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1954 Bristol 403 Coupe

After World War II, the Bristol Aircraft Company made the decision to diversify its business. They acquired a license from Frazer Nash to build cars based on the pre-war BMW models.

The first car was released in 1947, the Bristol 400 2 door Saloon. The aerodynamic shape was designed in a wind tunnel. The aluminium body sat on a BMW 326 frame. It had a very BMW-like grille at the front of its long bonnet.

The 1948 401 saloon and 402 cabriolet were the successors to the 400, now more spacious, a full five-seater. The headlights were moved into the centre of the body on either side of the narrow grille, the door handles now not exposed, a button was pressed in a groove to open the door. These changes made the car even more aerodynamic.

This car, the 403, built from 1953-55 retained the same styling, but featured many mechanical improvements including an extra 15hp

Engine; 100hp 1971cc BMW 328 6 cyl

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Uploaded on April 18, 2016
Taken on April 10, 2016