Tim Schofield
Head of UK Business Development, Motoring
LOT 483
1957 Bristol 405 Sports Saloon Registration no. 327 AAE Chassis no. 405/4211
Sold for £253 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 483
1957 Bristol 405 Sports Saloon
The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|6 September 2025, 13:00 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
1957 Bristol 405 Sports Saloon
Registration no. 327 AAE
Chassis no. 405/4211
Registration no. 327 AAE
Chassis no. 405/4211
• One of just 265 examples of the 405 Saloon manufactured
• Delivered new to Stoke-on-Trent
• An exciting restoration project that is missing the original '100B2' engine and gearbox
Having made a major contribution to both world wars, the Bristol Aeroplane Company ended 1945 with a surplus of skilled labour and, to redeploy this resource, created a luxury car division. Under the war reparation scheme, rights were acquired regarding pre-war BMWs and their powerplants. The company was, therefore, able to produce its first vehicle - the 400 Saloon - in the autumn of 1946. The chassis was based on that of the BMW 326, its graceful body inspired by the 327, and the engine a mildly modified version of the 328 unit. Introduced in 1954, the 405 Saloon was Bristol's first and, so far, only four-door offering. Effectively a long-wheelbase version of the outgoing 404, it was also the first of the marque to feature an opening boot lid. The newcomer was powered by the 100B2 version of the company's 1971cc OHV straight-six engine. It developed some 110bhp and drove through a four-speed manual gearbox plus Laycock de Normanville overdrive. The suspension was independent at the front by a transverse leaf spring and by solid axle and torsion bars at the rear. Braking was by drums all round (front discs were optional) and steering by rack and pinion. Total 405 production comprised 265 Saloons and 43 Drophead Coupes. The model was replaced by the 406 in 1958.
A rare and very sought after example of British motoring history, this Bristol was first delivered new in June 1957 with an Ash Grey over Egyptian Brown colour scheme to a John Alcock, Esq of Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent. Clearly a car ripe for restoration, this 405 is offered for sale without reserve, the 405 is offered as an interesting and rewarding project and leaves somewhat of a blank canvas for any prospective purchaser. The very-expensive-when-new grand tourer is supplied with a UK V5 and a copy of its factory delivery note and is sold strictly as seen.
• Delivered new to Stoke-on-Trent
• An exciting restoration project that is missing the original '100B2' engine and gearbox
Having made a major contribution to both world wars, the Bristol Aeroplane Company ended 1945 with a surplus of skilled labour and, to redeploy this resource, created a luxury car division. Under the war reparation scheme, rights were acquired regarding pre-war BMWs and their powerplants. The company was, therefore, able to produce its first vehicle - the 400 Saloon - in the autumn of 1946. The chassis was based on that of the BMW 326, its graceful body inspired by the 327, and the engine a mildly modified version of the 328 unit. Introduced in 1954, the 405 Saloon was Bristol's first and, so far, only four-door offering. Effectively a long-wheelbase version of the outgoing 404, it was also the first of the marque to feature an opening boot lid. The newcomer was powered by the 100B2 version of the company's 1971cc OHV straight-six engine. It developed some 110bhp and drove through a four-speed manual gearbox plus Laycock de Normanville overdrive. The suspension was independent at the front by a transverse leaf spring and by solid axle and torsion bars at the rear. Braking was by drums all round (front discs were optional) and steering by rack and pinion. Total 405 production comprised 265 Saloons and 43 Drophead Coupes. The model was replaced by the 406 in 1958.
A rare and very sought after example of British motoring history, this Bristol was first delivered new in June 1957 with an Ash Grey over Egyptian Brown colour scheme to a John Alcock, Esq of Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent. Clearly a car ripe for restoration, this 405 is offered for sale without reserve, the 405 is offered as an interesting and rewarding project and leaves somewhat of a blank canvas for any prospective purchaser. The very-expensive-when-new grand tourer is supplied with a UK V5 and a copy of its factory delivery note and is sold strictly as seen.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Richard Stafford
Senior Specialist, Head of Research
Auction Viewings
- 5 September 2025, 10:00 - 17:00 BST
- 6 September 2025, 08:30 - 17:00 BST
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
Coming soon
An Autojumblers lot
£200 - £300
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Four gearboxes
£200 - £300
United Kingdom
A brass four-trumpet bulb horn,
£250 - £350
United Kingdom
Two aneroid barometers,
£200 - £300
United Kingdom
Six pressure gauges for veteran cars,
£200 - £300
