1949 Bristol 400 2-Litre Saloon

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.

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.

The lovely Bristol 400 featured here is sadly being offered for sale by the widow of the late owner. Unfortunately, the history file has been lost during this difficult period so information about the car’s history is fairly limited. However, should the file be found before the Race Retro auction then we will of course notify interested parties.

Within the car we found a Mille Miglia booklet containing an ‘Eligibility Certificate’ dated 3rd June 2019 with an expiry date of 3rd June 2026 and our vendor recalls her late husband taking the car out to one of the Mille Miglia events, however, he was on the reserve list and didn’t secure an entry but did follow the event around in the Bristol.

Fortunately, we have managed to locate an advertisement posted by the well-respected dealer who sold the car to our late vendor and that does provide a lot more information which, we imagine is totally correct, but are unable to verify at this stage. We understand that it was optioned from new with a heater, overdrive and the opening rear window which transforms the car's ventilation on a long hot run across country. Later upgrades and modifications include discreet modern indicators fitted under the bumpers, a Becker Europa Radio, an alternator, oil cooler, Alfin-type alloy front brake drums and a Kenlowe fan.

From the same source we understand that it’s powered by a correct, matching-numbers, Type 85A Bristol 2-litre, six-cylinder engine with triple S.U carburettors, #85A-1400 but, according to the Bristol Owners Club, at one point this car was fitted with the more powerful 100 engine, engine No.#100A 3008.

The advert mentions that the previous owner (prior to our vendor) enjoyed the 400 for seven years taking it to the Swiss Alps and back in 2011 and also toured Ireland in 2014 and 2016. Older history mentions that it competed in the West Anatolia Rally in Turkey in 2001 and 2002 and had also toured Europe and South Africa. Interestingly, KXO 432 appears on the outside front cover of Charles Oxley's “Bristol, The Quiet Survivor”.

This is a good-looking example of a classic early sporting Bristol that over recent years has been used for its original purpose and is all the better for it. It’s gently patinated and would benefit from some light detailing but it is truly charming and, by virtue of its age and the Factory’s original competition provenance, would be welcome anywhere.