1954 Bristol 403

The Bristol 403 was a refinement of the 401 model, with the 2-Litre I-6 engine gaining extra power – 100bhp as opposed to 85bhp - a front anti-roll bar, and finned brake drums. The steering remained by rack and pinion, and the suspension was upper wishbones with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs at the front and a live axle with longitudinal torsion bars at the rear. The Superleggera coupe body consisted of alloy panels surrounding a tubular steel framework with a chrome radiator grille denoting the new model.

Bristol began production of the 403 in 1953 and, as compared with the 401, the engine had larger main bearings and valves, and a remote control lever for the 4-speed transmission. The 403’s top speed was 104mph. The specification included an elaborate heating system and multi-adjustable seats. The price was £2,976 2s 6d, and some later models were fitted with a power plant with an 8.5:1 compression ratio.

Bristol made 300 403s before it was replaced by the 404 and 405 in 1955.

The 403’s engine was the Bristol 1,971cc ‘100’ unit with triple Solex 32 B1 carburettors. The transmission was a 4-speed manual box with synchromesh on the top three ratios and a freewheel on first gear.

The 403 is a substantial car at nearly 16 feet in length, but not one line appears out of place. Many owners find that it performs and handles in the fashion of a car made in the mid-1960s rather than the early 1950s.

The freewheel can fail under fierce acceleration, and the fuel tank can be prone to corrosion. Check also the sills, as rust does occur when steel and aluminium meet, and the extension legs behind the rear wheels.

‘To gaze on this Bristol from behind is to contemplate a work of infinite abstract, aesthetic and sensual pleasure’ wrote the art critic, Brian Sewell. And this is a work of automotive art that will convey four occupants at 80 mph in refined good taste.

The alternative to the Bristol 403 included the Bentley R-Type Continental, the Lagonda 2.6 Litre drophead and the Jensen 541.