Restore 403 or sacrifice for parts?

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by alistair

There are lots of engineless 403s, 405s and 406s around (and AC Greyhounds) where the engine has been removed to be fitted to a more valuable AC - often to convert AC Aces and Acecas built with AC engines to Bristol power.

A really well sorted Bristol engine is just a wonderful thing - more people are realising this at the time when the number of sound engines is decreasing. Lets hope with the new regime at the factory they might be able to help in the future!

I didn't realise they were even robbing them out of AC Greyhounds. A similar things has happened with other marques. Aston DBSs are having their 6 cylinder engines ripped out for DB4, 5 & 6. Also Ferrari 250 GTE's were being sacrificed for their chassis, engine and transmission to build replica 250 GTOs. Although in both cases it was probably only cars in need of total restoration that were being sacrificed.

As for the factory building new 6 cylinder engines, another option could be for them too cooperate with a third party who would be prepared to do it. Such as someone who was already set up to make blocks and heads, although of course you would still need all the other components.

There's a UK company who make (or at least used to make) new 'improved' blocks and heads for the DB2 and DB MkIII. With the combined number of Bristols, ACs, Arnolts and Frazer Nashes in existence there must be greater demand than for the Astons.

It's good to hear the Aerodynes are increasing in value, but I wonder if more can be done to raise the profile of the marque (they probably need to be raced!).