Bristol 406 Saloon

This Bristol 406 Saloon left the factory with the following specification, representing a turning point in the evolution of the Bristol marque—retaining the charm and craftsmanship of its predecessors while introducing significant technological updates.

Launched in 1958 and produced until 1961, the 406 was the last of the line to use Bristol’s 6-cylinder engine, derived from the pre-war BMW design. In this example, the Type 110 engine delivers 105 bhp from its 2,216cc displacement, feeding power through a 4-speed gearbox with an overdrive top gear. A smooth and dynamically balanced powertrain was at the heart of the 406’s reputation for long-distance touring.

The car is now running a 5.7L Chevy V8 with a 3-speed automatic gearbox. The exterior is finished in bare aluminium—ready to paint or leave exposed. It features bespoke front floor pans, a custom gearbox tunnel, and uprated OBP brake and accelerator pedals.

Comfort and innovation were integral to the design. Independent front suspension, rear coil springs, and Dunlop hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels made for confident and composed handling—especially impressive for the era. Inside, the cabin featured fully adjustable seating, a well-appointed dashboard with Smiths instrumentation, and elegant Lovatt leather upholstery. The factory brochure emphasized this model’s “exceptional road holding” and interior refinement, including advanced features like a heater, windscreen washer, cigar lighter, and fog and spot lamps.

Supplied new in 1960 to a customer in Bushey Heath, this particular car—chassis 406/5305—embodies the understated class and precision engineering that Bristol Cars Limited was known for. With its distinctive Cambridge Grey bodywork and timeless lines, it offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of British motoring history—built to the highest standards, in true “Bristol fashion.”