Bristol 403 Price Guide

The Bristol 403 refined the 401 formula with a stronger engine, improved cooling, and chassis development that transformed the early Bristol from a promising grand tourer into a genuinely accomplished one. A 403 cost roughly double the price of a Jaguar XK120 coupe in 1953. Its buyers were paying for aeroplane-standard construction, not just performance.

The Car

Produced from 1953 to 1955, the 403 used the 100A engine with a stronger crankshaft, larger valves, and greater oil capacity producing 100bhp, enough for 106mph. An anti-roll bar was added at the front; Alfin brake drums replaced the earlier units. Fresh-air heating, automatic reversing lights, multi-adjustable seats, and an alloy fuel tank were standard. Around 287 were built. The final 12–15 cars used the 100B2 engine at 8.5:1 compression producing 105bhp with distinctive sidelights on the front wing tops.

Buying

The 403 is the most developed of the early Bristol saloons and offers the best combination of performance and refinement in the pre-404 range. The same block-cracking and head concerns as the 401 apply; inspect carefully and budget for the repair if necessary. The late 100B2 cars are the most desirable specification.