Bristol 401

The Bristol 401 of 1952 was an aerodynamic, aluminium-bodied saloon from the Bristol Aeroplane Company's car division, and this one is finished in red over cream leather with red piping and carpets and a figured timber dashboard.

It has been properly used. After an extensive restoration and preparation programme by Bristol specialist Charles McGowan, the owner drove it to the North Cape through Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway, covering more than 4,500 trouble-free miles. It has also toured widely in Europe and in New Zealand.

The work included chassis and outrigger restoration, new sill carrier panels, a rebuilt rear axle and front suspension, and a rebuilt braking system with a front disc conversion. An overdrive was fitted along with a shorter propshaft. The engine had been rebuilt and the body repainted before the current ownership. The odometer shows about 55,256 miles, which the dealer says should be treated as indicated. The car comes with its V5, restoration correspondence and the owner's illustrated account of the Scandinavian trip.