New 403 owner

[Hal]

Dave,

Thanks for the photos, thats an awesome looking car. However, it does look as if its had some major major work, and clearly converting over isnt a simple process.

Greg,

Sorry matey, its definitely not for sale, now that i've seen that conversion !.
And thanks for sending me details of that chap, i'll be getting in contact with him.

[Des]

Well now you have an objective you don't need to worry about cost effectiveness, rationality etc. these concerns have no place, it should be more an emotional thing.
I'm keeping my 403 standard, but only because that's the state I found it in and it's the easiest option, having said that I've been faffing around with it for about 7 years and haven't made huge progress. I actually bought a second (engineless) one last year, don't know what I was thinking of, but I have gazed into the empty engine bay dreaming of what might fill the gap. I would think a 'period' engine a folly, I don't think there's much that wouldn't leave the car nose-heavy, and / or gutless. It probably has to be something 4 cylinder as I doubt there's many sixes other than the Bristol short enough to fit without butchery.
The type 9 gearbox used in Sierra / Capri is a pretty strong box, bellhousings are available to give quite a few engine choices, even some wildcard FWD lumps.
Speaking of FWD, I have an old Saab Turbo I've owned for 20 years and can't bear to part with, it crossed my mind that it has a fairly compact engine gearbox unit, I didn't get the tape measure out but I think the Bristol would have to lose a couple of feet of chassis so perhaps not, although, 170 BHP, equal length driveshafts equate to a non FWD lack of torque steer.

[Rocket Roller]

Hi all,

My name is Joseph, from Monte Estoril, Lisbon area in Portugal.
For many years that I was trying to buy a decent left hand drive 403, for a decent price. LHD Bristols don't hang on trees, so after turning down some good LHD 401's, I finally purchased the RHD light green Bristol 403 from Steven de'Ath.
My first step was to join BOC as a clubmember by the end of last year, and trying to find out what was important about choosing the right car.
Jaap Koopmans from the Netherlands has been of great help, via email and telephone.
I am still wating for the fittment of an overdrive in the UK, and hope to get the car here in a couple of weeks or so.
I intend to change it's color into a much darker shade of green.
Also the headlamps must be changed into continental type right dip. I am trying to find a pair of Lucas PF770 complete, in order to substitue the previous smaller ones. The PF770 just look glorious on these cars... Any clues where to find them? I just enquired Holden Vintage & Classic.
De'Ath's car has lots of improvements, although non-standard, they are great: 405 engine and gearbox, for example.
Recently I had the chancd to meet a 90 years old gentleman from Portugal, who owned a 403 back in the 1950's. Ill try to send a picture.

Yours for longer engine roars,
Joseph

[Rocket Roller]

Hi all,

Here is the picture of Mr. Joaquim de Vilhena, returning from the Switzerland to Lisbon in March 1956, with his Bristol 403.

This car has been scrapped many years later by next owner.

Picture has been taken at Parador EL CID in Burgos, northern Spain. On the roof of the car there were the skys, and next there was a Mercedes 220S Ponton with those lovely export german oval plates...

I wonder about those chormed "bezel" protections on the underside of the rear mudguards. I never saw any of those on a 2 litre Bristol before. Should it be original? He says they came with the car when he bought it new, and never putted any extras on the car. He was very positive, for he told me he hated tose kind of "boy racer" improvements.


Enjoy...
Joseph

[Geoff Dowdle]

Having bought a few AC's with odd engines fitted & 400's without engines &
boxes over the years there always seems to be someone that has spares
available especially 85 series ex 400 & 401.

I think a few alternative motors suitable for a 6 cylinder chassis (subject
to measurement )might be a Daimler V8 of early 60's or a Rover 3500 V8 ,
both should fit behind the cross member with out major modification . They
are relatively short and light with excellent torque and should suit the car
and not upset the handling.

I've seen Holden/GM 3 litre sixes & XK Jag engines fitted to 400 & 401
chassis but major modifications to the firewall, floors & gearbox X member
are necessary.

Has anyone seen a small V8 fitted to a 6 cylinder Bristol Chassis ???

Geoff

[Max Tone]

Hal,

Have you seen post re 402 undergoing restoration in Denmark? In its present stripped state, now would be the ideal time to examine how it's put together, mountings, hood, frame etc.

Maybe Greibel might take more snaps, measurements etc., or find yerself an excuse to fly to Denmark!

Rob

[Hal]

Originally Posted by Geoff Dowdle

might be a Daimler V8 of early 60's or a Rover 3500 V8 , both should fit behind the cross member with out major modification .

Geoff

Sounds like a lot bigger engines. Could the chassis handle the horsepower, and are parts for these engines readily available ?

Originally Posted by Max Tone

Hal,

Have you seen post re 402 undergoing restoration in Denmark? In its present stripped state, now would be the ideal time to examine how it's put together, mountings, hood, frame etc.

Maybe Greibel might take more snaps, measurements etc., or find yerself an excuse to fly to Denmark!

Rob

Rob

Thats not a bad idea, and i could pick up some tips etc. I'll have to ask him to see what he says.

Thanks Hal

[Rubbond]

Don't worry about the Rover engine - there are literally thousands of the
old Buick-based 3.5 litre engines available from scrapped Range Rovers and
Discovery's, and they are pretty indestructable. You could even choose
between carburetor or fuel injection.
I find it sad that many early Bristols have become just a cheap source of
6-cyl engines for AC's, FN's and Arnolt's. Like Jaguar V-12's for kit cars.
I remember helping a pattern maker chissel away at the wooden mould for the
cylinder head of that engine, in Nuneaton, I guess in 1970?
The blueprint stretched across the entire wall in his workshop!
I came across a 406 in London for less than GBP 2000 about 2 years ago, with
I believe an Opel Manta engine, grubby leather and no doubt lots of rust.
That's not a viable project in my opinion (just worked out what IMO means).
With best regards,
Andrew.