Show Bristol to sell

The Bristol 408 that won a major award at the 1963 Motor Show – and is believed to be the first one built – could soon be yours.

The 408, which is being advertised for £49,990 by North Yorkshire-based Manor Classic Cars, picked up a Society of Manufacturers and Motor Traders’ Coachwork Award for a car priced more than £1600 but not exceeding £4000 at the Earls Court event.

The history file includes various correspondences with Bristol Cars owner and legendary RAF pilot Tony Crook, along with a picture of Mr Crook’s daughter, Carole, with the car at the 1963 show. Even after more than five decades the car retains its original black over silver colour scheme and red leather interior and has just 20,000 miles on the odometer.

Manor Classic Cars’ Paul Campbell says the Bristol, which has had just four previous owners, is in exceptional condition: ’ To my mind, the car represents serious value. Bristols are often misunderstood, occasionally overlooked and almost always underestimated, and yet they are handsome, imposing, quality built and over-engineered cars.’