Bristol403

01

Origins

The 403 of 1953 refined Bristol's aerodynamic 401 shape — developed with wind-tunnel rigour unusual for any carmaker, natural for an aircraft firm — with a stronger 100 bhp version of the BMW-derived six, better brakes with an anti-roll bar taming the handling, and detail improvements by the hundred. It would reach the mid-nineties in near silence, cruising at speeds that flattered its modest displacement, and its slippery body was the visible argument for the company's methods. Around 300 were built in two years, each costing Bentley money and finding buyers who preferred understatement. The 403 closed the marque's purely BMW-derived first chapter; the 404's short chassis and eventually Chrysler V8 power lay ahead. Many Bristol connoisseurs regard this as the most complete of the six-cylinder cars.