1974 Bristol 411 Series 4 Sports Saloon
Registration no. To be confirmed
Chassis no. 7718440

For the 411, introduced at the 1969 Earls Court Motor Show, Bristol continued with Chrysler V8 engines but specified the 6.3-litre unit that produced 335bhp, an increase of some 85 horsepower over the preceding '5.1'. There was a commensurate improvement in performance. With a maximum speed of 140 mph and a 0-60mph time of 6.9 seconds, the Bristol 411 was hailed by Autosport's John Bolster as 'The fastest true four seat touring car in the world'. Hand built to very high standards, the 411 benefited from its relatively lightweight aluminium bodywork and a low drag coefficient resulting of much time in the wind tunnel at Filton. Company owner Tony Crook's mantra was comfort for four and a huge boot (the spare wheel was housed inside the front wing), while the famously understated appearance of Bristols of this era belies their tremendous performance and excellent handling. The 411 was built in five series from 1969 to 1976, though later cars suffered power reductions as a result of more restrictive emissions equipment. Fewer than 300 Bristol 411s of all types were made.

Offered here is a Bristol 411 Series 4, distinguishable from the preceding Series 3 by its larger (6,556cc) engine and revised front grille and rear end treatments. Running and driving well, '7718440' is an older restored example that still presents beautifully. We are advised that it received a cosmetic restoration by coachwork specialist Tony Bird in Bristol, following a traffic bump. The vendor purchased the car in August 1993 from Richard Fuggle of Bushey Heath, a well-known and respected specialist. Servicing has been carried out by Martin Barnes at American Cars and later by Bristol Cars themselves in London. This car and its stablemates have always been garaged in a dry, well-aired barn and in recent years maintained in situ by the same mechanic. The estate has a 1-mile circuit over which the cars have been regularly warmed up prior to use.

Finished in Gunmetal Grey with apparently re-trimmed Biscuit leather interior, silver wheels, and excellent chrome, this fine example of a true connoisseur's Gran Turismo is offered with a V5C document and MoT to June 2019. The cherished number '106 CAR' is being retained by the vendor, and will be issued with an age related number my time of sale.