1949 Bristol 400
£45,950
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1949 Bristol 400
In 1947 the Bristol Aeroplane company diversified and formed a car division which would later be the Bristol Car Company in its own right. Bristol inspected the former BMW car factory in what was now Soviet controlled East Germany, returning with plans for the 327 model and the 2 litre, 6-cylinder engine as official war reparations. Bristol duly employed BMW Engineer Fritz Fiedler to lead their engine development team.
The newly formed Bristol Cars then released their 400 model – a lengthened version of the BMW 327. Bristol had also acquired Frazer Nash who had held a licence to build BMW models before the War.
The new Bristol 400 took the best features of two outstanding pre-war BMW models, using the 328 engine and the chassis frame of the 326. The new Bristol 400 featured a slightly modified version of the BMW 2 litre engine which was an advanced unit for its time with hemispherical combustion chambers, developing some 80 bhp at 4,500 rpm which gave the 400 a top speed of around 93 mph – a creditable performance for a 2-litre motor car at this period.
In total, some 487 ‘400’ models were produced and today surviving cars are highly prized.
This example dates from 1949 and has extensive history from new. Imported from Australia by the current owner 5 years ago, there has been much expenditure on mechanicals, including retrimming of front seats and door cards. All 3 carburettors have been overhauled as has the braking system and the car runs very well.
There are a number of paintwork blemishes but in general the car presents well and can be enjoyed as is, or further improved if required.
Having resided in Australia the body and structure are extremely sound with well-fitting panel work.
A video will be updated shortly.
For more information and to arrange your appointment to view please call us on 01420-474919 or 07710-364945 or email us at enquiries@robinlawton.com