1970 Bristol 410

Highlights

• In current ownership since ~2011
• Engine rebuilt and a comprehensive brake overhaul was carried out prior to current ownership
• Interior retrimmed in red leather with black piping
• Wheels refurbished with new tyres within the last two years
• Driven to Angoulême in the South of France for Circuit des Remparts on four occasions

The Appeal

"...the 410 was more civilised than any predecessor. It was aerodynamically and visually cleaner... it was a car of high quality, beautifully and thoughtfully built to look after its passengers, a safe car for the fast driver." - L.J.K. Setright.
The Bristol marque always attracted a different sort of buyer than its more mainstream competitors, a car for those who look beyond the established brands in search of unique style and quirky engineering. Car Journalist-cum-philosopher L.J.K. Setright, quoted above, was perhaps Bristol's biggest advocate, and he ranked the 410 among the carmakers' greatest achievements.
Hand-built in tiny numbers at Bristol's Filton works, the 410 paired an all-American Chrysler V8 with understated British coachwork, offering effortless long-distance ability that few contemporaries could match.

This right-hand drive example has been in the care of its current owner since 2011, forming part of a collection spanning the 1930s through to the 1970s. Prior to their stewardship, the 5.2-litre V8 engine was rebuilt, and a comprehensive brake overhaul was carried out, encompassing new servos, piping, discs and callipers. During the current ownership, the car has been resprayed and the interior retrimmed in red leather with black piping. Further improvements include a new Revotek engine fan, a new alternator, electric windows and a heated rear window.

The wheels have been refurbished with new tyres within the last two years, with under 2,000 miles covered since. The vendor describes the engine as performing very smoothly, with an intoxicating exhaust note and effortless driving manners. Its reliability has been proven on four trips to Angoulême for the Circuit des Remparts, where the vendor reports that fellow enthusiasts have repeatedly chosen it over Aston Martins and Jaguar E-types as their preferred car to drive.

Key Information

• Mileage: 33,843 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
• Technical specs: 5.2-litre V8 petrol, three-speed automatic
• Paperwork: accompanied by an extensive collection of invoices and restoration photographs

The Detail

• Engine rebuilt in 2010, prior to current ownership
• Brake overhaul carried out prior to current ownership, including new servos, piping, discs and callipers
• New Revotek engine fan fitted during current ownership
• New alternator fitted during current ownership
• Electric windows installed, with heated rear window
• Interior retrimmed in red leather with black piping during current ownership
• Resprayed during current ownership
• Chrome work is broadly good with some minor imperfections noted
• Wheels refurbished with new tyres within the last two years, with under 2,000 miles covered since
• The vendor states the engine performs very smoothly
• The vendor describes the car as extremely comfortable and easy to get in and out of
• Well-presented inside and out, with smart bodywork, paint, trim, and leather upholstery
• Some signs of localised corrosion to the car's underside, which can be studied in the photographs
• Period Blockley tyres fitted
• Clean under-bonnet presentation

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.