New 403 owner

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by GREG

I agree about the economics but I was just sugesting that if it was to go ahead a convertible or roadsters would probably be easier to sell as there is less of them and the real ones fetch high prices.

To be honest, I missed the bit about the chop top until after I posted my response, but isn't cutting the roof off just bastardising it even further?

It's just making it even less original.

Anyone who's done their homework would know it isn't a rinky-dink original 402, plus it will have the wrong engine and gearbox as well (with modifications to suit). But not only that, once the roof has been chopped off you wouldn't even be able to convert it back to proper 403.

[GREG]

People have converted original 403's with original engines and I would bet that done well that they fetch more money.

Only a guess though.

Even Beetles and Morris Minors values increase massively once chopped and there is loads of them !!

Greg

[Max Tone]

Let's face it folks -- there are dozens of similar 401, 403 & 405s that are the wrong side of borderline restoration cases. As Clyde said, unless we get Bristol to sanction a particular replacement drive-train, they'll end up being broken & chassis weighed in for scrap, losing the Bristol identity for ever.

Siddeley/Humber engine design at least known to have been used by both FN & Bristol in prototypes.

Even with original engines, many of these basket-cases will be uneconomical to restore as large saloons with expensive to replace interiors, brightwork etc.

.........but as spartan "Bristol Specials" (or Bristol-Siddeley), they might have more hope of survival & be much cheaper to build on bare rolling chassis.

There are many interesting, fun & potentially more valuable end-results that could be looked at long-term.

I don't see any reason why the 9' 6" chassis can't be cut'n'shut to 8' or 8' 6" for a variety of body styles. One would need to obtain 404 torsion bars & mounts, but converting to coilovers cheaper:-

405 to 404 is a prime example. You get bigger rear window & maybe higher roofline, but shapes essentially there.

405 to Spartan Speedster as per 'Bullet' another possibility. Any of you graphics boys able to cut-n-shut some pics?

8' wheelbase also suits FN body styles, AC Ace, as well as Arnolt.

Le Mans rep rep rep rep anyone?...........chassis maybe a bit wide, though.

Hawk do an Ace body that might fit, but a bit blase. If there are enough chassis kicking around, might they be persuaded to take moulds from an Arnolt? (gotta find one first!)

At this level of restoration economics, ultimate survival must surely take precedence over originality...............

Comments?

Rob