The Bristol 400 was the first car produced by Bristol Aeroplane Company. After World War II, they decided to diversify into the automotive industry and launched the 400 in 1947.
It all began with a visit to the former BMW factory in East Germany, which was controlled by the Soviet Union. They decided to build a car based on the BMW 327 model using its inline-6 engine, they also recruited Fritz Fiedler, a BMW engineer, to become the engine development leader. The first Bristol 400 prototype was created in 1946 and officially debuted at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show.
This model combines the best bits of pre-war BMW models, by using the chassis of the 327, coupled with a 1971 cc straight-six engine from the 328 that produces 80hp. At the time the engine was considered to be very sophisticated because of its hemispherical combustion chamber, with the inlets and exhaust ports being very short.
Its sleek and aerodynamic body was built using the “Superleggera” method created by the Italian coachbuilder Touring and even features a grill that resembles BMW’s double kidney trademark.
The Bristol 400 was in production from 1947 until 1950, with 487 units produced. Its successors, the 401 and 402, were introduced in 1948 and 1949 respectively, while the 400 was still in production.
This example is chassis #400/1/474 and features a stunning two-tone dark red and black finish, complemented by a beige interior with wooden dashboard. The car has 28,089km on the odometer and is in great condition.
Car No. – 400/A/489
Engine No. – 85C/1750
Chassis No. – 400/1/474
Mileage: 28,089 kilometers
