Bristol 406

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Last of the six-cylinder Bristols, the 406 was made between 1958 and 1961 and featured an extremely elegant two-door saloon coachwork which offered four beautifully trimmed ‘armchairs within and lightweight alloy-panels on the outside in typical Bristol fashion. Its design was to set the basic design template for Bristol cars for the next two decades.

Often characterised as “fast cars for rich eccentrics”, the 400 series were beautifully made and well-appointed luxury GTs that bristled with engineering refinements such as high-revving engines, slick gear changes, accurate rack-and-pinion steering and one-shot chassis lubrication.

For the 406, Bristol's BMW-based Type 110 engine was extensively revised and enlarged from 2.0 to 2.2 litres with a timing chain tensioner. The car also got a self-cancelling overdrive and the replacement of its predecessors' A-bracket rear suspension with a Watt's linkage. Although power remained at 105bhp, flexibility and refinement enhanced significantly, propelling the car to 60mph in just 13 seconds with a top speed of 106mph.

Thoughtful touches included roof mounted indicator repeaters, electric screen washers, flip-up headrests for the front passengers and a radio speaker between the sun visors. At almost £4,500, the 406 was easily the most expensive Bristol yet produced (and three times the price of a comparable Jaguar) so ownership was limited to a privileged few, only 175 examples being produced before it was replaced by the less charismatic V8-engined 407 in 1961.

This lovely, locally-owned Bristol 406 dates from 1960 and was supplied new to a Sheffield industrialist via Rippon bros. It also still carries Anthony Crook Motors suppliers’ plates, presumably from a later sale.

The vendor has stressed that the larger 2.2-litre engine produces noticeably more torque than the earlier Bristol units, this car retaining its original unit with all matching numbers, the smooth working overdrive giving relaxed motorway cruising.

It is in excellent condition and we are advised that everything is in working order bar the radio, which had been refurbished by the last owner but not properly connected. Always an instant starter, it is ready to go anywhere and has proved totally reliable and averages around 24 mpg.

Finished in metallic silver/grey with deep red leather interior, it stops well thanks to its servo-assisted Dunlop 4-wheel disc brakes. The boot is cavernous, helped by the spare wheel living in a compartment hidden in near-side front wing - the battery and electrics live on the opposite side.

There are four excellent Michelin radial tyres which not only look the part but provide a super ride and lots of predictable grip – there is even a matching new spare.

The car was given a major overhaul in 2017 by marque specialists Spencer Lane-Jones. The bill totalled some £15,000, which included a comprehensive brake overhaul and new clutch (full details on file).

The documents folder comes with a driver's handbook and parts manual and much history. The Bristol still carries its original (and transferrable) Sheffield registration and it was invited to be displayed at the 2017 Goodwood House GRRC member's day.

Of the 175 Bristol 406 models made, just 52 are known to survive by the Bristol Owners' Club. This exceedingly rare and handsome car looks excellent value at the sensible guide price suggested and you could wait a long time to see another one for sale.

AMENDMENT; Bidders are advised that during the SLJ £15,000 service, the front suspension was also rebuilt