HFG 555 now offered for sale present in the handsome patinated deep black finish, complemented by the beautifully aged beige/brown leather interior. Powered by an un-original Bristol BS1/MKII engine which has recently been fully rebuilt, however, the matching numbers Bristol 85A is present. As a 1949 model, this example benefits from the opening rear window and boot-mounted spare, making it one of the most desirable and practical of all 400 variants.

Originally dispatched to Mr David Scott-Moncrieff of Fife, cousin of the well-known “purveyor of horseless carriages to the gentry,” Bunty Scott-Moncrieff. The car was supplied via Bristol distributors Galt’s of Glasgow, a copy of the original quotation paperwork present in the history file.

Later, HFG 555 passed to George Strathdee of Aberdeen (known as Lord Strathdee), who kept the Bristol alongside his remarkable collection of 14 vintage Bentleys. After his death in 1996, the car was handled by a dealer before being acquired by marque specialist Jonathan Bradburn, whose family has long ties with Bristol, Frazer Nash, and AC Cars.

On acquisition, the original 85A engine showed poor oil pressure. Bradburn fitted a Bristol BS1 MkII engine (ex-Arnolt Bristol Roadster) prepared in the 1960s for a BMW 328 but never installed. Featuring triple Solex carburettors, a sports camshaft, and anti-surge sump baffles, the unit produces an impressive 130bhp. At the same time, a reconditioned Borg Warner CR5 gearbox was installed. Importantly, the car’s original matching-numbers 85A engine and 400 gearbox remain with the car (in component form, requiring rebuild) and can be included by negotiation.

By 2003, mileage stood at just 56,000 from new, that year Bristol enthusiast John Tasker became the fourth owner. Tasker, an ex-RAF aircraft engineer and Bristol Britannia crew chief, held a lifelong passion for Bristol cars and aircraft. In 2018, he commissioned Bristol engine specialist Lee Keller to completely rebuild the BS MkII engine to fast-road specification. Tasker assisted personally during the build, resulting in a superbly engineered unit that has covered only 1,500 miles since. At the same time, the car was fully re-wired and upgraded with front disc brakes.

For the last 21 years, HFG 555 has been stored in a ventilated car-coon. Following John Tasker’s passing in 2023, the vehicle is now offered for sale and presents a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for an exceptional example of the Bristol 400.

Supplied with:

• Original handbooks
• Large history file
• Matching-numbers 85A engine and gearbox (separate negotiation)

Price: £64,950

Viewing by appointment at:
TI Developments SW
Unit 11, Washington Road
West Wilts Trading Estate
Westbury, BA13 4JP

Contact:
George Keller
01373 300 255
sales@tidevelopments.co.uk