1952 Bristol 401

1952 Bristol 401

Registration OHW 659

£41,500

A very attractive Bristol 401 finished in red with cream leather upholstery, red piping, red carpets and a beautifully figured timber dashboard.

The car was purchased by its present owner from the former Bristol showroom in Kensington. The engine had already been fully rebuilt and the body had been repainted before her ownership.

The car was subsequently entrusted to Charles McGowan of Southlands Farm Workshop, a highly experienced Bristol and rally car specialist. It remained with him for approximately nine months while an extensive programme of restoration and preparation was completed.

The work included substantial chassis and outrigger restoration, repairs to the rear wheelarches, new sill carrier panels and comprehensive protection with Waxoyl.

The rear axle was rebuilt with a new differential carrier, bearings and seals. The torsion bar radius arms and rear suspension joints were overhauled and the front suspension was completely rebuilt with new fulcrum pins, bushes, trunnions and bearings.

The braking system was rebuilt and a front disc brake conversion was fitted together with a correctly matched master cylinder. New shock absorbers were fitted all round and the one shot lubrication system was also fully overhauled.

The gearbox was inspected and found to be in very good condition. A new clutch thrust bearing and overdrive were fitted, together with a gear lever mounted overdrive switch. A shorter propshaft was installed and the transmission tunnel was modified accordingly.

Further work included repairs to the fuel tank and filler neck, replacement heater hoses, a high torque starter motor, sump guard, towing points, charging sockets and discreet rear indicators.

This is a properly proven long distance touring Bristol. Following the work, the owner drove it through Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway to the North Cape. The car covered more than 4,500 trouble free miles during the journey, including mountain passes, gravel roads and Arctic conditions.

It has also been driven extensively throughout Europe and has toured in New Zealand. Its owner describes it simply as a dreamy car to drive.

The odometer displays approximately 55,256 miles, although this should be treated as indicated, as with all cars of this age.

The car is accompanied by its V5 registration document, restoration correspondence and the owner’s illustrated account of its Scandinavian adventure.

A much loved and very capable Bristol 401 with an excellent touring history. It is now offered for sale with great reluctance and is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.

£41,500

SLJ Hackett, Official Heritage Partner of Bristol Cars Approved by Bristol Cars Group Ltd © 2026 Bristol Cars Group Ltd. All rights reserved.