale by Auction

DESCRIPTION
Founded in 1945 as an offshoot of the Bristol Aeroplane Company with a view to employing its workforce after World War II, Bristol’s first model – badged the 400 – was introduced the following year, employing technology from BMW after the British obtained the rights to the German manufacturer’s engines and car designs as war reparations. Bristol chose to base its first model on the best features of two outstanding pre-war BMWs, using the 328's engine and the 326's frame. Over these it used a mainly steel body but with aluminium bonnet, door and boot skins, the only Bristol to be so fitted, and had flat glass but for the curved rear window, which was glazed in perspex, and available with a top hinge. This feature was popular in warmer climate export markets, where the sliding door windows provided only marginal ventilation. It also wore a very BMW-like grille on its long nose and a spare wheel located at first in the boot but then in later cars recessed into the rear-hinged boot lid under a cover. The Bristol 400 featured a modified version of BMW's 1971cc six-cylinder pushrod engine with its hemispherical combustion chambers and very short inlet and exhaust ports, which was good for 80hp at 4500rpm and able to push the 400 coupe to 148 km/ h. The gearbox was a four-speed manual with synchromesh on the upper three ratios and a freewheel on first, it featured independent front suspension with a transverse leaf spring. A live axle, located by an A-bracket over the differential case and using longitudinal torsion bars with transverse arms and brackets were fitted at the rear. Production continued until 1950, though its 401 successor was introduced in 1948. Just 487 Bristol 400s were built.
HISTORY
- 1950 Bristol 400
- Australian-delivered
- Known history
- Superb car

Rare anywhere with less than 500 made, this 1950 Bristol 400 has led an interesting and well documented life. It was dispatched by the UK factory in February 1950 to importer/ agent Commonwealth Motors in Melbourne and then on to Adelaide sub-dealer, Claridge Motors in Unley, where it was used as a demonstrator for two years. It came specified with the optional opening rear window and four blinds and was finished in Maroon with a Beige leather interior. It is thought that the Unley dealer also fitted a Wireless to the big coupe before it went to its first owner, prominent South Australian Tom Barr Smith Snr. Either before or after it went to Barr Smith Snr it was resprayed Black and then subsequently passed through several hands over the years, before being returned to its factory Maroon in the mid-‘70s. More owners followed during which time one had grease nipples fitted in lieu of the one-shot lubrication system (which remains in situ), before the by then tired beige leather trim was renewed to factory specifications in 2003. A sump air scoop was also fitted. At one point along this journey the engine’s original head became separated from this car, however this has subsequently been reacquired and now comes with the car. And as you can see, it is a superb example of this first Bristol model. It presents beautifully throughout, the paint, the chrome trim, the leather interior with matching carpet and headlining, it is all in lovely condition with little if anything for its next custodian to do. It comes complete with its original factory large and small tool kits, the factory build sheet, copies of the Owner’s Handbook and Spare Parts Manual, and a large history file. Previously on Victorian club registration, this 1950 Bristol 400 coupe is being offered for sale here unregistered.

Note: Shannons advise that all potential buyers research all vehicles before purchase to authenticate originality.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
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