Thinking about a 401/403

[Roger Morrall]

MSJ 895 is one of the very earliest 401s and was a regular on the very long distance Bristol Owners Club tours. Think Montenegro, Spain, etc, and her exploits in Argentina are legendary. She was capable, on the lengthy continental BOC tours, of keeping up with with the 5.2 litre Bristol 410 that I then owned (I could get away on acceleration, but she always caught up)

She is, in my view, a beautiful car and was then impeccably maintained by SLJ and it sounds as though she has continued to be looked after by them. When I knew her she came with an overdrive.

I should perhaps make it clear that I have no relationship with the current owner and it is now quite a number of years since I had any dealings with SLJ and Richard Hackett.

I doubt you’d do much better

[Raymond]

Thank you Roger. That is the sort of information I had hoped someone might post. MSJ 895 is indeed a fine looking example and seems to have been cherished. I am strangely drawn to the stepped sills that seem to give it a special character. Also, the history of a car is so important. It sounds like the car would suit me well.

One worry I have is that the market for the car I am restoring and have invested heavily in; namely a 1949 MG TC, is on the floor at the moment.

I may be mistaken but Bristol cars seem to be holding their own; at least for the time being?.

[Excalibur]

There seems to be a very big difference in prices asked by dealers and those that sell by auction. Maybe the dealers only stock the very best and the ones requiring work ending up on the auction sites.

[David C]

Bristol Cars have often performed very badly at auction. I think it may well be due to the cost of fixing a wrong 'un. If you buy at auction you are taking a chance and could end up with very expensive issues. If you buy from a reputable dealer or broker then it is in their interest to help out if on closer inspection post sale the car has hidden issues.

[Raymond]

Dealers I know won't buy a car unless they can double the price. They also try to gloss over what can be expensive flaws to correct.

He who sups with the Devil needs a very long spoon....

[Raymond]

Please can anyone tell me if the rear lights on this very early (step sill) 401 are correct ...or have they been altered.??

https://i.postimg.cc/rsr735Yd/1950-b...e2c2db931e.jpg

[Roger Morrall]

I accompanied this car on a number of European trips and got to know the then owners pretty well. I believe them to be absolutely correct.