Sold | 1952 Bristol 401 Substantially restored project with bare-metal repaint and leather retrim

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£11,440 (Est: £5,000 - £12,000)

1952 Bristol 401 Substantially restored project with bare-metal repaint and leather retrim

United Kingdom • 12 Sept 2026 • Lot 259

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1952 Bristol 401 is a substantial restoration project with significant mechanical and cosmetic work already completed, including a bare-metal repaint and interior retrim. Much of the costly work is done, making it a rewarding opportunity for a buyer to finish the project, though some components and adjustments are still outstanding.

Condition

7

The car is a substantially restored project. Significant mechanical and cosmetic work has been completed, including a bare-metal repaint, leather retrim, and rebuilt gearbox and braking system. However, it still requires some finishing touches like a headlining, bonnet adjustment, boot lock and handbrake cable fitting, and full engine recommissioning. This aligns with a 'Very Good' condition for a project car.

/ 10

Transmission:

Manual

Chassis No:

[Chassis No]

Odometer:

97,423 miles

Reg Number:

MNF 423

RHD/LHD:

RHD

Year: 1952 Make: Bristol Model: 401 Registration: Unregistered Chassis No: tba Odometer: 97,423 The vendor acquired this 1952 Bristol 401 in July 2020 as a lockdown project.

With other commitments continuing to take precedence, he has reluctantly decided to offer the car for sale.

During his ownership, he sourced numerous scarce components required to complete the restoration, including the throttle-pedal mechanism and linkages, door-top rails and pulls, wooden rear-window surround, dashboard controls, boot-lock mechanism, handbrake cable and ventilation system, all of which accompany the car.

First registered as MNF 423, this Manchester-registered Bristol spent its early years in the surrounding area.

The accompanying buff logbook records several owners, the most recent listed being resident in Bingley in 1966.

Its subsequent history is unknown until it was acquired from noted Bristol specialist Brian May.

Purchased by the previous owner without an engine, a correct-type unit wa...