Imitation is said to be the most sincere form of flattery, however, it seems a little unlikely that BMW's engineers felt particularly gratified when the Bristol Car Company obtained the rights to their automotive designs as part of Germany's post-WW2 reparations.

Although there was undoubtedly a significant input from the bright aeronautical engineers at Bristol, the 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.

Externally, Bristol's Type 85A clone of the BMW motor differed little from the German original, the most obvious difference being the adoption of SU, rather than Solex, carburettors part way through production.

The most significant changes made by the Bristol designers were metallurgical, their utilisation of the highest quality materials contributing to increased engine life.

A max...