1948 Bristol 400                                        Re...

Estimate

£28,000 - £33,000

1948 Bristol 400                                       

Registration Number: LHU 310
Chassis Number: 400/1/379
Recorded Mileage: 63,950 miles

With Britain finding its feet after the second world war, and the Bristol Aeroplane Company now no longer required to fulfill orders for new warplanes, the firm applied their aero-honed technology and skilled workforce to open a new automotive division, later to become Bristol Cars.

A “thinking man’s luxury car’, the new 400 model of 1947 was Bristol Cars’ first model was based upon respected BMW 326/328 underpinnings with an aerodynamically shaped body in steel and aluminium. The 400 featured independent front suspension, synchromesh on the upper three gears of its four-speed transmission, and a highly modified version of BMWs six-cylinder pushrod engine, taking the model to an impressive 92mph. 487 examples were built before the 400 was ultimately replaced by the 401 and latterly 403 models of the late 1940s and early 50s. 

First registered in July 1948, this handsome 400 has been in current ownership for the last couple of years, having been acquired curiously without a history file. Further investigation uncovered history from a previous owner outlining a number of older maintenance and repair works of a c.20 year period. The 400 had we understand been fitted with a new cylinder head with hardened valves, water pump, distributor, radiator, rear dampers, clutch and thrust slave cylinder, rebuilt rear axle and gearbox (with an aftermarket overdrive system), indicator timer switch, refurbishment of the instruments and other minor items. Although we do not have a file to support the works, it is estimated that in the region of £30,000 was spent during this tenure. The coachwork of the 400 presents very nicely, with good panel gaps and overall good paint finish, showing minor localised imperfections and signs of wear, whilst the retrimmed interior is plush and inviting.

Finished in an attractive colour combination of red with a contrasting tan leather interior, this rare 400 has a style and presence unequaled in other European efforts of the time. Ready for the next owner to use and enjoy, we encourage viewings of this rare 1940s gentleman’s express.

The Bristol will be sold with a newly issued MoT Certificate.