1972 Bristol 411 S3

Bristol 411 Series 3 — Beautifully Restored Example

A truly outstanding Bristol 411 Series 3, presented in a rich deep red with cream leather interior, and benefitting from a major restoration carried out between 2016 and 2018 at a documented cost of £126,774.

The Bristol 411 sits at the heart of the marque’s great V8 grand touring era: discreet, hand-built, powerful and unmistakably individual. This Series 3 example captures exactly why these cars are so highly regarded — elegant without being ostentatious, beautifully engineered, and capable of covering long distances with the effortless authority that made Bristol such a unique British manufacturer.

Finished in a striking red, the car presents superbly. The colour suits the 411 particularly well, highlighting the long bonnet, clean waistline, slim pillars and purposeful four-headlamp front end. The paintwork has an impressive depth and gloss, while the chrome, glass, lamps and exterior detailing all contribute to a car that looks both beautifully preserved and properly usable.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed in cream leather, creating a wonderful contrast with the exterior. The seats present very well, with the correct Bristol sense of understated comfort rather than over-restored showiness. The rear cabin, with its individual armrest and generous accommodation, reminds you that the 411 was built as a true gentleman’s express — a car designed not merely to be admired, but to be used properly.

The dashboard is a particular highlight. The walnut veneer, full instrumentation and classic Bristol driving position give the interior exactly the right period character. It is purposeful, elegant and driver-focused, with the sense of quality and occasion that sets these cars apart from more conventional classics of the same era.

Mechanically, the 411 Series 3 is one of the most desirable Bristol V8 models, pairing the marque’s hand-built chassis and coachbuilt body with effortless Chrysler V8 power. This example’s significant restoration expenditure between 2016 and 2018 — totalling £126,774 — places it in a very different category from the average car. It is rare to find a 411 that has not only survived well, but has clearly had the level of investment required to bring it up to this standard.

The engine bay presents cleanly and correctly, and the car has the visual impression of a properly sorted example rather than a tired car dressed up for sale. The stance is excellent, the wheels suit the car perfectly, and the whole presentation suggests a Bristol ready to be enjoyed as a serious long-distance classic.

This is a car with real presence. The 411 has always appealed to those who understand Bristol: discreet, intelligent, beautifully made and wonderfully capable. In Series 3 form it combines classic Bristol restraint with genuine V8 performance, making it one of the marque’s most usable and charismatic models.

A rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented and heavily restored Bristol 411 Series 3, with substantial restoration history, superb colour combination and all the qualities that make these hand-built V8 Bristols so special.

Key points

Bristol 411 Series 3

Deep red coachwork

Cream leather interior

Walnut dashboard and classic Bristol instrumentation

Major restoration carried out 2016–2018

Restoration expenditure: £126,774

Highly usable Chrysler V8 grand tourer

Beautifully presented inside and out

One of the most desirable Bristol V8 models

A superb, restored example of one of Bristol’s finest V8 grand tourers — elegant, powerful, discreet and unmistakably special.