1955 BRISTOL 403

LMCT 7819
SN4306

(To be sold UN-Registered & with Vic RWC)

ICONIC LUXURY SPORTS COUPE

The Bristol 403 was produced by the Car Division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company between 1953 and 1955, being the successor to the 400 and 401. The Bristol Aeroplane Company was the largest aircraft producer in the UK during WWII and had a highly skilled workforce to utilise following the end of the war. Bristol had access to the design of the prewar BMW 327 and 328 as part of the war reparations agreements and had already purchased AFN who were the Frazer Nash distributors and who had built BMW’s under licence prior to WWII.

This provided Bristol the opportunity and capability to restyle and re-engineer the BMW design using their extensive aircraft manufacturing experience. The body structure was of course, beautifully crafted in aluminium fastened to a light weight steel frame using the Superleggera technique successfully used by Carrozzeria Touring. The flowing lines of the bodywork were undisturbed, with the door handles being flush mounted, aircraft style push buttons, these also being replicated inside.

The Bristol 403 is powered by the 1971cc BMW 328 designed pushrod inline 6 cylinder engine featuring hemispherical combustion chambers with inclined valves, downdraught inlet ports and domed pistons, all combined to produce a very healthy 100BHP which, when coupled to the 4 speed manual gearbox was able to propel the Bristol to a genuine 104MPH. The Bristol was well recognised in the period for its ride quality and roadholding, aided by the independent front suspension and torsion bar rear suspension with telescopic shock absorbers all round. The brakes are 11″ Lockheed Hydraulic Drums Front and Rear, the front being ‘Alfin’ type for improved heat dissipation whilst the rear are standard.

This Bristol 403 is a well known example within the Bristol Owners Club of Australia, being one of only around 285 built and one of less than 30 examples in the club. Having undergone a Comprehensive Restoration between 2004 and 2015 this Bristol 403 presents superbly in Steel Blue Metallic. The seats are beautifully trimmed in Biscuit Leather, highlighted with Brown Piping, whilst the Quality Matching Carpets are also finished with brown edging. The Cockpit conveys a sense of Sophisticated Elegance with Stylish Timber Instrument Panel featuring a full complement of Smiths Gauges, and an array of switches and knobs. Extra detail items include the Rear Window Blind conveniently operated by a drawstring in the centre of the cockpit headlining, and the draw down Adjustable Front Sun Visors. The only modern addition to the cockpit is the Alpine CD/Stereo and the Front Seat Belts.

This Bristol 403 is a wonderful example of the very high quality, limited production vehicles produced post WWII by specialist manufacturers, and is sure to delight its’ enthusiast new owner.

Priced without Reg, Talk to us about Reg, Club or Other Plate Options.

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