This 1973 Bristol 411 was acquired by its current owner during 2020, who set about a comprehensive restoration that ran through to mid-2024. The invoice history is thorough and continuous, with work carried out by three specialists over roughly three and a half years.

Bodywork and paint were entrusted to CBR Motorbodies of Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire, who stripped the car back and addressed corrosion to the rear quarter panel, front wings, both front door skins and the windscreen surrounds before refinishing it in its current colour, a wonderful shade of Aston Martin blue.

The mechanical restoration was carried out by PJ Autos of Stone, and covers a full engine rebuild with new pistons, bearings, camshaft and timing components, along with an automatic transmission rebuild, a rear axle overhaul, and a rewire of the engine bay and headlight looms. The cooling system was upgraded with an aluminium radiator and electric fans, the fuel system relocated, and the front brakes converted, complemented by a further AP Racing brake kit upgrade supplied by Spencer Lane-Jones Ltd. The car rides on refurbished wheels fitted with new Blockley tyres.

The interior was retrimmed by Intatrim of Telford in tan leather, finished with twin-needle stitching and a tartan details to the door cards, piping and handbrake, taken from the owner's family tartan!

Since arriving with us, the car has been fully detailed and driven a couple of hundred miles to put it through its paces. It feels absolutely solid, well-sorted, and drives with a real sense of occasion. What's more, with only 5 previous owners from new and a comprehensive history file containing invoices dating back to the early 1980s, along with old MOT certificates and even the original owner's manual, it's a car whose history is as complete as its restoration.

Where a contemporary Bentley or Rolls-Royce of the same era offered supreme levels of comfort and hand-built quality, the Bristol always did things a little differently. Built in far smaller numbers and engineered by a company with one eye on aerodynamics and lightness, the 411 carries its bulk with a sportier, more alert character than its grander rivals. Quick steering, strong performance from its robust Chrysler V8, and a chassis that feels eager rather than just capable. It's a car that offers the same wafting comfort expected of the class, but with a keener, more driver-focused edge underneath it.

Don’t be boring. Buy a Bristol.

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