Bristol cars have become known as the 'connoisseur's car' with their aircraft quality construction and discreet and purposeful styling.

Bristol's first car, the 400, was introduced in 1946 and was based on BMWs tooling liberated from Eisenach, West Germany after World War Two.

It essentially combines the best components from the pre-World War Two models and mating the BMW 326 chassis with the race developed 328 engines and clothed in an aluminium body from the 327.

The 401 was introduced in 1948 and remained in production until 1953 with only 611 examples being built for the worldwide market.

Mechanically it was similar to the previous 400 models apart from the SU carburettors that were changed to carburettors made by Solex.

This increased the horsepower to 85hp from a previous 80hp and the chassis was increased in length to accommodate the new Touring-designed aerodynamic bodywork.

We are delighted to offer this wonderful example of the Bristol 401 that is presented with a lovel...