Bristol RKK 891 on ebay

[Colin from Hull]

Hi
Does anyone know my much about the Bristol 401 RKK891 on ebay.
He's mentioned that its a well know car within the club.
I always felt this was the only way i could afford one with this engine mod.
What everyone views on it? And what peoples thoughts on value? Still a fair bit of money to be spent what could be the pitfalls?
Regards Colin

[David C]

I couldn't find it on Ebay at first as it's 403 not 401

Check whether you can insure it at an affordable price. Some companies can be picky about replacement engines.

If you are paying someone to improve it you will be pushed to recover your money. If you want to enjoy it as is and you can work on it yourself you could have a lot of fun for reasonable outlay but it could be hard to sell on again.

What is your longer term plan?

[Kevin H]

"need of interior carpets and a respray And a light restoration" haha


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295537082305

[Colin from Hull]

Hi
I just love the shape of the Bristol car, i do realise that triumph engine has a big inpact on the value of the the car.
I do believe that this has been done before because lots of Bristols did lose they engines because of they high value.
I would just use it as a daily driver, i like a car to show its dna /patina rather than over restored then frighted to use the car.

[peterg]

Late 403 according to the wing mirrors and desireable remote gear change (mid 1953 onwards according to the registration). Whoever made up the registration plate got the '8' upside down!

[Geoff Kingston]

I know the car quite well as it belonged to a late friend of mine Mike Brockway, he had owned it since the mid 60's, it was parked up for a long time with a worn engine which his brother eventually rebuilt but some years later it suffered a major failure , rod/piston through block, I helped Mike to find another engine which resulted in the purchase of another 403, far too good to break and that one, ONB was for years on the poster for the Great Dorset Steam Fair as Mike was a regular exhibitor of his 403's and tractors. Eventually the remains of the engine and the gearbox went to a well known Bristol specialist in exchange for the installation of the Triumph engine and box. His other 403 was a good example with a nice 100a engine and box but Mike always had the view that RKK with its Triumph unit went better, it certainly sounded nice, pity its lost the large key he had fitted to the boot, If I could have justified another car which I can't without selling something first I would have bought it when it came up for Auction, left it exactly as it was cosmetically and continued to take it to the type of steam and vintage events Mike liked.
Geoff.

[Kevin H]

Colin,
The 'oily rag classic' approach appeals to me, so long as it is functional, reliable and safe. To my mind it's much better to leave a car cosmetically in a tatty original state rather than do a low qaulity restoration because of lack of funds. Just spend your money on the crucial bits! As you say you won't be afraid to use it.

[Colin from Hull]

Hi Geoff
I remember seeing that car with the key on the boot, only on photos tho, so this is that car then Geoff?
How long ago was the auction, i wonder if this is the buyer re-selling the car.
I asked the ebay seller to check the reg number on the V5c, he has confirmed that the number on the car is the same on the document.

[Geoff Kingston]

Hi Colin.
Yes its the same car so if the vendor has the key I would ask for it to be included in the sale, I am not sure how Mike had attached it to the boot but it was on the car for years I have lots of photographs of the car. It was a regular at loads of the west country steam and vintage events and Mike used to refer to it as the support car for his Fordson Doe when he was showing that as well.
I think it was probably one of the most photographed Bristol 2 Litres in the country as it was always turning up in event reports in the vintage press.
The Auction was late October early November so there could be a good chance the vendor is the purchaser and will have the key.
If you buy it and decide its not for you then get in touch we may be able to do a deal on the 401 I have for sale on Car and Classic.
The photographs were taken at the Great Dorset Steam Fair and the E Type next to the 403 belonged to Mike as well. The last photograph is of the 401 I have for sale which is an ideal car to use and improve.
Geoff.

[Colin from Hull]

Hi
The vendor does have the key and he said he will include it within the auction. I don't think i will be bidding on this Geoff.

[Geoff Kingston]

Hi Colin,
Perhaps something like this would tempt you, gives you the option to decide on your own engine and gearbox combination.
Geoff.
https://www.brightwells.com/timed-sale/5404/lot/612091

[Colin from Hull]

Hi
I thought I had missed these cars. Looks like i will have to do the lottery, just over month to win....😃

Have you watched the 'Bearded Explorer' on 'You Tube' he walked all around Brian's property looking at all the Bristol cars with another guy and Brians daughter.

[Geoff Kingston]

Hi Colin,
I think this is going to be a significant sale mainly perhaps with regard to all the parts Brian had, I did see the Bearded Explorer going round the whole collection but I was very lucky in 2015 to have the full tour with Brian when I went to look at a partially restored 401 rolling bodyshell he had for sale at that time. I saw most of the cars on offer plus a lot more and you will notice on the link I sent you that the 401 in question is very unusual as it has a round rev counter and speedometer something I have never seen on another 401 or 403.
According to the chassis number quoted this was a very well known club car years ago. I was very taken with the ex Australia 400 because of its excellent structural condition but Brian wanted to keep that one. In the end I didn't buy the 401 as although virtually all the welding had been completed it was a bare shell all the instruments, wiring dash etc had been removed so for me it was two steps forward , three steps back. At the time I was looking for a home for a factory rebuilt 85C engine I bought from Bristol Cars 5 Years earlier.
In the end that ended up in a 401 Bodyshell I bought years before from Tony Mitchell. All up and driving now but needs paint carpets and a few minor jobs on the to do list, but we seem to have got stuck in low gear post all the covid lockdowns.
Geoff.