Scottish hideaway conceals Bristol rarity

Scotsman David Hendry enjoys exploring WW2 sites, and loves metal-detecting in his spare time. Recently he discovered an abandoned farmhouse in the north-east of Scotland – “tucked away in the middle of nowhere” – and stumbled across a 1952 Bristol 401.

Hendry never found out who owns the blue Bristol, but decided to photograph the once-grand saloon in its secretive hiding place.

Like the Bristol, the barn looks aged, too, although the roof with its beautiful wooden structure seems to be in an excellent state, which must have helped to preserve the 1950s ‘business express’. The 401’s 2-litre, six-cylinder engine and gearbox are missing, but the car’s chassis frame and aluminium bodywork by Touring of Milan certainly seem salvageable. The interior looks to be complete, too.

Priced at £3212 when it was new, the 401 was an exclusive car. Customers could, for example, choose on which side they wanted to have the bonnet hinged; this one’s hinges are on the right.

‘The barn is in an excellent state, which must have helped preserve the Bristol’

Bristol is remarkably well preserved both outside and in; the dashboard still carries its original Bakelite switches and Art Deco-style gauges