1948 Bristol 400

Imitation is said to be the most sincere form of flattery, however, it seems a little unlikely that BMW's engineers felt particularly gratified when the Bristol Car Company obtained the rights to their automotive designs as part of Germany's post-WW2 reparations. Although there was undoubtedly a significant input from the bright aeronautical engineers at Bristol, the 400, which commenced production in 1947, was effectively a synthesis of three pre-war BMW designs, with a chassis derived from that of the 326, an engine from the 328 sports car and an aerodynamic bodyshell similar to that of the 327 coupé.

The 1,971cc six-cylinder engine of the BMW 328 featured an ingenious new cylinder head, designed by Rudolf Schleicher, incorporating hemispherical combustion chambers and inclined valves without recourse to overhead, or twin camshafts. Instead, the Type 319 engine's single block-mounted camshaft and pushrod valve actuation were retained, thus avoiding an expensive redesign. Two rocker shafts were employed, one situated above each bank of valves, giving the engine an external appearance almost indistinguishable from that of a twin-overhead-cam design. Downdraft inlet ports contributed to the motor's deep breathing, and its tunability made it a popular choice for British racing car constructors, most notably Cooper, during the 1950s. Externally, Bristol's Type 85A clone of the BMW motor differed little from the German original, the most obvious difference being the adoption of SU, rather than Solex, carburettors part way through production. The most significant changes made by the Bristol designers were metallurgical, their utilisation of the highest quality materials contributing to increased engine life. A maximum output of 80bhp at 4,200rpm was claimed, which was good enough for a top speed of around 95mph.

The 400's aerodynamically efficient body was constructed of steel panels on a wooden frame, with the doors, bonnet and boot-lid skinned in aluminium. Beneath the skin, the chassis boasted independent front suspension by single upper wishbones and lower transverse leaf-springs, whilst torsion bars located within the chassis members controlled the live rear axle. Contrasting with the exterior's modern appearance, the traditional wood-embellished interior was reminiscent of an earlier age.

In total, 474 Bristol 400s were made between 1947 and 1950 with, it's believed, around 120 still on the road. Dating from 1948, Chassis number #460-180, on offer here, is indeed one of those original cars. It has recently benefitted from a full bodywork refurbishment with any corrosion and rust being fully addressed and removed prior to being finished to a very high standard in a lovely shade of light metallic green (an Aston Martin colour we believe possibly California Sage). The interior has been refurbished with the same attention to detail as the bodywork and looks simply spectacular in fresh Biscuit hide piped in Chocolate with matching door cards, headlining and a new carpet. The wooden dash has been removed and refinished, all instrumentation is period and in good working order and a full tool kit is in its appointed place in a box in the engine bay. The boot has also benefitted from all this attention and looks splendid with new Cinnamon carpets edged in Chocolate.

For over a decade, this lovely 400 has been the property of a well known Morgan dealer's family and has been properly looked after and fettled as required to a far higher standard than one might expect from less fastidious owners. In our vendor's words "You simply have to drive it to experience how good the taut handling is and how well the motor pulls though the lovely synchromesh gear box. It feels more like 1970 than 1948."

Mille Miglia eligible, this car would make a stylish, fast and comfortable entrant to the famed event. This is undoubtedly the best example of a 400 we have seen and, although prepared to a show standard, JYM II remains a practical and versatile post-war classic.