Bristol 405 History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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The 405 (1954–1958) occupies a unique place in Bristol history as the only four-door saloon the company ever produced — a concession to practicality that broadened the appeal of the six-cylinder range without sacrificing the hand-built quality. Power came from the 1,971 cc straight-six producing 105 bhp, sufficient for a relaxed touring pace.
Bristol also offered a 405 drophead coupe version, with convertible bodywork by Abbott of Farnham. The four-door saloon accounted for 297 examples; the drophead for only 43 — the rarer of the pair and among the most sought-after of all early Bristols. The 405 was the last of the four-door cars; all subsequent Bristols (except the V8-era 412/Beaufighter targa) would be two-door.
Body styles
- Four-door saloon
- Drophead coupe
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