Mike,
Well done for setting the record straight, the existence of this car was well documented in the classic car press when Toby Silverton owned the company, being mentioned in connection with the development of the speedster.
The notion in a company as small as Bristol that it could have sat forgotten under a dust sheet in the corner of the factory, including through the insolvency process is fanciful in the extreme.
Sidelined because it was no longer of any use or thought not to be a saleable proposition is far more likely.
Sad to say another monthly has repeated the same claim despite the fact that they previously carried the storey of Toby Silverton deciding to do something with the original car and launch the speedster.
As for what appears to be claimed for the 400, the magazine should know better, in the past they have run far more accurate articles, the early history of the company is well documented, the first Bristol engines were run in BMW's and the idea that in 1945 a Bristol 400 had been completed and was sold to Dutch Owners is complete and utter nonsense. This would have pre dated not only the first known 400 but also the first example sold to the public.
Geoff.
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