1965 Bristol 409

The Bristol 409 is a five-seater saloon made from 1965 to 1968.

Bristol refined the 408 Mk.2’s essential formula with the 409 saloon - a 5.2-litre OHV V-8 engine, cam-and-roller steering. The steel-framed alloy body looked very similar to its predecessor but the radiator grille was enlarged. The suspension was independent coil springs and wishbones with Armstrong dampers and an anti-roll bar at the front with a rear live axle with a Watt’s linkage and Armstrong ‘Selectaride’ rear dampers controlling torsion bar springs.

October 1965 saw the debut of the 409 and its main points of interest were an alternator in place of a dynamo, brakes from Girling instead of Dunlop, a new rear axle ratio that helped to improve performance, softer springs for an enhanced ride and that the automatic transmission was in a lighter weight alloy housing. For the first time in a Bristol, there was optional ZF power steering. The Bristol 409’s top speed was 132 mph with 0-60mph coming in 8.8 seconds and the price was £4,849 7s 11d.

In June 1967, Bristol modified the 409 to form the ‘Series 2’ with a lighter engine and PAS now standard; those few motorists who could afford £5,238 for a new Bristol deemed their money to be extremely well spent. 409 production ceased in 1968 in favour of the 410, which had been introduced in the previous year. The 409 was powered by a 5,211cc V-8 unit, sourced from Chrysler of Canada, with 3-speed Torqueflite transmission.

The great L J K Setright wrote of the 409 that ‘everything happens with a complete absence of drama’. Aficionados of the model note that the weight distribution is better than on the 408 and that the power steering does enhance its appeal as a ‘gentleman’s tourer’.

Issues facing the 409 owner include leaks from the rear main oil seal and rust so check anywhere that steel and alloy meet plus the chassis outriggers, wheel arches and rear suspension mounting points. The front compartments for the battery and spare wheel are also extremely prone to corrosion. As with all Bristols, funds for the refurbishment of a tired body or interior would have to be extensive, even down to replacing the decorative chrome strips.

The Bristol 409 is understated but never self-effacing; its appeal is not for those who wish to make a grand entrance but to collectors and motorists who appreciate innate quality.

The rivals for the Bristol 409 included the Aston Martin DB5 and DB6, the Bentley T1 2-door saloon, the Gordon-Keeble, the Jensen CV8 and Interceptor, the Iso Rivolta and the Maserati Mexico.