Bristol! Now there’s an iconic British brand if ever there was one. Started in 1945, and liquidated in 2020, Bristol built many fine luxury cars such as this 1964 model 408. It was a limited production model and they don’t surface for sale very often, so let’s check this one out and see what made it special. Located in Elverta, California, this hand-built project coupe is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $2,125 with the reserve not yet met. Thanks are due T.J. for this nice discovery!
First, a comment about Bristol, supposedly they’re back in business and working on an electrified future. We’ll have to see if that comes to pass, that was supposed to be Saab’s fate and it never materialized. As for this fossil-fueled 408, its production spanned the years 1963 through 1966 and saw an upgraded 408 Mark II introduced in 1965. According to Remember Road, approximately 300 408s were assembled at Filton, near Bristol, U.K.
The seller tells us, “Car won 2nd plc in Morgan Hill British car show with Bristol cream sherry bottle in fuel filler neck 2018“. It’s tough to imagine this car winning anything other than a tow notice if it were parked on a public street for too long a time. The finish is just peeling away but the underlying aluminum skin seems to be pretty straight. And from what can be seen, the trim and accessories are still in place, all good news but that exterior presentation is hard on the eyes. As for the underside, I’m not so certain.
Unbeknownst to me, the 408 was powered by a 250-gross HP, 313 CI V8 Chrysler engine. This is one powerplant that really escaped my attention! The seller adds, “Trans is early iron Chrysler Torqueflite, lost drive tube between torque converter & trans pump – tube tabs sheared after quiet 75 mph drive from Palo Alto Ca to Paso Robles for car rally. Engine runs fine, rebuild trans or upgrade to 904, 727, or Restomod“. Ok, so it runs but doesn’t drive. Here’s a video of the engine idling. Of note, the electrical system in this Bristol is positive ground.
The interior could be best described as ratty. The tan leather upholstery is not bad but the woodwork is worn, the carpet is missing, as is the horn button/switch, and there is miscellaneous exposed wiring. The Smiths gauges, however, look to be clear. One interesting facet of this car, perhaps owing to its Mopar powertrain, is the pushbutton transmission activation (far right). This feature was discontinued with the introduction of the Mark II.
This would be a fabulous car in restored condition. It has nice lines, is mid-sized and the smallish, dependable Mopar engine should help it move out in style. That said, this one’s going to need a lot of work, cosmetic and mechanical. Its rarity should provide a draw but the unknown reserve will likely determine sales success or failure. There aren’t many available right now though I did find a very nice ’63 for sale, in France, with an asking price of $57K – that may give you an idea of how to back into this, value-wise. I like it, but not enough to ever want to take it on, how about you?
This looks like the love child of a hook up between a Volvo 142 and an anteater…
I C da wolwo twice now. Here’n in the Welch model a day or so ago.
I’ll have to follow up on designer (144 = ’64, 240 = ’74) for an all 3 comparison.
Have seen worse, worth less than the sum of its parts, perhaps? The owner won’t give this away. The chassis is industrial strength, as are the mechanics. Car seems complete, but interior is far from what it should be.
A class car, worthy of restoration.
Certainly distinctive, complete but needs expensive work. If it’s solid underneath, go for it. Remember, “The kids in the Bristol are sharp as a pistol, when they do the Bristol Stomp!”
I know the car and the owner. He’s extremely knowledgeable and has put a lot of effort into getting and keeping this car roadworthy. Re the 313 engine – Bristol apparently sourced this from Chrysler Marine. I’ve always liked the scruffy look of the car, but it seems to have become more worn-looking since I last saw it, so perhaps it is time for a cosmetic restoration.
I’m wrong – the 313 was an automobile engine, used in non-US markets including Canada and Australia.
The 313 is a Polyhead found in some 55-56 Chryslers. I once found a 56 Dodge with one. Might be a Canadian only motor. Canada being part of the Commonwealth probably eased import duty for Bristol’s acquisition of genuine Mopar grunt. Taxes, ya’ know? This is a chance to get a diamond in the rough. It has the right stuff but will need effort to make it fulfill that potential.
Would you buy a car from a company run by a guy named Crook? Well I would! This could be the deal of the year, given access to the right repair people or a skilled purchaser with good research abilities.
Unfortunately some of the body surfaces look pretty corroded. The aluminum is going to take some special care in prep and zinc chromate primer before repainting. I hope the pitting is not too deep for the sake of the seller and the buyer.
A careful review is in order.
GLWTS
Bristol is an interesting company. Like a number of companies that needed a product to stay in business after WWII, Bristol went from planes to cars, starting with a radial aircraft engine mounted high at the rear of their first prototype automobile, which not surprisingly had an unfortunate tendency to lay over on its side. In a few years, however, Bristol went racing at Le Mans, and providing (ex-BWM) engines, and chasses to Wacky Arnolt for Arnold-Bristol sports car.
And then there were Chrysler engines. Thank for the reference in the article to RememberRoad. I’ll complete it, however, with a direct link to the article, https://rememberroad.com/what/bristol/bristol-408-superb-performance-plus-individuality/, if that’s ok.
Such an identity-crisis…but yet, I’m strangely drawn to it… Volvo, Rolls Royce, MG…on and on. Sort of like a bottle of wine, where the more you taste, the more nuances that surfaces… Sometimes this can be good, and sometimes just strange and confusing… ;)
Fascinating car. I’ve heard of the Bristol car. I’ve never seen one in person, despite visiting the UK twice in my lifetime. I’ve seen pics of earlier Bristols than this and the front end looks similar to that of an early BMW. I don’t know what this looks like or reminds me of.