First Series prototypes were
introduced to the Motoring Press in the Summer of 1946 First Production models were leaving the factory in volume late in 1946 - early 1947 Second Series was introduced in 1948. Production ceased in 1950. |
page revised 4th May 1998
[ 400 ]
[ 401 ]
[ 402 ]
[ 403 ]
[ 404 ]
[ Arnolt ]
[ 405 ]
[ 405 D ]
[ 406 ]
[ Misc ]
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Full size image is 61k jpg )
The prototype Type 400 saloon chassis number 1, was built in 1946. Note the
original tubular bumper bar style. It also has additional air vent flaps in
the bonnet lids which were not provided on the production models.
This model is built on a timber frame mounted upon a massive steel box section open 'A' frame chassis. Unlike all of the later factory built Bristols the body main hull is steel as are the Front and the Rear Wings, but the Door Skins, Bonnet, Boot lid are Aluminium, as is also the Spare Wheel Cover and Bumper Aprons on the second series model.
( Full size image
is 95k jpg )
Second series Type 400 saloon built in 1948. First series cars had
smaller headlamp units as can be seen from the picture of the
prototype above. This car has modern trafficators fitted below the
front Bumpers to improve upon the original semaphore or flipper type
units retained mounted behind the doors.
( Full size image
is 104k jpg )
Interior of the Type 400 saloon was nearly always Brown and Beige leather
and wool cloth, or all leather with a wool cloth headlining. Note the neo
'art deco' treatment to the trim. Sculpted door frames allow greater
shoulder/elbow room than the pre war BMW from which it was derived, and the
handy door pockets. The Button type attachments are not door pulls but Ash
Trays and are also fitted into both armrests of the rear seat. The door
windows on this Type are sliding not wind-down.
( Full size image
is 49k jpg )
Rear view of Type 400 saloon, (Second Series), showing the Aluminium
cover to the spare wheel mounted on top of the Boot lid. Export cars
often were fitted with top hung opening rear windows glazed in
Perspex. These were also available to specification on the home
market. The example pictured has a flush glazed fixed rear window.
Rear lamp lens glasses were originally sandblasted internally to
present a white light because the composite lamps also house the
reversing lights, which operate only when the sidelights are in
operation. On this car the lenses have been changed to red, to improve
effectiveness in modern traffic, along with discreet flashing
trafficator lamps mounted below the Bumper to supplement the semaphore
or flipper type units mounted behind the doors. On the original lamps,
in order to display a red side/stop light, the side/stop bulbs
themselves were fitted with a rather ineffective red coloured glass
cover.
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