This was the first production Bristol with the Chrysler V-8
engine.
This Type was introduced in 1961.
Production ceased in
1963.
page revised 10th June 1998
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As can be seen there is little difference to the untrained eye between
the 406 and the 407 and it is not a matter of the difference of the
push button controls for the new Torqueflite automatic gearbox. In fact
almost all panels are resized but in such a subtle manner that the car looks
unchanged. Look carefully however through the larger grille, it has a
different cast badge and a horizontal trim, and behind that you might just
see the twin electric fans installed to assist cooling of the new 5.2 litre
Chrysler V-8 engine.
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From the rear of the car the two exhaust pipes are a giveaway that
under the bonnet lurks not the 2.2 litre straight 6 cylinder engine
but a 5.2 litre Canadian Chrysler V-8. Overall the car is fractionally
larger but the lines so similar to those of the type 406
cleverly disguise the fact. The number plate is flush fitting not
recessed into the back panel as on the 406.
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It was subsequently transported to the UK where it was again displayed, this
time on the Bristol stand at the Earls Court Motor Show ca.1961.
Peter
Sellars a Comedian and Actor then purchased the car and used it, as he did
with many of his cars, for a space of time, before it was returned to
Bristol Cars Ltd.. Strangely one of Peter's future wives, Britt Eklund was
pictured posing with the car at the show. Peter had however returned it
before they were associated. Just one of those strange coincidences. It was
retained by the Company for some time.
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During this period it was progressively upgraded from Type 407
mechanical specification to that of the Type 410 with newer Suspension,
Brakes and Power plant and Automatic Transmission to suit. Eventually it
was sold and is now in private hands.
It is unusual because quite apart from its appearance at Two Motor shows, the design itself, the mechanical modifications, even its previous ownership, because the Body is in Steel. Whereas the Type 407 like all Bristol factory built Types post Type 400, were clad in Aluminium alloy. Its clean and uncluttered style may well have had an influence on the development of the future Bristol body shapes.
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At the same time as Viotti was executing his design ideas a second Type 407
driven chassis had been dispatch to Zagato. Their interpretation was more
flowing and very similar to the Aston Martin body shape, having fared in
headlamps and a rounded tail treatment.
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Perhaps because of this very similarity the design was not adopted by the
Company. It was first displayed on the Company Stand at the 1961 Earls Court
Motor Show. It is now in private ownership in the USA. Sadly no recent
picture is available to the club of this car.
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