The first Chrysler-V8 Bristols — from the 407 to the big-block 411, hand-built Anglo-American GTs.
Bristol's V8 era, and the point at which the marque swapped its ageing BMW-derived six for big, torquey Chrysler V8s while keeping its hand-built, low-volume character intact. The 407 of 1961 introduced the formula, and the 408, 409 and 410 refined it through the 1960s with steadily improved brakes, steering and appointments.
The series culminated in the 411, the fastest and most numerous of the group at around 287 built, its 6.3- then 6.6-litre V8 giving a top speed of roughly 143 mph. Each model was produced in tiny numbers as a discreet, effortless grand tourer that paired American muscle with quintessentially British reserve.
Hand-built Anglo-American grand tourers combining Bristol refinement with effortless Chrysler V8 performance; the 411 leads on pace and numbers.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 407 | 1961–1963 | Approximately 88 built | First Chrysler V8 (5.1-litre/313), ~250 hp, three-speed automatic; ~125 mph. |
| 408 | 1963–1966 | 83 built | Rectangular grille; 5.1- then 5.2-litre (318) V8. |
| 409 | 1965–1967 | 74 built | 5.2-litre V8; softer springs and improved ride. |
| 410 | 1967–1969 | Approximately 79–82 built | Faired-in headlamps, 15-inch wheels; last of the small-block cars. |
| 411 | 1969–1976 | 287 built | Big-block 6.3- then 6.6-litre Chrysler B V8, limited-slip differential; ~143 mph; the fastest and most numerous of the group. |
Authenticate stamped chassis and engine numbers against factory or club records. For the 407-411 specifically, confirm model identity (small-block 407–410 vs big-block 411), authenticate correct Chrysler V8 and Torqueflite specification and verify body condition on hand-built coachwork.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-19 | Bonhams Goodwood Members' Meeting, Lot 161 | 1968 Bristol 410 | — | £31,050 Sold |
| 2025-09-06 | Bonhams The Beaulieu Sale, Lot 453 | 1966 Bristol 409 | — | £25,300 Sold |
| 2023-07-26 | H&H Classics Classic Cars, Lot 102 | 1972 Bristol 411 | — | £22,500 Sold |
| 2023-06-14 | H&H Classics Imperial War Museum, Lot 40 | 1963 Bristol 407 | — | £23,750 Sold |
Hand-built Anglo-American grand tourers combining Bristol refinement with effortless Chrysler V8 performance; the 411 leads on pace and numbers, while the scarcer early cars appeal to completists.
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.
