Bristol 400, 1950 - 1st gear downhill issue
 

Dear all,
I have recently bought a 400 and I have an interesting downhill issue. Everytime when I start the engine and start driving with the first gear downhill the gearbox goes in a kind of idle-speed. I heared there is a way to handle/deactivate this, but do not know how. Does someone know the answer and also know why this happens?
Best regards from Austria
Roman

Freewheel.
 

Hi Roman, congratulations on your purchase. What I think you are describing is the "freewheel" feature of the Bristol gearbox. This disengages the drive when you take your foot off the accelerator and engages it again when accelerating. (This is useful when moving in slow traffic for example). However, it can break if used violently, eg in Hillclimbs or Motorsports and therefore some people "lock it out" when rebuilding the gearbox. If it works ok then leave it and enjoy the advantages!

Kind regards,
Chris.

Roman,
The freewheel first gear operates as Chris describes and was fitted to all standard Bristol Saloons from 400 - 406 , it is quite nice once you understand the car and get used to it .

From the photo you attached , if that is your car , it is
Chassis 400/1/669
Car 400/A/404 (the 304th of 421 made)
Engine 85A/1453 (with 3 SU carbs)
Original Colour Metallic Green
Despatched ex BAC Filton on 17/4/50 and arrived in Italy for the Turin Motor Show with another 400 chassis 594
It was fitted with a KPH speedo , RHD and opening rear window .
Currently with Italian registration number MI 157081

Looking at the photos I have of this car the two wires to the Solenoid on the front fuel bowl are not connected .

Pls confirm whether this is your 400

Regards
Geoff
geoff.dowdle@gmail.com

405dh, thanks for your Feedback. Now it is clear. If I want to deactivate this Feature is this a complicated task, so opening the gear box etc?

Best regards,
Roman

Geoff,
I am impressed. I can confirm we bought the car 3 weeks ago from Italy. We are in the process of registrating it which is a challange in Austria. The emission value of the car is the problem.
Best regards,
Roman