1962 Bristol 407

Highlights

• First Bristol to have an American V8, giving around 250 horsepower. Only 300 of these were built in 1962-1963.
• Substantial recent mechanical work by Bristol specialist Spencer Lane Jones, including reconditioned gearbox, back axle and radiator
• Electric power steering fitted
• Voluntary MOT valid to November 2026
• Known by the current owner for over twenty years, previously owned by a friend
• Dry stored throughout known ownership history

The Appeal

Hand-built in limited numbers and combining bespoke British coachwork with robust American V8 power, the Bristol 407 hails from the marque's golden era of luxury GT construction. The eccentric motoring journalist LJK Setright was a a lifelong devotee of the Bristol marque. With their exclusivity, refinement and formidable performance, these cars have long been cherished by discerning enthusiasts who appreciate artisanal craftsmanship and engineering integrity over mass-market appeal.

This 1962 example presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a mechanically sorted 407 that's reportedly ready to be enjoyed. Known to the current owner for over twenty years and dry-stored throughout its life, the car has recently benefited from substantial investment in the areas that matter most. Spencer Lane Jones, a respected Bristol specialist, has reconditioned the gearbox, back axle and radiator, and carried out comprehensive work to the suspension, brakes and steering. Electric power steering has been installed, a dynamo-style alternator has been fitted, and the carburettor has been refurbished. These are precisely the expensive, awkward jobs that prospective buyers often face, and they've already been completed here.

The vendor describes this as an honest example rather than a freshly restored show car, which means it presents an opportunity to acquire a usable Bristol at a sensible price point. The bodywork and chrome are reported to be in fine fettle with no corrosion, the underside is in very good order, and the interior is presentable with just a couple of minor jobs outstanding. The car reportedly starts and runs well, drives as it should, and pulls strongly. With a comprehensive recent history file and MOT valid to November 2026, this 407 is ready for touring, regular use, or further cosmetic improvement at the next owner's pace.

History and Paperwork

• UK market RHD car first registered in 1962
• Known by current owner for over twenty years, previously owned by a friend
• Purchased by the owner's father-in-law, then bought by current owner in 2022
• Dry stored throughout ownership history
• Comprehensive recent history file available, with specialist invoices included in the gallery below
• MOT valid to November 2026 with just two minor advisories
• 40,218 miles indicated

The Condition

• Described as an honest example, not freshly restored or over-detailed
• Suitable for touring, regular use or further cosmetic improvement
• The vendor informs us that the bodywork and chrome are in very sound condition
• paint finish suitably patinated, which can be studied in the photographs
• Driver's seat reupholstered, back seats in very good order
• Passenger seat squab would benefit from reupholstering
• Headlining believed to be West of England cloth and fault-free
• Interior presentable with only minor jobs outstanding
• Petrol gauge float reportedly needs adjustment, everything else serviceable and usable as-is

The Mechanics

• 5.1-litre (5,130cc) Chrysler V8 engine
• Three-speed automatic transmission
• Gearbox, back axle and radiator reconditioned by specialists via Spencer Lane Jones
• Suspension, brakes and steering work carried out by Bristol specialist Spencer Lane Jones
• Electric power steering fitted
• Dynamo-style alternator fitted
• Carburettor refurbished
• Reportedly starts and runs well, drives as it should and pulls well
• Runs at the correct temperature according to the vendor
• Very small, negligible oil leak from engine reported (typical for Bristol, not worsening according to the vendor)

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