Bristol 402 Cabriolet 1949, Inglaterra

Bristol 402 Cabriolet 1949, Inglaterra
Fotografia


In 1946 the Bristol Aeroplane Company, finding itself with surplus capacity and skills, embarked on the manufacture of luxury cars. With the introduction in 1948 of the 401 - the first of its exquisitely styled aerodynes - Bristol began to move away from the pre-war design the company had inherited from BMW. Carrozzeria Touring provided the Superleggera method of body construction that overlaid alloy panels on a lightweight tubular-steel framework, while the low-drag shape was achieved after hours of experimentation in Bristol's wind tunnel. The 401, and its soft-top sister car, the 402, continued to use the preceding 400 model's running gear and legendary BMW-based, 2-litre, six-cylinder engine with its ingeniously arranged, pushrod-operated, inclined valves. The gearbox remained a manual four-speed unit with first gear freewheel. Aircraft-industry standards of construction did not come cheap however - at staggering prices the Bristol cost as much as an Aston Martin DB2.
This stunning Bristol 402 Cabriolet is one of just 26 examples built, of which perhaps as few as 13 remain. According to original registration records on file, chassis 402706 was originally sold in April 1950 to Prince Varananda Dhavaj Chudadhuj, a Thai royal living in England. Prince Varananda had enlisted in the Royal Air Force in 1942 under the name Nicky Varanand, and two years later he was one of 12 Spitfire pilots to patrol Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
After his l950 purchase, Prince Varananda kept the Bristol for about half a decade, before the 402 Cabriolet was acquired by Thomas Anderson of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Mr. Anderson and his wife would use the 402 when touring in England and on the continent (confirmed by period photos) before it was passed among a succession of Irish owners. In January 1984, the 402 was acquired by A.M. McCurdy of Banbridge, who retained it for almost three decades.
In 2012, Bristol 402 Cabriolet chassis number 402706 was sold to Bristol specialist Brian May of England, who undertook a sympathetic restoration. Acquired by the consignor in early 2016, a Southern California-based collector of distinct pre and post war sports cars, the Bristol was treated to a more comprehensive restoration by Custom Classics of Lancaster, California, which included refinishing the body in bright blue, the car's original color. As this work was being carried out, the engine was rebuilt by well-known UK-based Bristol specialist INEngineering. When the work was completed in August of 2016, the Bristol was exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and, after further finishing work, it was presented the following June at the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance and then in August 2017 at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. The owner, a true driving enthusiast, also enjoyed the car on the 2017 running of the California Mille and the Quail Rally.
Beautifully presented in all respects and well documented by a wonderful file that includes period photos, registrations, and a rare, original workshop manual, this striking 402 Cabriolet is a testament to Bristol's unique postwar automotive efforts. It would make an exquisite addition to any collection and should expect a warm welcome at any Concours d'Elegance or British car show. With so few examples remaining, the 402 is an exceptionally rare open touring car, with the inherent power and prestige of the venerable Bristol engine.
1,971 CC OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 Solex Carburetors
80bhp at 4,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Sophisticated Bristol Cabriolet produced in just 26 examples
Purchased new by a Thai Prince who served as a pilot during D-Day