- Withdrawn

Registration No: VNM 6
Chassis No: 403/1469
MOT: Exempt

• Restored to ‘concours standard’ during the late 1990s
• In current ownership for over 22 years
• 'Matching' chassis and engine numbers
• Bespoke wire wheel conversion courtesy of the vendor (a draughtsman and engineer by profession)
• Recently coming out of eight years of dry storage

Introduced in May 1953, the 403 was visually indebted to its 401 predecessor. Consisting of aluminium panelling married to a tubular steel superstructure, the 403 newcomer’s super-smooth, aerodynamic bodywork was underpinned by a sturdy, box-section ladder-frame chassis equipped with transverse-leaf independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel Alfin drum brakes. Powered by a thoroughly reworked '100A' version of Bristol's 1971cc OHV straight-six engine (new camshaft, alloy cylinder head, lightened valve gear etc) allied to four-speed manual transmission, the elegant four-seater saloon was reputedly capable of 102mph. Further enhanced by means of a front anti-roll bar and improved heating / cooling systems, the 403 remained in production until 1955 by which time some 287 are thought to have been made.

Entered from a private collection of classic cars, motorcycles and scooters, the vendor tells us that this lovely Bristol 403 is his favourite four-wheeler. Fully restored prior to its acquisition in 2000, the Sports Saloon was driven all over the UK and Europe until 2008 when the emergence of some gearbox whine during a trip through the Peak District saw it put into dry storage. A talented engineer and draughtsman by profession, the seller returned to the Bristol last year. Confident that he could sort any transmission issues, he instead concentrated on designing a bespoke wire wheel conversion which would allow the fitment of Jaguar XK150 rims. Orson Equipment of Bilston, the foremost manufacturers and suppliers of splined hubs and knock-off spinners, were tasked with turning the vendor’s drawings into reality with the results speaking for themselves. Not only is ‘VNM 6’ unique as a wire-wheeled Bristol, it is also notable as the sole 403 to fill out its wheelarches properly! Powder coated, the wire wheels are shod with new old stock Michelin X tyres for an authentic period look. Although, the car comes with its original steel wheels (x5) should a purist wish to reinstate them. Progress on recommissioning the Sports Saloon was halted by a serious stroke. The engine, which appears to be the original factory-fitted unit, turns over but has not been fired-up and the car rolls freely. Completed over two decades ago, the earlier refurbishment has held-up well; a testament to the quality of the work that went into it. An understandably reluctant sale, this appealing Bristol 403 comes complete with the cherished number plate ‘VNM 6’ and a V5C Registration Document.

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For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217