It’s the subject of intense debate in the Classic Driver office today: is this 1960, Zagato-bodied Bristol a classic, unconventional and charming design typical of the famed design house whose name it bears, or just a slightly awkward, Anglo-Italian collaboration boasting some warped dimensions and a confused character?

Sit down, stand out

Bristol’s then-concessionaire and soon-to-be director Anthony Crook was as fanatical about his cars’ ability to stand out as he was notoriously choosy about who could buy one. The firm’s customer base was always extremely select – clients included Peter Sellers, Bono and Sir Richard Branson, to name but a few – and each and every car was distinct and incredibly luxurious. You knew a Bristol when you saw one and there was certainly no need for advertisements or lavish motor show stands. 

Zagato’s 406 had to carry the same torch, regardless of the designer behind it, and Crook’s brief for the two-door body was simple yet precise. It was to be designed for those who desired an even faster car than the standard 406, while still retaining reliability, flexibility and, perhaps to the detriment of the styling, sufficient rear accommodation – a trait Crook said was ‘normally lacking in Grand Touring saloons’. 

Crook’s curves

The result was arguably successful in that Crook’s requirements were met; performance-wise, especially, considering the drastic 260kg weight saving over the standard car. But were Zagato’s design principles lost in translation? In our eyes, at least, the signature double-bubble roof does little to compensate for the vast, hearse-like rear windscreen and abrupt rear arches. It is quite clearly still recognisable as a Bristol, though, and there are some attractive Latin design cues well integrated into the design, albeit rather too subtly to make themselves properly known.

This particular car is one of just four five-seater 406 Zagatos, and was displayed at the 1959 Earls Court Motor Show before being sold by Anthony Crook Motors to a well-known member of the Bristol Owners’ Club. Benefitting from a major restoration and continuous history from new, ‘NPK 120’ will be auctioned by Bonhams at its Goodwood Festival of Speed sale on 27 June. We’re sure its owner-to-be will revel in the car’s flexibility and interior space, but will the same be said of the styling? To join the exclusive roll call of Bristol owners might just swing it!