The Bristol 400 was the first car produced by the Bristol Aeroplane Company in 1946.
In 1910 Sir George White, who also was the owner of Bristol Tramways, founded the Bristol and Colonial Aeroplane Company in Filton near Bristol. In 1920 after WW I British and Colonial was liquidated and its assets became the British Aeroplane Company. During WW II the company’s most important aircraft was the Beaufighter.
After WW II the British Aeroplane Company bought a license to build BMW models from Frazer Nash. And the Bristol 400 was based on the best features of the pre-war BMW models. It had the BMW 328’s frame, a slightly modified engine of the 326 and the neat steel body was inspired by the 327.
Other models of the high quality luxury cars followed, but the cars never have been made in large quantities. Today 4 models are available. The Blendheim 3, a four-seated coupe, the Blendheim Speedster, a convertible, and the Fighter and Fighter T. But as the Bristol Cars Ltd got no distributors or dealers, the only way to get a car is to go to 368-370 Kensington High Street, London W14 8NL, where the company’s only showroom is situated.
Specifications of the Bristol 400:
- Production 1947-1950 – 487 units
- Class – sports sedan
- Body style – 2-door saloon
- Engine – 1971 cc ohv straight-6
