Lot 324: Bristol 411 Sports Saloon

The Bristol 411 is a car for the very wealthy but has many special virtues – this is a modern quality car of traditional British excellence.' – John Bolster, Autosport. Bristol's long-running line of V8-engined sports saloons began back in 1961 with the 407, though in appearance the newcomer closely resembled the preceding six-cylinder 406. The adoption of 5.2-litre Chrysler V8 power came not before time, as Bristol's BMW-based engine had been effectively outgrown by the car's increasingly weighty coachwork. With a top speed of 125mph, the 407 re-established the Bristol as a true high-performance car but one that nevertheless retained all the refinement and luxury associated with the marque. The chassis was updated, larger engines adopted and the styling periodically revised throughout the 1960s, this process culminating in the 411 of 1969, five series of which were made between then and 1975. For the 411, Bristol continued with Chrysler engines but specified the 6.3-litre unit that produced 335bhp, an increase of some 85 horsepower over the '5.2'. There was a commensurate improvement in performance. John Bolster summarised the result in Autosport: 'Almost accidentally, the Bristol has become the fastest genuine touring saloon, beating the Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3, both for maximum speed and acceleration.' We are informed that this particular Bristol 411 is effectively a 'one owner' example, having been purchased new in 1973 by the Ever Ready Corporation for the company chairman, who became its first private owner when he retired and took the car with him. The Bristol has remained in his family's ownership ever since. We are advised that the engine was rebuilt and some restoration work carried out in the early 1990s (see bills on file) and that 'RAN 564L' is in generally good condition, although in need of cosmetic refurbishment. Unused for approximately the last ten years, it has recently been recomissioned with work including repaired and cleaned fuel tank, new fuel line, overhauled brake servo unit, new battery, repairs to wiring and switches, new petrol tank sender unit and the car is expected to have an MOT by the time of sale. The car is sold strictly as viewed and comes with Swansea V5.