1949 Bristol 402 Cabriolet
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.
611 401 Saloons made and only 23 402 Cabriolets
Engine was unchanged; 85hp 1971cc BMW 328 6 cyl, just an extra 5 hp through improved Solex carburettors
1949 Bristol 402 Cabriolet
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.
611 401 Saloons made and only 23 402 Cabriolets
Engine was unchanged; 85hp 1971cc BMW 328 6 cyl, just an extra 5 hp through improved Solex carburettors