1953 Bristol 403

Offered for sale, on behalf of the owner, is this superbly presented Bristol 403 two-door coupe of 1953.

Manufactured by the Bristol Aeroplane Company Ltd in 1953, it was originally registered with a different number plate. Since new, ‘926 XUF’ has had five owners (including the current owner) and was completely restored between 2001 and 2003. It was during this thorough restoration that it was registered with the current number plate.

It is fitted with an uprated, 6-cylinder petrol Bristol engine which provides 105bhp through the manual, 4-speed plus overdrive gearbox. The original engine was replaced by the current engine by Bristol Cars after the car had completed around 80, 000 miles – in total, the original owner, covered over 100, 000 in the car before selling it in around 1966. There were three further owners before the current owner bought the car in March 2008 showing 82, 572 miles – this was interpreted to mean 182, 572 miles.

It has been regularly serviced and maintained over the past 18 years by Bristol specialists, Spencer Lane-Jones Ltd, Warminster. The current owner notes that, when bought in 2008, the car had deteriorated in a few places since that rebuild five years earlier. The current owner therefore continued to work on the car with work carried out professionally including new brake and fuel lines, a new fuel tank alongside a rebuild of the road wheels and gearbox in 2011. Today, the owner states that, whilst not perfect, it is in very good condition and is fully roadworthy. It is a regular prize winner at classic car gatherings.

It is a two-door coupe with aluminium panels on a welded steel tube frame. The attention to detail in the original design and build of the Bristol 403 is incredible; and this attention to detail has been reflected in the maintenance of the car since. The paintwork and interior are in generally very good condition. When new, it had a ‘Bottle Green’ exterior with a brown interior. When restored, it was sprayed with ‘Regatta Red’ metallic paint and re-upholstered in beige leather with brown carpets.

In its present ownership, this Bristol has travelled extensively around the UK for Bristol Owners Club events. It has also travelled overseas, including to Australia on four occasions. The current owner of this car has thoroughly enjoyed ownership over nearly two decades!

As a very roadworthy car which has been maintained to a high standard, this Bristol 403 is now looking for its sixth owner to continue enjoying it.

Asking Price – £49, 995

We always encourage prospective buyers to view historic vehicles and steam engines in person prior to purchase. This car is advertised for sale by Berrybrook Steam & Classics on behalf of the owner and seller.

As with all of our historic vehicles listed for sale, we recommend viewing in person where possible. Appointments are recommended so please try to contact us before travelling for a viewing.

Please ask about our flexible part-exchange options. Delivery can be arranged to anywhere in the UK, and beyond, at buyer’s expense.