Restore 403 or sacrifice for parts?

[406Special]

At the BOC GM this year a chap from a local company (I forget which
one - but I did speak to him after) said that the factory (BCL) were
co-operating by way of supplying original drawings for the 6 cylinder
block and head. It was his company's intention to cast new improved
blocks, then if demand required it, new heads as well. Apparently
internals are available new, but blocks and heads are not and that is
why many cars are sacrificed to the greater good of those
remaining. As to cost, 18 months ago my 406's engine and gearbox
fetched I believe just over £6k and that's a 2.2 with a 4 speed
+o'drive 110 unit, the one most favoured as an upgrade to prior
models and other Bristol engine sports. It allegedly had been
rebuilt but was sold requiring a strip down and rebuild with careful
checking of fit etc of parts. The chap above at the BOC GM said he
expected new blocks to retail for around £5k. Assuming heads are
close on £2k, then £10k for a new Bristol engine (improved so he
says) sounds about right. If this be the case then it will surely
bring down the cost of the purchase of older/worn engines for
restoration. I just can't remember the company's name - perhaps
someone can shed light although I am also sure they regularly
advertise in the Bulletin.

I think that a 403/405/406 without a Bristol engine doesn't mean the
car is worthless - although I do believe they are a bargain. Anyone
contemplating a restoration should not think cheap and quick, but be
prepared to do an inside out rebuild to ensure longevity and improved
construction - hence an engineless car is often a better staring
point as it means the initial cost is tiny compared to the
restoration. Indeed, as long as what is installed has a similar
dimension and weight distribution, then the finished car should ride/
handle and look/feel like new. As an engine/gearbox rebuild of a 2
litre is somewhere between £6-12k, plus the cost of the base unit/
car, one has to be into originality of the power train to want to
invest that sought of money. The whole Bristol driving experience,
IMHO can be improved in a number of areas: Brakes (Coopercraft front
callipers + dual circuit), shocks, wheels & tyres, as well as
improved engine and better gear ratios. Although this is not
justification for my actions, I am seeking to get a more performant
car with traditional simplicity and quality engineering in a classic
Bristol. My car will pretty much look and behave like a standard
car, but go faster, stop better and hopefully handle/ride better
whilst having more comfort and convenience. It even has a
collapsible steering column for added safety! As Bristols have
always been customised to suit the owner (to a point) and that many
have been modified in some way for better performance etc., I see not
issue with replacing the original highly over-square long stroke
small six with something more modern and less costly that has better
performance and lower ongoing costs.

Clyde

[Ashley James]

TT Workshops are having both heads and blocks cast at about £7.5K ea
and I think they are having made or are making lots of parts for
late BMW and early Bristols.
Alpine Eagle are great friends, I had the onerous task of writing the
funeral address for poor Roy Partridge, he was a remarkable man with a
knowledge of coachwork that few could equal. I helped with their
website and Rich, my son worked there for 7 years before starting
he trimmed that remarkable Kadoori Ghost and supervised the rebuild
of a couple of PIII's before he left. Few R-R and B restorers have won
more awards internationally or over a longer period.

Brian May has been accumulating parts for years now so that he can
sell cannibalised cars with enough bits to complete them for anyone
brave enough to take them on. There are two 405 DHCs, several 401-3s,
several 400s and some 405s and 406s. He also has a few V8's that are
on the road. He has a wonderful original 403 that he's joined us in
France with for the last few years. He's very popular and he and Jean
usually sing to us as the end of the holiday approaches.

Rich has done bits of 328s and a fair bit of my car, but he'd love to
rebuild an early Bristol. It's been mostly Bentley R types this year
although he is going to trim the Maharajah of Johdpur's at AE.

I think the most likely Bristols to be worth the investment are the
400s and the 403's, the 404 already has it's following and is secure.

Interesting to hear your comments on modifications. I've fitted and
overdrive, a 100B2 Bottom end, a Delco Remy distributor, Alfin brake drums and a Lockeed
Servo.

Ashley

[seanmcs]

Well, I like this enthusiasm. I did a bit to a 401, and that went
North in NSW in Julian's hands and is still a good runner. My
beautiful 406 is now in Victoria and an excellent car. The 405 was
really only second to the Isos in New Zealand. A fantastic charger.
Now the 406 Zagato is close to metal finish in Dubbo. Bas and I were
with the Nugents last week and it looks like they will be finished
in October. The quality is outstanding. Bas has all the mechanicals
done and somewhat as usual, the 110 engine has only done 50,0000
miles and the pistons and gearbox are outstanding. The only thing is
I can't quite swallow the original orange-red paint. Something more
like Mudgee honey over a white plate in mind.

Sean

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by Ashley James

TT Workshops are having both heads and blocks cast at about £7.5K ea

£15k for a bare block and head?

That's going to end up being an expensive exercise. Probably worth it if you are restoring an AC Ace, but not a fixed head AC. Still makes it worth buying a tatty old 6 cyl Bristol for it's engine and transmission, unfortunately.

[406Special]

Ashley, next time I get a gathering of Bristol owners to pop along
for tea and bikkies at AE with John and his team you should join us.
John never entioned he knew someone with a Bristol (you) - very small
world.

My 406 is in a lock up on the Little Clanfield site which is owned by
Ed Stephens (very nice man & enthusiast come Aga expert and water
mill collector).

I am waiting until we have the engine back ready for install before
we venture down later in year.

Clyde

[Ashley James]

Clyde - I've seen your car along there and would love to meet up if
there is a gathering. John's been over to Rich's workshop and seen
my car but he's delightfully absent minded!


Ash

[seanmcs]

Thinking about the values of the cars, I have the impression that
the Fighter has brought the Bristol name back into public focus in
the UK. Certainly the membership of the BOC has climbed a lot in the
last three years. I noticed some spectacular prices for a couple of
Arnolts in the USA earlier this year. I'd also imagine a Zagato 406
would be receiving a lot of interest if one were available! Only 5
around plus the 2-3 on 400 chassis. My own limited experience is
that the 405 has been the best handling Bristol I have ever had - it
will be interesting to see how the 406Z will compare. Body nearly
finished now and assemble, take down, paint, upholster and fit
screen then re-assemble to come. Maybe by March.

Sean

[Ashley James]

I've not long completed a total rebuild of my 400, which coincidentally is the same colour (well sort of!) as the car that the Duke of Richmond and Gordon used to open the Goodwood Circuit in 1948.

To commemorate this auspicious event (the 60th anniversary), my car is to open the meeting, doing a few parade laps with Lord March in it, starting the racing each day and spending the rest of its time in an enclosure set aside to display the previous Duke's cars.

The thought of four days, taking time off work and the misery that is getting in and out of these affairs, rather put me off attending. Therefore I've lent the car to Andrew Blow who's generously offered to do it. It was a wrench after so much work and expense, but it seems like an excellent way to dangle a very good example of a 400 under the noses of some of the World's top collectors and hopefully make them feel like buying and restoring one.

If anyone is going to the Goodwood Revival with a camera, I'd love some photos. It's a green (Cambridge Grey) 400 and was made in 1949


Ashley