SOLD - 1959 BRISTOL ZAGATO 406

SOLD

1959 BRISTOL 406 ZAGATO PROTOTYPE

LMCT 7819
SN:3557

Following the successful 404/405 Bristol introduced the 406 in 1958, a Luxury Sports Saloon, which would be the final Bristol to be powered by the renowned BMW derived straight six cylinder.

Upon the release of the 406, Anthony (Tony) Crook who at the time owned 40% of ‘Bristol Cars’ and was the leading Bristol distributor, saw the opportunity to further develop the new car. After serious discussions with Carrozzeria Zagato of Millan a design was approved, and a Prototype was constructed ready for the 1959 Earls Court Motor Show, where the Bristol 406 Zagato was unveiled to the public on Zagato’s stall.

Following the Prototype, Zagato built one more 406-Z before raising the roof line to accommodate taller passengers for the remaining 4 examples. Of the 6 Bristol Zagato’s produced only 5 remain, after Chassis No. 5284, the first of the taller roofed examples was involved in a serious accident, and subsequently wrecked for parts by Tony Crook.

The Bristol Zagato’s were more than just a re-bodied 406, they boasted a weight reduction of 260KG, a 10hp power increase from 105hp – 115hp and an Abarth Stainless exhaust system, providing a significantly more sporting package, in a Grand Touring body, suitable for 4 adults.

After the Prototype’s grand unveiling at the Earls Court Motor Show the 406-Z remained in the UK, before being bought by a Californian gentleman in the late 70’s/early 80’s, and subsequently shipped to the United States. In 1988 the Prototype was sold to a gentleman by the name of Tony who drove it to Albuquerque were it was kept in the hot, dry climate on Stu Harroun’s (his’s brother-in-law) property.

While in storage on Stu’s property Tony divorced Stu’s sister and the 406-Z’s ownership was split 50-50. Tony moved to the UK and later fell into poor health, at which time it was decided that Stu would act as a legal agent for both his sister and Tony to sell the Bristol Zagato, which had now sat for 14 years.

Listed for sale online in 2002 Sean McSharry of NSW Australia, a long time Bristol enthusiast, negotiated the purchase of the 406-Z Prototype. In Mr McSharry’s ownership the Prototype was restored by Sebastian Gross of Seberi Pty Ltd over a period of 6 years. During this time extensive records, and memorabilia were collected, documenting as much of the history as possible, including emails related to: the purchase of the Prototype, supply of parts, refurbishment of parts and conversations with other 406-Z owners to verify details of the rebuild.

The Bristol 406 Zagato Prototype is the very first ‘Tony Crook’ Bristol, produced 4 years before he took over ‘Bristol Cars’ as sole owner. This Incredibly Significant Bristol has been Extensivly restored to an Extremely high standard, with Impeccable paintwork & Luxurious leather trim.

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

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SOLD - 1959 BRISTOL ZAGATO 406