Bristol 404 History

The 404 (1953–1955) was the most overtly sporting car Bristol had yet built — a short-wheelbase two-door coupe nicknamed the 'Businessman's Express'. With the wheelbase trimmed by 12 inches versus the saloons, the 404 had a snug two-seat cabin and a distinctive nose with air intakes flanking the grille and the spare wheel stowed in pods in the front wings (freeing boot space and becoming a visual signature of subsequent models).

Power outputs varied by specification from 85 to 125 bhp from the 1,971 cc six, and the lightweight aluminium body kept the car nimble. Only 52 examples were completed, making the 404 one of the rarest and most collectible of all early Bristols. Its compact body was later used as the basis for the limited Arnolt Bristol sports-racer bodied by Bertone for the American importer Stanley Arnolt.