1966 Bristol 409 Coupe

One of just 74 made between 1965 and 1967, this 1966 Bristol 409 wears hand-beaten aluminum bodywork styled by former Bristol aircraft aerodynamicist Dudley Hobbs. Note the auction car’s relatively small frontal area and lack of extraneous protrusions.

In keeping with Bristol’s fiercely independent nature, precise production figures are difficult to come by, but marque registries suggest this LHD 409 is one of perhaps as few as three built.

Styling’s deceptive complexity is overshadowed by formal, almost austere detailing, though close inspection reveals some very interesting lines. Take for example the car’s yacht-like rearward diving shoulder line and subtle taper towards its rear, as well as the intricately converging radii seen around the rear corners of its roofline.

Long front fenders with ample space between wheel and door openings are a Bristol styling signature, and this spare square footage is occupied by aircraft style lift-up side panels concealing a spare tire and tools on one left, and the battery, fusebox, and brake booster on the right.

British racing green paint is highly appropriate, and all the car’s unique trim and brightwork looks to be complete, including factory wheels and hubcaps. Viewed from the rear, shoulder lines terminate in vestigial tail fins, underneath which delicate oval tail lights lead the eye towards evocative, wide-spaced dual exhaust outlets first teased along the full length of the car’s side profile.

Bristol interiors adhere to traditional British luxury car design themes, including extensive use of Connolly leather, wool carpets, and small forests of rich burled wood.

The distinctly shaped instrument panel would become a Bristol signature, and continued to be used right through to the final Blenheim built in 2011 or thereabouts. Note the lack of a floor or column shifter, as gear selection is via a push-button setup to the left of the airplane yoke-inspired steering wheel.

Toggle switchgear and ventilation controls are also very much in the aircraft style, and it’s great to see what is likely the car’s original Becker Europa radio still in place.

Power comes from a Chrysler sourced polyspherical combustion chamber V8 displacing 318ci, or as expressed properly in this context, 5.3 liters. Output was on the order of 250 hp from the factory, though this one’s Weiand intake manifold, Edelbrock carburetor, and MSD ignition components should help liberate a few more.

Capable of greater than 130 mph, these were very fast cars for the time, and four-wheel Girling disc brakes were fitted to better control their 3,600 pound mass at speed.

This car is offered without known history.

Spectacularly individual and every bit as scarce, this is a special vehicle for a special person. Despite the car’s deeply esoteric nature, its widely available, Detroit produced running gear should simplify maintenance compared with other vintage high-end European GT’s, and its improbable LHD configuration makes it unusually well suited to North American roadways. Estimated $25,000 - $35,000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.