Bristol 405 History

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.