1958 Bristol 405                                            ...

Hammer

£16,000

1958 Bristol 405                                                

Registration Number: OUH 205
Chassis Number: 405/4201
Recorded Mileage: TBA

- Offered from 39 year ownership
- Comprehensive restoration by Bristol experts

The Bristol 405 stands as a remarkable exemplar of British engineering and bespoke craftsmanship. Hand-built in Bristol’s historic Filton factory, this model holds a distinguished place in the marque’s storied history. Introduced at the 1954 Paris Motor Show, the 405 was a groundbreaking departure for Bristol, being the first - and only - four-door model produced by the marque. Its elegant, imposing silhouette earned it the nickname “the flying greenhouse,” a testament to its distinctive large rear window.

Limited to only 296 units produced across four years, the 405 is exceedingly rare, with this particular example being chassis number 201, a fitting number given its position within the final production years. Every body part on this car is stamped with the same chassis number, a testament to its provenance and authenticity, despite the engine crossing its life in recent decades, the body and chassis remain original. Supplied with a comprehensive and large photographic portfolio of restoration works, plus Bristol Owners Club magazines and literature, this car’s storied history is meticulously documented. It also benefits from a fabulous collection of records detailing its use and care by its long-term custodian, including vibrant photographs of the car enthusiastically driven around Castle Combe’s track - a demonstration of its performance and joie de vivre.

Owned by its current owner since 1986, this Bristol has undergone a highly sympathetic and meticulous restoration process over the subsequent decades. An original, rare engine (no.361) was sourced by the owner and installed. Approximately ten years after fitting this replacement engine, the owner discovered a hairline crack to the side of the block. Since it has shown no symptoms of any issues - no loss of performance, no water or oil mixing so this has been left as is, continuously monitored. Over twenty-five years of use, it has not worsened, and the car runs smoothly; the owner advises that it loses a small amount of coolant over time, which is routinely topped up and has never caused overheating or any other problems. A modern uprated Electric fan has been fitted in addition to help in cooling duties.

Powering the 405 is a 105hp, 2-litre, six-cylinder engine developed from the pre-war BMW 328, a unit known for its durability and smooth progression—an innovative powerplant for its time, perfectly suited to Bristol’s refined yet sporting ethos. This engine, combined with the Laycock de Normanville overdrive, makes for effortless cruising yet spirited driving. The laminated ash bodywork, complemented by aluminium panels, results in a lighter, more agile car than its predecessors, with clever hinged wings that incorporate the battery and spare wheel within their design.

Inside, the interior was painstakingly re-trimmed by Don Scudamore, a former Bristol Cars employee renowned for his craftsmanship, ensuring that the cabin exudes period correctness. The car remains in excellent mechanical condition, having recently benefited from a full service in August 2025, and it is ready for its next chapter and continued use and enjoyment.

Cherished in single ownership since 1986, this car is supplied with a current MOT, V5 registration document, and a rare original instruction manual along with workshop diagrams. Offered with a substantial history file and a large photographic portfolio documenting the restoration process, most recently the Bristol has had a full fluid service and new spark plugs in August 2025.

Also included are Bristol Owners Club magazines and literature, and pictures of the Bristol being driven enthusiastically around Castle Combe’s track. All in all this is a quintessential Bristol with an interesting story.