1969 Bristol 410

The Bristol 401 is a five-seater saloon produced from 1967 to 1969.

The 410 was the last Bristol to employ the 5.2-litre Chrysler V-8 engine and although its alloy coachwork resembled the 409, it was more aerodynamic with the front wings virtually sculptured around the headlamps. The disc brakes were now on a dual circuit, with the 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 rear Armstrong ‘Selectaride’ rear dampers controlling torsion bar springs being retained, along with ZF power steering.

At the Bristol stand of the 1967 Earls Court Motor Show, the chief points of interest were the more refined front grille, the smaller wheels – 15 inches as opposed to 16 inches – and a central transmission selector lever in place of fascia-mounted push buttons. There was also a discreet increase in the amount of exterior bright work, the driver’s seat was adjustable for height and the overall impression was of a car of the utmost refinement, all for £5,673 1s 10d. The top speed was 130 mph and the 0-60 was 8.8 seconds.

Production of the 410 ceased in late 1969 in favour of the Bristol 411.

Power for the 410 was from the Chrysler 5,211cc V-8 OHV unit with 3-speed Torqueflite transmission.

In the words of John Bolster ‘The pleasure of using a craftsman-built car is so great that it is a different kind of motoring altogether’ – and the improved braking made the 410 even more of an inimitable experience.

In a similar fashion to the 409, the areas around the rear suspension and axle may require welding due to the ravages of corrosion although the engine and gearbox are known for their robustness.

As with any great car, the 410 feels as though it was made wholly for the driver’s comfort, pleasure and convenience. And, as many owners will tell you, it is still a practical form of transport providing you can afford the fuel bills.

Competitors to the Bristol 410 included the Aston Martin DB6 and DBS, the Bentley T1 2-door by Mulliner Park Ward or James Young, the Jensen Interceptor, the Iso Rivolta and the Maserati Mexico.