1956 | Bristol 405

• One of only 43 drophead coupés to be built

• Recent thorough restoration including engine overhaul

• Presented in Heather Grey with Claret Red interior

• Extensive history file and full factory tool kit

This extremely rare Bristol 405 drophead coupé is one of only 43 such cars to have left the Filton factory, and is looking resplendent following a recent restoration.

Chassis number 4525 previously formed part of the collection owned by Bristol enthusiast Brian May, and it subsequently spent 20 years with another custodian who replaced most of the car’s wooden frame.

More recently, the Bristol was given a full bare-metal restoration during 2022 and 2023, and is now in exceptional condition throughout. The work was overseen by Merlin Classics, which did the bodywork and resprayed the car in Heather Grey. Retro Wiring fitted a new wiring loom, while Bespoke Car Trim of Cheshire carried out an interior retrim in red leather and also fitted a new soft-top.

Bristol specialist INRacing rebuilt the car’s six-cylinder engine (number 100B/3623) and fitted Cosworth pistons and new valves. It also pressure-tested the block and cylinder head, and new piston rings and pushrods have been installed. Final engine tuning was done by Nigel Grant Racing, and a new stainless-steel exhaust was installed. 

This Bristol 405 is now being offered for sale with an extensive history file that includes an original instruction manual, plus a workshop manual for the 100B and 100B2 engine, gearbox and overdrive. All restoration invoices are included, and the car even has a correct period tool kit.

Individual, beautifully engineered and built in small numbers, Bristol cars have always been a choice for discerning enthusiasts, and this attractive 405 drophead coupé embodies all of the qualities from which the marque made its name.