An undervalued brand - Bristol
12/07/2016
The British car brand Bristol stands for innovations in aerodynamics and luxurious, sporty transportation. Shortly after the war, the aviation company began building carsand naturally applied the experience gained in aircraft construction to car manufacturing. Thanks to advanced aerodynamics, the early Bristol cars were faster than average despite their slender engine (from the BMW heritage). Huge numbers were never built, the brand remained exclusive and the vehicles were expensive. It was even successful in motor racing. In 1954 and 1955, the Type 450 achieved two triple class victories and excellent overall placings. The brand has survived to this day, but since 2009 vehicle production has been pushed into the background and the focus has been on restoration. However, a sports car called the "Bullet" was presented again this year (2016).
So the brand actually has everything it needs to be mentioned in the same breath as the world's major sports car brands - Aston Martin, Maserati, Ferrari, Porsche. And you would think that the few vehicles still in existence would be worth large sums of money.
But far from it.
Bristol vehicles are regularly sold at auction for modest sums, such as a 1953 Model 403 that recently fetched EUR 66,842 or CHF 71,862 at Bonhams . An early 400 Sports Saloon from 1948, which found a new owner at the Goodwood Members Meeting for EUR 70,901 or CHF 77,416, fared little better. Only the early Pinin Farina Cabriolet Type 400 from 1947 was somewhat out of the ordinary when it was valued at the RM/Sotheby's auction in Monaco for EUR 224,000 or CHF 246,400.
All in all, the Bristol models are traded at low prices, similar to Maserati cars just a few years ago. Perhaps it is simply a matter of time before the (mostly right-hand drive) Bristol models are discovered by collectors?
The next opportunity is already available today (December 7, 2016), as H&H is auctioning off a 1952 Bristol 401( with the BMW-derived straight-six engine, pictured above) and a 1962 Bristol 407( with Chrysler engine) from 14:30 local time. Both are valued at five figures and are certainly worth a second look, as are other vehicles in the auction.
