The Bristol Aeroplane Company's career as a motor manufacturer began in the aftermath of WW2 when the firm obtained the rights to BMW's automotive designs as part of Germany's post-WW2 reparations.

Thus it came about that the Bristol 400, which commenced production in 1947, was effectively a synthesis of three pre-war BMW designs, with a chassis derived from that of the 326, an engine from the 328 sports car and an aerodynamic bodyshell similar to that of the 327 coupé.

But Bristol did more than simply copy the work of its German counterparts; the application of aviation industry standards to its manufacture resulted in a car more refined and considerably better constructed than its Teutonic forbears.

Bristol's line of V8-engined sports saloons began in 1961 with the 407, though in appearance and underlying structure the newcomer closely resembled the preceding six-cylinder 406.

The adoption of Chrysler V8 power came not before time, as Bristol's BMW-based engine had been effective...