1946 Bristol 400 DHC

The Bristol 400 occupies an extraordinarily important position in the history of the marque as the very first production model built by Bristol following the Second World War. Chassis 400/1/04 stands amongst the most significant surviving examples, being the fourth Bristol ever constructed and one of just two original factory-built Bristol 400 Drophead Coupés completed in 1946.

Presented by the factory at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show, this car represents Bristol at the very beginning of its transition from aircraft manufacturer to producer of refined high-performance motor cars. Whilst Bristol would go on to build several hundred 400 saloons, only two of these early factory dropheads were produced before later open cars became the responsibility of Farina. As such, 400/1/04 is not merely rare, but an exceptionally important part of Bristol’s formative post-war history.

The car is also exceptionally well known within Bristol enthusiast circles through its long association with Andrew Blow who is very much alive and going strong, widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on the Bristol 2-Litre cars. Mr Blow owned the car during two separate custodianship periods between 1972–1975 and again from 1988–2015, restoring the car during his second ownership and firmly establishing it as one of the best-known early Bristols in existence.

Today the car presents beautifully in period cream coachwork with contrasting dark hood and a wonderfully elegant light-coloured interior. The purity of the original Bristol-designed drophead body is particularly evident on this early car, with its graceful flowing wings, delicate detailing and restrained proportions perfectly capturing the understated sophistication of the immediate post-war Bristol aesthetic.

The interior retains a highly authentic character, combining beautifully patinated trim, polished woodwork and correct instrumentation with the purposeful engineering-led feel for which the earliest Bristols are so admired. The quality of long-term enthusiast ownership and careful restoration is immediately evident throughout the car.

Mechanically, the Bristol has been maintained and developed as a car intended to be properly driven and enjoyed rather than statically preserved. During the subsequent owner’s decade-long custodianship, substantial expenditure has been invested into improving drivability and long-distance touring capability, including the addition of an overdrive gearbox together with the highly regarded Spencer Lane Jones front disc brake conversion.

Most significantly, during 2023/24 the engine — long since upgraded from the original 85bhp specification to the more desirable Bristol 100A unit — was comprehensively rebuilt by Lee Keller during his time at Spencer Lane Jones. The rebuild incorporated the customary Bristol performance and drivability upgrades, resulting in a substantially more powerful, flexible and torque-rich driving experience whilst remaining entirely sympathetic to the character of the car.

The engine bay today presents to an exceptionally high standard and reflects the quality of the recent mechanical work undertaken. On the road, the car delivers precisely the kind of effortless long-legged touring capability for which the Bristol 2-Litre models became so respected, but with materially improved performance, usability and braking confidence over standard specification.

Accompanying the car is an extensive and highly important history file covering both Andrew Blow ownership periods together with detailed records from the current ownership, including documentation relating to the recent engine rebuild and ongoing maintenance.

Historically significant early Bristols rarely become available, particularly examples with such extraordinary provenance, continuous enthusiast ownership and genuine road usability. Chassis 400/1/04 represents an opportunity to acquire not simply a rare Bristol, but one of the foundational motor cars of the marque itself.

To arrange a viewing and test drive, call Richard Hackett on 07867 782402