Registration No: LHO 401
Chassis No: 401/1202
MOT: Exempt

• One of just 618 Bristol 401s built and with the distinctive original Bristol registered plate "LHO 401"
• Previously in the ownership of Derek Cunningham, a flamboyant Hollywood writer, director and actor
• Matching chassis and engine numbers and a fantastic opportunity to own a Bristol
• Offered from a deceased estate and just requiring its final finishing / debugging

"This, indeed, is the car for the connoisseur. It can only be modesty on the part of the Bristol publicity boys which has prevented them from quoting as the 401's slogan 'The Best Car in Britain'" (Motor Sport magazine, January 1953).

Introduced in Autumn 1949, the 401 was characterised by its super-smooth, aerodynamic bodywork. Honed in the Bristol Aeroplane Company's wind tunnel and built using Milanese coachbuilder Touring's ‘Superleggera’ technique, it boasted a commendably lithe kerb weight (c.2,700lbs). Equipped with transverse-leaf independent front suspension and hydraulic drum brakes, the newcomer proved a notably fine handler taking Touring Class wins on both the Cannes and Tulip Rallies during 1951. Powered by a 1971cc OHV straight-six engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the elegant sports saloon promised nigh-on 100mph performance. Only in production for four years (by which time a mere 618 are thought to have been made), the model's exclusive £3,212 13s 4d price tag was a reflection of the aircraft quality materials used in its construction.

First registered in Hampshire on the 14th May 1953 and previously featured in the December 1956 issue of Motor Sport magazine with its original and apt Bristol area mark 'LHO 401', this Bristol 401 has resided in and benefitted from its current ownership since 2019. When purchased by the vendor, 'LHO' was in a stripped-down state. The clincher for the vendor buying this particular car in a stripped-down condition - not normally recommended, was he identified from the logbook it was registered close to his birthday. A touch of serendipity in his mind. Stripped-down for previous restoration work in 1979, 'LHO 401' had occupied a space at TT Workshops Ltd for some 15 years, where work was carried out as-and-when. Decades now having passed 85% complete and unfinished, work was to begin in earnest to finally bring 'LHO' back to its former glory.

All checked out as 'very good'. In particular, the chassis presented in excellent condition with no visible corrosion or signs of damage. Stripped once more, 'LHO' was presented to Superspray Ltd where it was taken to bare metal (images on file). 'LHO's' original colour had been identified as a Blue/Green hue ('Blue' on the buff logbook), however, it was decided that British Racing Green would be used. Meanwhile, the engine, was overhauled by Rob Walker Engines, Oxfordshire. A set of Cosworth pistons and rings, developed for better combustion in race engines were obtained from Roderick MacPherson, a Bristol Engine specialist, along with a 'fast road' profiled camshaft. The gearbox was taken to another Bristol specialist to be checked over and have an overdrive unit fitted.

Previously in the ownership of a Derek Cunningham, a flamboyant writer, director and actor linked to satirical sketch comedy and work in Hollywood, 'LHO 401' is accompanied to the sale by its original logbook, instruction manual, a dossier of correspondence, invoices from the 1970s and 1980s, a copy of Motor Sport magazine featuring 'LHO' and other fascinating history.

PLEASE NOTE: The restoration of this lot is essentially complete. The ‘finishing’ it requires is a matter of running-in, de-bugging and minor fettling. For example, the fuel filler flap could do with adjustment likewise the operation of the windscreen wiper motor.

For more information, please contact:
Baljit Atwal
baljit.atwal@handh.co.uk
07943 584762