Bristol Cars Approved
1985 Bristol Britannia
£49,500
Offered for sale through SLJ Hackett. Price as advertised by SLJ Hackett in pounds sterling.
Particulars
- Year
- 1985
- Model
- Bristol Britannia
- Colour
- Silver Birch
- Asking price
- £49,500
- SLJ Hackett reference
- B40PLN
A previously owned Bristol, sold by SLJ Hackett on its own description and terms. Not part of the final-series Fighter programme.
The car, as described by SLJ Hackett
Silver Birch with black leather upholstery 45,000 miles, believed to be correct Four previous owners Registration: B40 PLN 5.9-litre petrol V8 | Three-speed automatic | Right-hand drive
This Bristol Britannia was supplied new in the United Kingdom to His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan.
From 1988 until early 2026 the car was registered in Jersey, where it passed through the hands of two local businessmen before being purchased by its present owner and returned to the United Kingdom.
In 2020 the car underwent a bare metal repaint in the 1960s Aston Martin colour Silver Birch. The wheels and ventilation grilles were shot blasted and powder coated, and a new headlining and boot carpet were fitted. At the same time the front anti roll bar link bushes, top ball joints, track rod ends, brake servos, radiator header tank, fuel pump and battery were replaced.
Following its return to the United Kingdom in January 2026, the car was comprehensively recommissioned by Spencer Lane Jones. This included the fitment of a new Edelbrock carburettor with electric choke, an Edelbrock Performer inlet manifold, a reconditioned radiator and a new thermostat and housing. All cooling passages were flushed out.
The coachwork and running gear were carefully inspected and any necessary rectification work carried out. The rear brake calipers, wheel bearings, hub seals and handbrake pads were replaced and the rear axle end float adjusted.
The air conditioning system was comprehensively overhauled and all major components replaced. A full service was carried out, with all fluids and filters changed and the automatic gearbox bands adjusted. The tracking was checked and adjusted and five new Pirelli P5 tyres of the correct size and specification were fitted.
Only nominal mileage has been covered since this work was completed.
The car runs and drives well, with good oil pressure and water temperature. The final drive is quiet and a stainless steel exhaust system is fitted. The electrical and ventilation systems work correctly, as do the instruments. A recent MOT test recorded no advisory items.
The underside and structure are in unusually good original condition, helped by the car having spent the majority of its life in Jersey where road salt is not generally used. The paint finish and panel alignment are excellent.
Originality has been maintained wherever practicable. Changes to the electrical system are limited to the fitting of a battery isolating switch and modification of the original radio to allow music to be played from a mobile phone. New Kenwood speakers have been fitted behind the original Radiomobile grilles.
The original Thermoquad carburettor is included with the car should a future owner wish to return it to its original specification, although it would require overhaul before being refitted.
The dashboard veneer shows some signs of deterioration and the side bolster of the driver’s seat backrest has split. The front brake discs are currently serviceable but are approaching the end of their useful life and should be allowed for in future maintenance.
The car is supplied with two sets of keys and its original handbook, which shows the first service signed off by John Dennis. The history file also includes copies of previous registration documents, the Bristol Cars Advice of Despatch, a photographic record of the bare metal repaint, records of work carried out by the previous owner and invoices from Spencer Lane Jones covering the recent recommissioning.
A selection of spare bulbs, belts and ignition components is also included, together with samples of the exterior paint and leather used for the upholstery.
United Kingdom import VAT has been paid and the DVLA has reissued the car with its original registration number. It is registered as a historic vehicle and is therefore zero rated for road tax and exempt from the requirement for an annual MOT inspection.
A well presented and carefully recommissioned Bristol Britannia with particularly interesting provenance, excellent structural condition and substantial recent expenditure. It is ready to be used and enjoyed immediately.
Please call or email Richard at SLJ Hackett
SLJ Hackett, Official Heritage Partner of Bristol Cars Approved by Bristol Cars Group Ltd © 2026 Bristol Cars Group Ltd. All rights reserved.
Photography · SLJ Hackett
The model
Bristol 603, Britannia and Brigand. Three names, one car, developed over seventeen years.
The 603 of 1976 replaced the 411 with a longer, more streamlined body and the roomiest cabin Bristol had built. In 1982 its third series took aeroplane names, Britannia and, with a turbocharger, Brigand, and the line ran until 1993, when the fourth series became the Blenheim.
Read about the Bristol 603, Britannia and Brigand
Enquire
About this Bristol Britannia.
Your enquiry goes to the Bristol Cars Group Ltd office with this car’s reference and SLJ Hackett’s listing attached, and is passed to the right person at SLJ Hackett. Or telephone SLJ Hackett on 01985 219551.