Hemmings Find of the Day – 1951 Bristol 401

Published by Mike on August 27, 2014

After helping the Allies win World War II, the U.K.’s Bristol Aeroplane Company decided to branch out into the production of automobiles. Its first product, the 400 of 1947, was a sports car for the connoisseur, borrowing heavily from late 1930s BMWs, Bristol’s purchase of the rights to the designs having been approved by Britain’s War Reparations Board.

The 401, launched in 1949, wedded the 400’s 1,971cc straight-six engine, independent leaf-spring front suspension and rear torsion bars of the 401 to a more aerodynamic coupe body, inspired by the designs of Carrozzeria Touring and refined in Bristol’s own wind tunnel at Filton. Constructed of aluminum panels over a steel tube framework, the 401 was light and fast, capable of a true 100 MPH. The cars were expensive, and production was estimated at a little over 600 examples.

This 1951 Bristol 401 Coupe for sale on Hemmings.com is now powered by an American straight-six of unknown origin, but comes with a correct Bristol block and other parts. From the “CH” on the trunk lid, we would guess that this car had spent at least part of its life in Switzerland. From the seller’s description:

British racing green with grey interior, very original and rare car to find, comes with many extra parts, has American motor and comes with Bristol block, excellent candidate for restoration and a great addition to any collection.