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Topic starter
02/10/2026 9:21 pm
1954 Bristol 404 Sports Coupé
From Amazing Classic Cars
Earlier Bristols wore a two-piece grille borrowed from prewar BMW, a reminder that the company's first cars were built on BMW designs. For the 404, Bristol replaced it with a single air intake modeled on that of the Brabazon, the giant airliner the Bristol Aeroplane Company had flown in 1949.
The body was aluminum over an ash frame on a short 96-inch wheelbase. The hood hinged forward, and lockers in the front fenders held the spare wheel on one side and the battery on the other.
Power came from the BMW 328-derived 2.0-liter six, with inclined valves worked by cross pushrods. It made 105 or 125 hp depending on specification, and a scoop in the hood cleared its triple Solex carburetors. The four-speed gearbox kept a freewheel on first gear.
Period buyers called it the “Businessman's Express.” At £3,542 in Britain, it cost about twice as much as a Jaguar XK120, and only 52 were built between 1953 and 1955.
John Bono
North Jersey
02/10/2026 10:48 pm
Wow, 2X as $ Jag XK120 !! No wonder that the production number is so low.
03/10/2026 5:42 am
I've always liked the Bristol. The 404 Coupe is just plain cool. Great choice John; different, interesting and styled unlike almost anything else you're likely to see on your street.
David Green and John Bono reacted
Topic starter
03/10/2026 8:39 pm
Thanks, Tony; it's different.I've always liked the Bristol. The 404 Coupe is just plain cool. Great choice John; different, interesting and styled unlike almost anything else you're likely to see on your street.
John Bono
North Jersey
Tony Perrone and michaeldetorrice reacted
03/10/2026 9:17 pm
The other Bristol from that time. The enormous Brabazon airliner from back then.
03/10/2026 11:59 pm
@michaeldetorrice what a great contribution to the post Mike. I remember that plane from childhood days.
Couldn't find a video of the car in motion but here is one showing quality closeups.
I have this outstanding Matrix 1/43 of an earlier 1948 400 DHC by Pininfarina. Love British sports saloons from the period. Another great choice John, thanks.
04/10/2026 6:26 am
What superb looking Bristol automobiles ! They look like a lot of fun to drive or have a model replica of to look at.
At various times both Ford and General Motors built aircraft but nothing like the huge 230 foot wingspan Brabazon !