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09-12-11, 07:58 PM
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Finding the 'right' car-the elusive 409
After to much research and too much searching, it looks as though a car will have to come up on it's own, will be of no value or use to the owner, and be sold for pennies. Right!
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10-12-11, 01:33 PM
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This 409 looks a good example
Bristol 409 For Sale, classic cars for sale uk (Car: advert number 134433) | Classic Cars For Sale I don't understand why importing is not an option as the costs are not so high ? I think that Marcus was quite precise with his requirements and this indicated a price range. I think if you indicated what condition and price range is acceptable, more responses may come. Are you stuck on a 409 ? or would a 408 , 410 , 411 S1 be acceptable ? As there are only 4 or 5 409's in the USA it's hardly surprising that you are having trouble finding one. A cash buyer in Europe is always welcome :-)
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11-12-11, 09:43 PM
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Bristols for sale
Thanks for the leads, but I am not willing to go through the hassles of trying to register a car here with a European title. I went through that with a XK120 Jaguar from Belgium a few years back. Our motor vehicle registration people had no idea as to what to do..
The idea of a 407 or 408 is a good one, and there is not much difference in the models. I am willing ot consider any condition, so long as it is in the States and has some paperwork.
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12-12-11, 01:05 AM
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I could only make you aware of cars for sale in Europe. One or two recently that would seem to suit you apart from being in Europe.
The only other option I can think of is to buy through an agent or Bristol Cars, and let them sort the paperwork. BCL have experience of selling quite a few second hand Bristols to the USA. Cars travel backwards and forward between Europe and the USA quite often. It can't be that difficult ! Recent prices of £4500 to £8000 for 408's in need of restoration and similar for a couple of 410's. Good quality V8's all seem to be £30 k plus and rising. I know that my old 408 is for sale due to the owner relocating. I would guess around £35k ( Almost perfect ). You say extensive search / research, but have you put your requirements to Bristol Cars and Andrew Blow ? Or even the new restoration company in Bristol. After the 200 or so cars you say that you have owned , including numerous Aston's and a Jaguar XK 120, it's about time that you had a decent car on the drive ! :-) Marcus had a fairly difficult quest but yours should be relatively easy. I wish you good luck and I will follow your search with interest.
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12-12-11, 04:18 PM
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Bristols, Bristols, Bristols
Greg: yes, I have contacted Andrew Blow, and even Bristol Cars on occasion, and our Bristol Club here, but with prices around 35 to 64 thousand in USD, that is more than I would even begin to consider. Old cars are, well, old cars. Brisol desirability, lies chiefly with Bristol enthusiasts. They are not museum pieces, just low-production oddities that come up from time to time. My main attraction was the fact that they used the Chrysler Corporation drivetrain components. The chassis is as old as the second World War, having been lifted from BMW designs. I have tried my hand at just about every interesting make out there, and the Bristol has thus far eluded me. There is a totally restored example in Washington State, and it has sat since the owner passed away. It can be had for that sweet-spot in pricing mentioned above. I guess you either pay up front, or suffer through the process of restoring a car. I have done both, and regardless, I still tire of what I have chased and pass it on to the next willing victim..
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12-12-11, 10:25 PM
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Your derisory summary of what you believe a V8 Bristol is suggests that you maybe not the right person to own a Bristol. I do know at least three museums where Bristols reside but I prefer to see them driven.
This slapped together V8 you describe was an Autocar car of the year when the 411 S1 was released. In fact the 411 S2 on my drive was owned from new by Victor Gauntlett , the owner of Aston Martin cars. A lot of chassis designs and engine designs continued to evolve over a long long time -- why get rid of something that works well ? I believe that Bristol cars are very special and are vastly under priced compared to mass produced cars like E- Types and Astons. It is probably part of the Bristol owners responsibility that the car is passed on to a suitable owner that will love and look after the car and not just buy it to rob the engine for a quick "buck" I wouldn't sell a Bristol to someone that has your opinions of the Marque. The cars deserve more respect.
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12-12-11, 10:47 PM
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The engines and such
The 'original' engines were likely robbed and found new homes in the Arnolt-Bristol cars, as these were raced quite successfully, and probably destroyed a number of engines in the process. The AC-Bristols come to mind too. Well suited for the task. Again, a very competitive car, if you could keep the revs up. That car got the transplant too when Caroll Shelby took charge. Your attachment to the cars can be likened to a fascination of a particularly attractive woman, and trust me, I understand. Misplaced emotions. Rather common.
The thing to understand about the Astons and even the lowly E-Types is that people are attracted to the cars, and THEIR scarcity these days make them all the more valuable. You can buy three Bristols for the price of a nicely restored Aston or E-type. And they do have purity of line.
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