Bristol 400

We are delighted to present to the market a very special example of the 400 type Bristol. Dispatched from Filton, Bristol on the 19th October 1948 presented originally in Dark Blue coachwork, now 400/542 is presented in stunning Metallic Green coachwork paired tastefully with Light Tan leather upholstery and exterior matching Green piping.

“The Bristol has a phenomenal performance-seventy miles an hour in third gear-over ninety in top yet its most outstanding feature is its complete docility at all speeds and under all conditions. Eight miles an hour or eighty, its all the same, you are the boss and the car is there to respond to your will. And its not a case of familiarity with the breed, for after five minuets at the wheel you feel you have been driving this model all your life”

“Driving the Bristol was an exhilarating experience as different from ordinary motoring as bread and cheese is from caviar”

The Croydon Times 1948

The late Brian Taylor CBE called upon Mitchell Motors in the late 1990’s with the mammoth task of carrying out a nut and bolt restoration of 400/542 with the car to be gifted to his wife. The complete car was stripped, corrosion repaired as necessary, chrome restored and all mechanical parts stripped cleaned and rebuilt. Despite the restoration coming to a close in the early 00’s the car still presents as new which is testament to the countless hours spent in restoration and first class post restoration treatment and servicing.

At the time of restoration Bristol’s were not as often restored to the level of this example, the reason for Mr Taylor going to such extreme lengths of restoration at the time despite the intentions of the car to be for his wife to use of course, was that as a young man he attended the University Air Squadron at Bristol seeing Bristol Cars being driven up and down the Brabazon runway being tested. At this time he could not afford one but was determined one day we would have a Bristol.

In the early years after restoration 400/542 entered in the annual Bristol Owners Club Concours d ’Elegance winning best in class three times and several elite class trophy’s until the owner decided it best to retire the car from the events to give someone else a chance. We have no doubts despite there being stronger competition now some 20 years later 400/542 would be in with a chance of winning yet again.

Out of all the Bristol models the 400 was the most successful in motorsport to name a few achievements the Type 400 accomplished:

1st POLISH RALLY – Winning the 2-litre class and gaining the highest points. 1948

1st OF ALL BRITISH ENTRIES – MONTE CARLO RALLY. 1949

3rd IN GERNERAL CLASSIFICATION – MONTE CARLO RALLY. 1949

92MPH over 100 kilometres officially timed at MONTLHERY TRACK

Supplied with an epic history file, thorough service and MOT. We highly advise anyone interested to see the 400 in person as it even managed to surprise us…

For further details and to arrange viewings

Contact SLJ Hackett

Mobile Telephone: 07867782402

Office: 01985219551

E-mail: info@sljhackett.co.uk