The first Bristols — BMW 326/327/328 engineering, hand-built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company's car division.
Bristol's founding series, and the cars with which the Bristol Aeroplane Company translated wartime aircraft engineering into a hand-built luxury grand tourer. The 400 launched the marque in 1947, powered by a 2-litre straight-six derived from the pre-war BMW 328, and set a template of aerodynamic bodywork, aircraft-grade construction and small-volume perfectionism that Bristol would follow for decades.
The 401 that arrived in 1948 wore an aerodynamic Touring Superleggera aluminium body, became the most numerous of the early cars at around 611 built, and was among the first 2-litre production cars capable of 100 mph. It was joined by the drophead 402, made in tiny numbers of around 23, and later by the further-refined 403; across the whole series only a few thousand cars were produced.
The aircraft-engineered foundation of the marque; a niche British classic where originality, matching numbers and restoration quality drive value.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 | 1947–1950 | 487 built | 1,971 cc BMW-derived OHV straight-six, ~85 hp; the first Bristol, with the BMW-style kidney grille; right-hand drive. |
| 401 | 1948–1953 | 611 built | Superleggera aerodynamic alloy body, push-button doors; the most numerous Bristol; first 2-litre production saloon to reach 100 mph. |
| 402 | 1949–1950 | 23 built | Convertible version of the 401; the rare open car of the range. |
| 403 | 1953–1955 | 287 built | 100 hp (bigger valves and main bearings), front anti-roll bar, Alfin brakes; the last Bristol with the BMW-style grille. |
Authenticate stamped chassis and engine numbers against factory or club records. For the 400-series specifically, confirm variant identity (400 vs 401/402/403), authenticate Superleggera bodywork on 401/402 and inspect Alfin brakes and front anti-roll bar on the 403.
Confirm body originality, panel identity and restoration standard against a Bristol specialist.
Confirm continuous service history and any rebuild history for the engine, transmission and driveline against a marque specialist.
Restoration standard, originality of body and driveline, and any documented ownership record are the main value drivers.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-21 | Iconic Auctioneers Race Retro, Lot 728 | 1954 Bristol 401 | — | £31,500 Sold |
| 2025-12-11 | Bonhams The Bond Street Sale, Lot 124 | 1950 Bristol 402 Drophead Coupé | — | £90,000 Sold |
| 2025-09-13 | Bonhams Goodwood Revival, Lot 111 | 1953 Bristol 403 | — | £49,166 Sold |
| 2024-11-27 | H&H Classics Classic Cars, Lot 75 | 1948 Bristol 400 | — | £18,562 Sold |
The aircraft-engineered foundation of the marque; a niche British classic whose value rewards originality, matching numbers and the quality of restoration, with the Superleggera 401/403 the accessible core and the 402 convertible the rarity.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
