1956 Bristol 405 DHC

Bristol 405 Drophead Coupé – 1956

Registration: 95 JWN

1,971cc petrol | Manual

Blue with red leather interior

A superb and highly usable Bristol 405 Drophead Coupé, finished in blue with a correctly trimmed red leather interior and offered with an excellent ownership and maintenance history.

The Bristol 405 DHC is one of the rarest and most elegant post-war Bristols, combining the engineering sophistication of the 2-litre six-cylinder Bristol chassis with the open touring style of a beautifully proportioned coachbuilt drophead. With its four-seat practicality, refined long-distance manners and understated Bristol character, the 405 DHC remains one of the most desirable early models produced by the marque.

This example was first owned in 1957 by Richard Pilkington, before passing to Duncan Atkinson of Swansea. The car was rediscovered in the summer of 1989 by David Lewis, and the accompanying invoices indicate that it was restored by the respected Bristol specialist Spencer Lane-Jones between 1995 and 1997. It was later acquired by Anthony Spooner in 2007, with further works undertaken by Spencer Lane-Jones during 2007 and 2008.

The current owner purchased the car in 2010 and has used it properly and regularly as a "highway and holiday car". During this ownership, the car has travelled extensively across Europe, including trips to Switzerland, Italy, Corsica, Germany and the Netherlands. This is therefore not simply a static collector’s car, but a proven touring Bristol with genuine continental mileage and long-distance capability.

Significant mechanical work has been carried out during the present ownership. A full engine rebuild by Charlie Russell was completed in November 2015 at 35,825 miles. More recently, in May 2023 at 53,254 miles, the car was fitted with a Steve Stanton fast-road camshaft. The result is described by the owner as a particularly smooth and lively 2-litre Bristol, quick for its type and very happy to cruise all day at around 3,200 rpm, equating to approximately 75-80 mph.

The car has also benefited from careful ongoing maintenance, with engine and gearbox oil changed every 3,000 miles or annually, depending on use. The owner reports that the car uses little oil or water between changes.

Cosmetically, the car has recently been resprayed and presents very smartly. The interior dashboard, instrument binnacle and door cards have been re-covered in the correct red leather, giving the cabin the proper period feel and colour contrast. The car also has a current MOT.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a Bristol 405 Drophead Coupé with known early history, long-term enthusiast ownership, major specialist restoration history, a rebuilt engine, useful fast-road upgrades and proven European touring ability.

Key Details

1956 Bristol 405 Drophead Coupé

Registration: 95 JWN

Blue exterior

Correct red leather interior trim

1,971cc petrol engine

Manual gearbox

First owner in 1957: Richard Pilkington

Later owned by Duncan Atkinson of Swansea

Rediscovered in summer 1989 by David Lewis

Restored by Spencer Lane-Jones between 1995 and 1997

Further Spencer Lane-Jones work in 2007 and 2008

Current ownership since 2010

Full engine rebuild by Charlie Russell in November 2015 at 35,825 miles

Steve Stanton fast-road camshaft fitted in May 2023 at 53,254 miles

Recently resprayed

Dashboard, instrument binnacle and door cards re-covered in correct red leather

Current MOT

Used regularly for European touring

Engine and gearbox oil changed every 3,000 miles or annually