The 404 & 405 stand out from the rest of their brethren. The 404 was short, sharp and pretty. The 405, to many a cumbersome looking saloon, was Bristol’s attempt to break into the 4-door market. The Drop Head – or the 504D, as it’s officially called – was their second, more successful attempt at an open car. Built to order, they were bodied by E.D. Abbot of Farnham (it’s said the Bristol factory built the body to the windscreen, and then sent a driver off, sitting on a make shift seat on a bare chassis, for it to be finished in Farnham!).
Chassis 405/4534 is finished in a light metallic blue (painted by the factory in 2011) with contrasting red leather. It has been serviced and maintained by Bristol Cars for both the current and previous owner. The paint is sharp, the trim excellent, and it drives very well indeed. Is there a more glorious open four seat touring car to enjoy a continental trip next summer?
