Estimated Price: £40,000 - £50,000
The Bristol 411 was built by Bristol Cars from 1969 to 1976 and is now considered by marque aficionados to be the best of the V8-powered 400 Series cars, retaining the elegant good looks of the earlier cars and preceding the opinion-dividing angularity of the later 6-series. The 411 was the fifth series of Chrysler-V8 engined Bristols, however, the old A-type engine was now replaced by the much larger, big-block B-series engine of 6,277cc - as compared to the 5,211cc in the Bristol 410. Suitably allied to Torqueflite automatic transmission, this new power unit gave the 411 an estimated 30% more power than had been available in the 410, resulting in a 0-60mph of seven seconds and a top speed of 143mph. To cope with this extra power, all-round disc brakes and a limited slip differential were fitted, and independent coil-and-wishbone front and torsion bar rear suspension kept everything civilised.
During its seven years in production, the 411 was constantly being developed and updated. The 1971 Series 2 added self-levelling suspension and a metric odometer whilst the Series 3 from a year later had a lower compression ratio and completely revised styling. This edition was the first Bristol to possess the four-headlamp layout that had been tried on the 401 and 402 but on the 411-Series 3 was a spectacular success.
The superb example on offer here was originally bought from the legendarily eccentric Kensington Bristol dealer, Anthony Crook, and first registered on 24 July 1973. Many years later, in 2020, it was purchased by our vendor and the decision soon followed to commence a full restoration. CBR Motorbodies of Cheslyn Hay were tasked with the bodywork and fully stripped the car, repairing corrosion to the rear quarter, front wings, front door skins and windscreen surrounds. Some time later they were responsible for finishing the car to the very high standard you can see here in a stunning Dark Metallic Blue, a shade borrowed from Aston Martin's paint cupboard.
PJ Autos of Stone carried out the mechanical work. In 2021, the rear axle was stripped, vapour blasted, cleaned and repainted, and the self levelling units were refurbished with a new CV boot kit. The propshaft rear joint was renewed, along with a new aluminium fuel tank and a pair of rear brake discs.
The 2023 programme was more extensive. The engine was stripped, repainted in Chrysler blue and reassembled with a new intake set, and the engine bay was rewired with a new loom, relays and solenoid. The brake system was rebuilt with new brake pipes, two master cylinders and servos, AP brakes with new calipers and braided hoses. The fuel pump was repositioned with new pipes and filters, and an aluminium radiator was installed with twin Spal electric fans and a Revotec control unit. The ignition now has an electronic module and Pertronix coil. New headlamps and bowls were fitted, the exhaust was cleaned, polished and refitted, and the front anti-roll bar was refitted with its Jensen drop-links lengthened and re-angled. Series 4 alloy wheels were sourced, stripped, powder coated and lacquered and fitted with new Blockley tyres, including the spare. The cooling, power steering and transmission fluids were renewed throughout.
The interior of any Bristol showcases traditional British craftsmanship, tailored using materials and assembly methods heavily influenced by the Bristol Aeroplane Company’s heritage. The cabin was configured strictly as a luxurious four-seater, eschewing contemporary plastic components in favour of premium leather, real timber, and wool and this car is no exception offering acres of mushroom leather piped in tartan cord, Royal Blue carpets, figured walnut dashboard and door cappings and door cards accented with the family tartan. There can be few better places to be as that big V8 wafts four adults in enviable comfort through the countryside.
More recently, between October 2024 and May 2025, Classic Bristol Car Parts supplied a heater unit and knob, door and door top seals, pedal rubber, a silicone fresh air hose, a lockable fuel cap and door pin switches with these invoices alone totalling £8,167.
Offered with a substantial file of invoices, together with old MOT certificates. Bristols in this condition are seldom seen. Displaying just 617 miles since it’ restoration, this is an incredible opportunity to acquire a classic British heavyweight with real presence.
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