1953 Bristol 401 Coupe, Rare and Interesting Bristol with Matching Numbers

1953 Bristol 401 Coupe s/n 401/3/626, ngine no. 2248 Dark Red with Tan Interior

Bristol had produced some of Great Britain's most effective aircraft and aircraft engines as far back as before World War I, nd transitioned their engineering and manufacturing prowess to the manufacture of automobiles (in addition to the continued manufacture of aircraft and aircraft engines) at the end of World War II.

The Bristol 401 was an innovative and surprisingly capable car that was particularly advanced for its era. With an aerodynamic aluminum body (no doubt selected because of the company's experience making aluminum aircraft) initially penned by Touring and Bristol's excellent triple carbureted inline-6 (which had come from BMW and was subsequently fitted to the AC Bristol), he cars were quick and capable. The bodies used a Superleggera type construction of aluminum panels over steel tubes, nd the shape was honed in the wind-tunnel to minimize drag. A 4-speed manual transmission backed the engine, nd the car was reportedly capable of 100mph, nd impressive feat given its 2 liter engine and comfortable, pacious, nd well-trimmed interior. The Aerodynes were also quite useful in competition event, riven by team drivers Tony Crook and Roy Salvadori.

This is matching numbers car is one of a handful of Aerodynes in the United States, nd has been here since about 1999, rior to which it was in the United Kingdom. It was purchased by a collector in Northern California, ho acquired it from a gentleman in Illinois who had a sizable collection of British cars. That owner reportedly spent a significant amount of money on mechanical aspects of the car, ncluding an engine rebuild, lthough we do not have documentation to support this on hand. The California owner bought it to run the California Mille, hich he successfully completed in 2008, nd he owned the car for approximately four years. It was then sold via Fantasy Junction a few years ago to its current owner, ho has addressed a few minor cosmetic and mechanical items during his ownership.

Cosmetically, he car is an attractive example, ith a nice older repaint showing a few chips, tress cracks and light wear, lthough the overall impression is nice, ith a pleasant patina. The brightwork is in nice shape as well with some swirls but no major deterioration. The glass and lights are in similar condition although the weather stripping around the front windscreen is showing some aging. 

The interior is in good condition and appears to be substantially original. The leather has creasing but is intact and still supple. The dashboard and steering wheel are unique and evocative, ike the rest of the car. The wood is in good shape, ith older finish that has lost some luster but the wood itself is in good condition appears to be free of cracking. The gauges appear unrestored and are in nice shape, hich is also true of the carpets and headliner.

The engine compartment is in tidy unrestored condition, ith nicely polished valve covers and carburetor cover. The rest of the engine compartment is in clean older condition. The trunk is trimmed in carpet to match the interior, nd is absolutely massive, ith space for ample baggage and an impressive tool kit.

The car runs and drives well. Like all Bristol 2 liter engines, his one has a fantastic exhaust note, nd aside from being a bit cold-blooded, t runs very well. The gearbox is easy to use, he brakes are effective, nd the chassis is compliant while also providing good body control.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an interesting and attractive car that will appeal to the car enthusiast who is looking for something truly different. Beautifully engineered and technically interesting, he 401 also represents exceptional value. Its inline 6 cylinder engine, pacious and well-trimmed interior, nd aerodynamic aluminum body are traits shared with the Bentley R-Type Continental, nd because of its build date, he 401 is eligible for prestigious events such as the California Mille. Certainly it represents a far more unique alternative to the other eligible cars in this price range such as a Jaguar XK, orsche 356, r Alfa Giulietta. This particular car has matching-numbers and has demonstrated itself to be a trustworthy touring car and offers good weather protection, nd ample passenger and luggage space.

For a Full Set of Photos: Visit http://www.fantasyjunction.com Telephone: +1 510 653 7555 | Fax: +1 510 653 9754 Showroom Location: 1145 Park Avenue | Emeryville, A 94608