Model
402 DHC
Make
Bristol
Body
Roadster
Year
1949
Colour
Black
Condition
Restored Condition
Description
This 402 Bristol was ordered from Claridges in Adelaide in 1949 by Sir Tom Barr Smith after the London Motor Show. After touring the continent it was shipped to Australia in 1950. It changed hands five or so times and returned to the family about twelve years ago and restored to its original black coach work with tan upholstery. It is one of a pair owned by Sir Tom and his brother Robert. There were a total of 21 built, this being the 19th. Known in period as the “Hollywood Express” because another pair were bought by stars Stewart Grainger and his wife Jean Symons. Almost all of the 21 survived but Grainger’s car was taken to Hollywood and is lost. Bristol cars were built to aircraft standards by the Bristol Aeroplane Company after the war in an attempt to give employment to the thousands of loyal staff who’d built aircraft to fight to save Britain. The engine and some of the design of the car were awarded to the BAC as reparations for services to war efforts from BMW.