1956 Bristol 405 Sports Saloon

• One of only 265 made
• Effortless high-speed cruising for four
• Previous long-term celebrity ownership
• Recently mechanically recommissioned

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, aluminium-alloy panelled 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-litre, 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.

In October 1954 at the Paris Salon Bristol introduced the 405, effectively a stretched four-door version of the 404, which otherwise it closely resembled. Unkindly dubbed 'the flying greenhouse' on account of its generous glass area, the newcomer featured overdrive transmission, electrically operated fuel reserve, radial tyres and a screen washer as standard equipment. Writing in Motor Sport magazine, Bill Boddy described the 405 as "a tireless car in which to drive over long distances, the passengers being able to relax in comfort and luxury, while the driver enjoys himself with the excellent controls and the sense of exceptional security". The Bristol's aircraft-industry standard of construction did not come cheap however (it cost a little under £3,200 including purchase tax, making it almost £500 more expensive than an Aston Martin DB2/4) and only 265 examples found customers between 1954 and 1958.

For many years 'VVO 614' belonged to a famous British menswear designer, Paul Smith, who had seen the Bristol advertised for sale in December 1981. The seller was a gentleman in his seventies, who had owned the car for 17 years, during which period it had been kept in a centrally heated garage. Its owner used the Bristol as his daily driver for the next eight years, leaving it parked outside his house in all weathers. By then the car had started to deteriorate and so was despatched to the factory for restoration, which took nine months to complete and cost a then not inconsiderable £18,000 (see story in the Independent newspaper's Motoring section of 12th June 1993, copy on file). 'VVO 614' is well documented and features in the Bristol 405's price guide. Recently mechanically recommissioned, it comes with a selection of Paul Smith accessories and a V5C Registration Certificate.