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Bristol Type 400

Production commenced in 1946 and was discontinued in 1950. The first Bristol model that was heavily based on the pre war BMW designs. It is estimated that 475 were produced a large number were exported to Australia.

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Bristol Type 401

Production commenced in 1949 and the model was discontinued in 1953. Designed as the successor to the type 400 it featured an Italian designed body by Touring. A more roomy vehicle it was the most prolific model with estimated 605 produced.

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Bristol Type 402

Production commenced in 1949 and was discontinued in 1950. The glamorous convertible based on type 401 mechanicals was built to expand the marque into export markets. Not very successful only 21 examples were built. Australia is home to four type 402’s.

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Bristol Type 403

Production commenced in 1953 and the model was discontinued in 1955. Bodily the same as the type 401 except for badges. It featured a number of improvements including a more powerful engine and a Borg Warner gear box and Alfin brake drums. 275 examples were built, it is said to be the most desirable Bristol model.

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Bristol Type 404

Introduced in 1953 and produced until 1955, the type 404 became known as the “Business Mans Express”. The model featured tiny rear fins and saw a return to timber framed body work. Prodiction figures indicate 51 examples were produced with Australia receiving several examples.

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Bristol Type 405

Introduced at the 1954 London Motor Show, the type 405 was a lengthened 404 to provide four doors. A convertible version was available. Body by Abbott. This body showed some ingenious features including stowage in the rear of the front mudguards. This body was timber framed as was its predecessor the type 404. 97 examples were produced until the model was replaced in 1958.

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Bristol Type 406

The last Bristol powered model, the ageing 2 litre straight six motor was extended to 2216cc. Body work was produced by an outside contractor and overall weight of the vehicle had increased. Bristol had become a grand tourer. 178 type 406 were produced and several examples were imported into Australia.

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Bristol Type 407

The first Bristol to feature the Chrysler 5.3 litre engine. Very similar in appearance to the preceding type 406. It is said to be the crudest of the new generation Bristols.

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Bristol Type 408

Production commenced in November 1963 and this model refined the appearance of the second generation models. Bodies were built by Park Royal Vehicles Ltd. Selectaride suspension was provided.

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Bristol Type 409

Introduced in Autumn 1965, it featured some improvements to the 318 Chrysler engine including automatic choke. Brakes were supplied by Girling rather than Dunlop.

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Bristol Type 410

Introduced in early 1967, the 410 featured smaller road wheels of 15 inch diameter and for the first time acrylic paint was utilised. Said to be the best handling of this series of Bristols.

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Bristol Type 411

The type 411 was announced at the London Motor Show of 1969. Engine capacity was increased to 6277 cc and the Torqueflite automatic transmission was retained. Visually very pleasing, the type 411 continued in production until 1976. Some examples have been imported into Australia privately.

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Bristol Type 412

A convertible designed by Zagato using the mechanicals of the type 411.
Featuring a built in double roll over designed to strengthen the cars structure. This model had a short production life commencing in 1975. Several examples have been privately imported into Australia.

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HRG Bristol

A one off imported into Australia years ago as a chassis. Its owner has seen this vehicle completed as it would have been in the fifties.

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Bristol Zagato

A type 400 chassis rebodied in Italy by Zagato. Imported into Australia in the early sixties by the then Bristol dealer Peter Menere.

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AC Aceca

Bristol engines were used to power vehicles generally of small or specialist manufacturers. The AC marque used Bristol engines in its Ace sports car and the Aceca coupe.