A classic Bristol motor car has been pulled out of a garage in Devon by Dorset based Charterhouse Auctioneers, 20 years after the owner drove it in with a view to starting a programme of restoration.
“The name Bristol is synonymous with great design and superb engineering. No surprise when you consider Bristol Motor Cars evolved from a company who made aircraft such as the Blenheim and Beaufighter during World War Two.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “All Bristol Motor Cars were desirable and expensive in their day, and moving forward into the 21st century, they are highly sought after by collectors. However, what makes this Bristol particularly rare is its special aluminium body made by the legendary Italian design house Zagato of Milan.”
This Bristol originally started out in life as in 1949 as a standard Bristol 400. Then in 1957, it was delivered to Zagato for a special lightweight aluminium body and numerous upgrades such as disc brakes all round and triple carburettors which pushed engine power and performance up on a standard 406. It returned to England in 1961 when it was owned by Antony (Tony) Crook, a Director at Bristol. It was used, possibly as a demonstrator, until sold in 1962 and sold again to the current owner in 1965. Bristol records show that three 400’s were given this treatment by Zagato, as well as six new 406’s, but it appears that the Charterhouse car is a previously unrecorded chassis. To prove just how exclusive the Bristol 406 Zagato was, they were twice as expensive as a new Jaguar E Type!
During the owner’s professional career in the Civil Service from the 1960’s, he took his beloved Bristol Zagato wherever he worked. The car still retains documentation and number plates from a posting in Libya, during which time it was driven across the Sahara desert. Last driven into his garage in Devon some 20 years ago, the keys still remain in the ignition. Now, with a few panel sections removed from a restoration started many years ago, this very rare Bristol 406 Zagato is entered into the Charterhouse auction of classic and vintage cars being held in a marquee in the grounds of Sherborne Castle on Sunday 21st July, where it is estimated to sell for £10,000-20,000.To enter a vehicle into this important classic car and motorcycle auction, contact Matthew Whitney, Associate Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277, via email mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk or log on to www.charterhouse-auction.com
The Bristol 406 Zagato is pulled out from its Devon hiding after 20 years, being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on Sunday 21st July £10,000-20,000
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