1945 400 & 1966 Bristol Bullet!

[MTH 411]

As far I understand the Bullett was developed in the 50's as a replacement for the Arnolt when the link with Wacky Arnolt was folding. As Bristol were looking to move up to a more luxurious end of the market, I am told it was felt the cost of development was not felt to be viable. The story I have been told is that it later became a workhorse, testing reconditioned engines and gearboxes over a number of years and was indeed left at the back of the workshop. The car was re-commissioned when Toby Silverton was in charge and he used in events in the States, hence the Colorado registration. I arranged for Toby to allow us to have it on the Bristol stand at the NEC some years ago which was great except one of the dual fuel tanks developed a leak and 20 gallons of fuel had to be emptied on a Friday evening! The car had a tuned 383 V8 with a 4 speed manual. I had the privilege of driving it home from the NEC late at night on a November Sunday evening. There was no hood and I was grateful for Toby's flying hat. It was certainly potent. The story that the current owners found it under a sheet in the factory is good PR but untrue. Indeed, I understand there was some debate as to whether the car belonged to Toby or the Company after the buy out. It is sad as the existence of the Speedster, which was derived from the Bullett once Toby had found the original, makes their claims rather ridiculous.

Mike