Details
1951 2-LITRE BRISTOL 401 CONVERTIBLE
COACHWORK BY RICHARD MEAD
Registration No. JDA 55
Chassis No. 401895
Engine No. 85C1656
Right hand drive.
Following World War II, the British Aeroplane Company Ltd decided to return to car production and using the established links between the British factory, Frazer Nash and BMW, they managed to bring the former BMW designer, Dr Fritz Fielder to the factory at Filton, Bristol. He developed a much improved version of the six cylinder BMW 328 engine and placed this in a lengthened 326 chassis with a 327 based body. In 1947, the Bristol 400 made its debut and a year later at the Earls Court Motor Show, the 401 was announced with revised coachwork styled by Touring of Milan, tested in the Filton factory wind tunnel.
The 401 had a production run of a mere 650 in the period 1949-1953 and less than a dozen are known to have been bodied by specialist coachbuilders.
Some years ago this example was professionally restored, repainted blue and the interior and hood were re-trimmed. The paint is beginning to show signs of blistering. In the last year the owner has completed a number of improvements such as new steering joints, new king pins, new alloy petrol tank, overhaul of the braking system and completion of the single shot lubrication system. The engine, gearbox and clutch are said to be in good working order. With a little further restoration including tidying the engine bay and electrical attention, this well-known one-off Richard Mead convertible 401 will be greatly admired by Bristol enthusiasts and collectors of this famous and revered marque.
COACHWORK BY RICHARD MEAD
Registration No. JDA 55
Chassis No. 401895
Engine No. 85C1656
Right hand drive.
Following World War II, the British Aeroplane Company Ltd decided to return to car production and using the established links between the British factory, Frazer Nash and BMW, they managed to bring the former BMW designer, Dr Fritz Fielder to the factory at Filton, Bristol. He developed a much improved version of the six cylinder BMW 328 engine and placed this in a lengthened 326 chassis with a 327 based body. In 1947, the Bristol 400 made its debut and a year later at the Earls Court Motor Show, the 401 was announced with revised coachwork styled by Touring of Milan, tested in the Filton factory wind tunnel.
The 401 had a production run of a mere 650 in the period 1949-1953 and less than a dozen are known to have been bodied by specialist coachbuilders.
Some years ago this example was professionally restored, repainted blue and the interior and hood were re-trimmed. The paint is beginning to show signs of blistering. In the last year the owner has completed a number of improvements such as new steering joints, new king pins, new alloy petrol tank, overhaul of the braking system and completion of the single shot lubrication system. The engine, gearbox and clutch are said to be in good working order. With a little further restoration including tidying the engine bay and electrical attention, this well-known one-off Richard Mead convertible 401 will be greatly admired by Bristol enthusiasts and collectors of this famous and revered marque.