Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 71
1955 Bristol 405 Drophead Coupe Coachwork by Abbotts of Farnham Chassis no. 405/4510 Engine no. 100B2/4217 (see text)
Estimate: US$175,000 - US$250,000
Lot 71
1955 Bristol 405 Drophead Coupe
1955 Bristol 405 Drophead Coupe
Coachwork by Abbotts of Farnham
Chassis no. 405/4510
Engine no. 100B2/4217 (see text)
Coachwork by Abbotts of Farnham
Chassis no. 405/4510
Engine no. 100B2/4217 (see text)
1,971cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 Solex Downdraft Carburetors
130bhp at 6,000rpm (see text)
4-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Front, Independent by Transverse Spring, Rear, Torsion Bar Suspension
Front, Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes
*Exceptionally rare Bristol model, one of 43 built
*Factory restored in the early 2000s
*Uprated replacement 405 Bristol B2 engine fitted
*Offered from long-term private ownership
THE BRISTOL 405
With the 1953 introduction of the short-wheelbase 404 coupé, the Bristol line at last lost its resemblance to the pre-war BMW, swapping that distinctive two-piece radiator grille for an equally unmistakable, aeronautically inspired air intake. The body was still an ash-framed, aluminum-alloy paneled structure, but the bonnet was now forward-hinging and for the first time the spare wheel was accommodated in the near-side front wing. Bristol continued to use the BMW-based, 2.0-liter, six-cylinder engine with its ingeniously arranged, pushrod-operated inclined valves, and this was available in either 105bhp or 125bhp form in the 404. The gearbox remained a manual four-speed unit with first gear freewheel. Famously dubbed the 'Businessman's Express', the 404 excelled at providing high-speed travel in comfort -the very definition of 'Gran Turismo'. The car's aircraft-industry standard of construction did not come cheap however, and only 52 examples found customers between 1953 and 1955.
Its successor numerically, the 405 offered an altogether different proposition, being built on a longer wheelbase, this allowed for two options of true four-seater coachwork, a sedan which accounted for the majority of its production, but also a drophead coupe version. The latter was a wonderful proposition, incorporating the nice tail fins design features of the 404, the now classicly reformed nose and a full four seats too. Another Bristol novelty introduced on this model was the stationing of its spare wheel inside the front fender ahead of the A-pillar. A mere 43 were built, 40 in right hand drive, and just 3 in left hand configuration.
THE CAR OFFERED
A rarity among rarities, for just this drophead coupe in one of those 40, the Bristol left the works on July 22, 1955 and was destined to head straight north into Scottish ownership. Registered with the license plate 'GWG 911' which reflected its jurisdiction for Glasgow, the buyer was the company Galt Ltd. a transport company that had been established just after the war. We can presume that business was good already for its founders and that this convertible 'businessman's express' was one of the perks. As new it wore black paintwork with a Spanish red leather interior.
Owners after Galt are not recorded if there were any before the car was purchased by violin maker Peter Moes who brought the car to the States in 1984, by which time it had been changed to green. Its next owner, Claude Lewenz posted the car even further afield, taking it with him to New Zealand, where a restoration was begun. That work had already included the fitment of Coopercraft front disc brakes by the time it was acquired by the current owner in June 2000.
Following their purchase, the car was shipped straight back to its maker, Bristol Cars in London, where still policed by Anthony Crook and under the direction of Toby Silverton the business still operated. Over the course of the next two years the 405 was totally restored in their workshops, with a bare metal respray to its present scheme of dark metallic blue and a refurbishment of the interior in grey leather. Beyond the cosmetic work, on the technical side the decision was made to transplant a freshly rebuilt engine for the existing unit which required work. That unit, no. 100B2 4217 had previously been fitted to a 405 Saloon and had been worked over considerably, with the cylinder head skimmed, over size valve stems, hardened valve seats to aid unleaded fuel use, sports cam, Cosworth pistons and rings, new pushrods, rebored block, lightened flywheel, and fabricated 6 branch exhaust. The net effect of all these improvements had been that it developed some 130bhp, and coupled to the car's overdrive transmission makes for an all around longer legged touring car. In doing so, Bristol cars elected to restamp its chassis plate with this component's number.
Its expat owner elected to use the finished car in the UK for a while, before returning it to the USA in 2006, where it has remained ever since being used when time allows and sharing stable with other British cars of this era. Today its 2000s rebuild has aged a little, the paint gaining some 'road rash' in places and a little sinkage in some areas, and it was noted that the chrome side stripes are also showing some age. The interior and top remain very cleanly presented. But beyond all of this, it is the driving experience that is very rewarding, the ride is particularly comfortable and its enhanced performance is felt on the road, the engine pulling well and stopping too thanks to the front discs.
Offered from long-term private ownership, opportunities to purchase these cars are few and far between, making this one not to be missed.
Saleroom notices
Title in transit.
Additional information
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