AS FOUND

In 1995, word came to me as North American registrar that a sad Bristol 408 was languishing in the rear of an auto restoration shop in Pound Ridge NY. As I lived just south across the line, in Greenwich CT, it was a surprise to learn of a previously unknown Bristol so close to home. We had documented about 50 Bristols in America. 

​

When I arrived (driving a Bristol 409) the proprietor directed me to the back where, to my surprise I found not a 408, but a Bristol 411-Series 1, generally considered one of the most beautiful and nicest driving Bristols. My first question was to wonder how it made it through US Customs because it was, at the time of arrival, less than 25 years old. That was the first question Bristol Cars owner, Tony Crook put to me when I arrived the next February on a 411 parts shopping trip to England. Turns out an expat American got it through as a concession.

​

While I was there as registrar to take photos and document it, the proprietor said he would sell it for the storage charges. In classic cars, this is known as the entry fee. I bought it.

​

As the photos show, it was in sad shape. The chassis was rusted, with underbody cover panels corroded through. The interior would need a complete refurbishment, the body a complete strip down and no doubt corrosion repair as well as the usual discovery of bad repairs. But it was a 411, a rare and wonderful car; it must be brought back to life, not sent to the crusher when it would become too far gone to save. I delivered to the shop working on my 405DH.

​

The ex-owner was an American who purchased it from Frank Dale and Stepsons in London. He brought it with him when he returned to New York, and took it in for repairs to the Pound Ridge shop. Unfortunately, his life turned upside down with a difficult divorce, and he signed over ownership to the shop in lieu of paying the accrued storage charges. I was able to track him down and he signed release papers to ensure the title to the car was unquestioned.