Bristol 401 Price Guide

The Bristol 401 is the car that established what Bristol could be. Where the 400 was an acknowledged BMW derivation, the 401 was a genuinely new body, wind-tunnel tested at Bristol’s aeronautical facility, constructed using Touring of Milan’s Superleggera technique with aluminium and steel panels over an ash wood frame. The result was elegant enough to cause a sensation when it appeared in 1949. A 401 finished third in the 1949 Monte Carlo Rally and second in the Targa Florio.

The Car

The 401 used the same 1,971cc BMW-derived six-cylinder in 85bhp form in a body whose aerodynamic efficiency was genuinely advanced for its time. The Superleggera construction kept weight below 1,100kg. Top speed rose to around 100mph. Around 611 were built. A one-shot lubrication system greased the entire chassis from a single pump. The 403 that succeeded it used the same body with significant mechanical improvements.

What Goes Wrong

The right-hand side of the cylinder block is prone to cracking, a repair costing around £2,500 at current specialist rates. The aluminium head is sometimes skimmed, which can dangerously raise the compression ratio; check for signs of overheating or head gasket failure. The one-shot lubrication must function correctly; inspect that it works and has been used. The ash-framed Superleggera body requires careful inspection for timber deterioration. Radiators more than ten years old should be recored.

Buying

The 401 is the most celebrated early Bristol and values reflect that. Documented history through the Bristol Owners Club archive is an important factor. A solid, unmodified example with correct engine specification is the standard to seek.