Big thank you to Jonny and Matty, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day despite being a bag of nerves being on camera. My aunt was so happy seeing the car out in the open after such a long time hidden away. They may only have had it on the road for a short time but she has many fond memories. Current status, with the help of the BOC we’re still trying to get the 403 reregistered with the DVLA. I have managed to strip the engine, rods and pistons were clearly scrap before I even started. The crank came out surprisingly easily. I have since taken the crank and block to INRacing, outcome is the that crank has a lot of scoring in the journals and the block has previously had a crack repaired, combined with the amount the amount of rust (top face is pitted) neither are viable for reuse (“it’s had a bloody hard life before it was even removed” was the takeaway comment). Remanufactured crank and block alone is getting close to £20k so the likely outcome will be an engine swap, either a BMW straight 6 or possible a v8 in keeping with later Bristols. The body itself looks nice and solid, just a couple of localised areas that need attention and they’re steel so shouldn’t be too problematic.
@@ichiban8558 Slightly subjective, Shmee has some good content but he is hard to stomach at times, I much rather watch this, Mat Armstrong and others over Shmee.
Hiding for 52 years, gets to finally come out in the sun for Jonny to give it a wash.....and it's simply gorgeous. Would love to see a follow up someday when it runs again.
Jonny. Seeing the notification for a new L.B.S. gives me the same giddy feeling that Duckula did 35 years ago. Perhaps a find dusty and neglected in the barn of my mind? Deep.
Any time I see one of these special cars being dragged out of a barn or a hedge after years (decades) of neglect and being allowed to fall into such disrepair I tell myself no more barn finds for me. Then Johnny appears with all his enthusiasm and his famous note book and I'm hooked again. You give hope to the hopeless and the promise of a new life for these poor things. Thank you for that
Hi Jonny. Back in the '60's we had a pub and one of our regulars had the exact car in red ,so l recognieed it immediately . I do remember he part exchanged for a new Elan +2 in 1967 . Bristol wasted time and money converting all the engine metric fittings to imperial . Jonny those engines are worth a small fortune and if you think about it may be looking terible but a good vapour blast and careful dismantaling will ressusitate it
As a teenager, back in the sixties, I always drooled over the Bristols. I used to love the aerodynamics, the "Businessman's Express", I think they were often referred as. This and the Jaguar XKSS were amongst the most beautiful cars ever made, back in the day. the Bristol front end is definitely a shout out to Fraser Nash/BMW 328, another favourite of mine. Love the Barn finds and your channels over the years Jonny.
During the Second World War my father was an aero engineer who started out working on Bristol Beaufighters & Blenheim’s, after the war he worked for the Bristol Aeroplane Company which carried out early development work for supersonic flight. He loved Bristol cars but sadly never managed to own one - great vid 👍
That log book is a VE 60 (standing for "Vehicle Excise") or green log book. These were not introduced until the mid-1960s, and stayed current until the DVLA central records were set up in 1976-1977. The original in 1954 would have been an RF 60 (standing for "Road Fund") or buff coloured log book. These were stamped every time that the car was taxed, so they did get filled up over a period of so many years, and a continuation log book would then have been issued. This is most likely what happened with this Bristol. Unfortunately any details of the previous owners from the RF 60 were not always transferred onto the VE 60, only the then current keeper, so the Bristol may have had other un-recorded owners prior to the issue of the VE 60. The DVLA will usually accept the VE 60 as proof of the original registration mark, so I expect that the owner will have no problems retaining it on this fine car. It will be on a "Non-transferrable " basis, but all to the good, as it will protect the car's identity from being robbed at any time in the future.
I've heard of Bristol cars but have never seen pictures. The styling of the body is truly stunning. All curves, yet still has a masculinity to it. Aspects of art-deco but still looks racecar-fast. Today's designers could learn from it.
I look forward to seeing future episodes of this restoration on TLBS. The dash restoration alone would be worth its own episode! Love to see a later 'Analog' BMW straight six and box installed in this rare beauty. It has such beautiful lines, especially considering the contemporary design ethos of the time at which it was built!
As an ageing car nut who has seen the birth of many new cars from the late 40's. I still think that this is one of the best looking cars ever produced. Some have come close but no one has ever betterred it.
An absolutely perfect example of an automobile worthy of preservation! I wish Pete's nephew all the best in his endeavour to get this back on the road.❤
This is a just superb edition. My wife and I are enjoying it immensely. Her father loved cars of this era, and would get almost tearful recalling the Sterling Moss / Fangio battles on the racetrack. He didn’t run to Bristol car money, but a series of MGBs. When I first met my future wife, she & her father both owned MG Midgets, his a British Racing Green, hers a light blue. I think his was a 1975 & hers a 1978 (T reg). I had just a Suzuki GT380B. I didn’t learn to drive until later. William (RIP) kept a scrapbook - remember those? - of clippings from newspapers and magazines of the late 1950s right up to the date (1982). Cars had been his love. He’d have found this one compelling. Thank you, the Late Brake Show! Please keep us apprised of whatever happens to this special car!
Seeing these old timers be preserved in garages and barns really makes you miss what wonderful engineering used to go on in the UK. Would love to see someone take one of these old Bristol's and do something crazy with it, like a rotary swap or maybe a 2UR swap. What a wonderful looking piece of automotive history!
Have a really soft spot for Bristols. As a teenager in the 60s I had an early 50s Ford Prefect to thrash round the fields at our farm. Friends had a variety of similar wrecks but someone I knew further up in the Lakes had a previously damaged but running Bristol 403, dark green. Because it was essentially a pretty fast car it got rolled, totally wrecked, but such a beautiful car. It then sat on the side of a minor road for years before finally being scrapped. Had the chance to buy one in a similar state to this one on auction, but in California and I’m in Canada so not a practical proposition. I am seriously envious!!!! The best of luck with your restoration.
Jonny what a great barn find episode, i never new Bristol made cars back then, my knowledge was limited to the 70's from an elderly uncle of mine who was in England during the 50's with the Canadian Army at the time, very cool to see another company using their aeronotical knowledge to build cars, the shape is so unique/cool at the same time and broaching the frame for lite weight, my guess is the bottom end, the block could possibly be saved subject to a hot tanking and examination, the rest of the internals maybe BMW regular parts of the 50/60's allot of their engines were carried over in to the next decade, i hope he has a good chance to get it back on the road and maybe a follow up episode from you for us all to see , I think it would be awesome 👍
Imagine Johnny Smith and Ed China getting together to form a barn find dream team. Both great, down to earth characters, and Ed's mechanical skills would allow them to tackle a bit more in depth resuscitations.
Love this. We had a Bristol 404 and 405 back in the day, and also lived in Leicester. I remember Dad having to fit similar style "Add-on" indicator lights in order to get an MOT ! At the time my mum was regalia secretary for BOC and may have issued the new badge ! The engine is probably very saveable as these are often robbed for use in Bristol powered race cars... Dont give the old engine away ! Good luck with the car
Fantastic find,always a pleasure to watch. Would be lovely to see a follow up on some of these someday (the ones that eventually got back on the road). Great stuff!
In good condition, the Bristol 403 is worth over £50k! Such beautiful design and definitely a worthy contender for restoration. I can't remember the last time I saw one at a vintage car show.
As soon as you said the car was distantly related to the E30, I knew it had to be a Bristol. What a great looking car. Sort of reminiscent of the BMW 502, but way more aerodynamic.
That's a lot of polishing cleaning, but putting it back together but it would be amazing. To see it run with as many parts from the garage as possible!
As soon as I caught a glimpse of the windscreen, I thought is that a Bristol?! What a rare car and despite being in pieces, is in such great condition. I hope they manage to get the engine rebuilt and the rest of the car restored. Such a fantastic piece of motoring history. 👏🏼
Never did see a Bristol 403 in the flesh. I can say that the AC Ace Bristol I heard at Riverside International Raceway in 1972 was one of the best sounding small bore race cars I've ever heard. This in an event where there were two Alfa TZs.
When I was in my late teens I’m the early 90s, and older friend of mine had a 403. Super cool thing, loved it. He also had a Healey 100/4 and old A40s and A70. All original, lots of patina. Wonderful.
I spotted one of these on the M40 in blue about 5 years ago (just as you pass that cut in the Chiltern hills after High Wycombe) and on FB asked if any of my friends could identify it as a test. One guy got it spot on first go. Turned out it was his Dad's. He had owned it many years and still in fine fettle.
Used to deliver to them when I worked for City Link, the factory was tiny, and the workforce looked like the "Tetley tea men" all shuffling around in their brown warehouse coats, Had to go to the secretary for a signature for the delivery, She was in the year below me in Patchway High School, - she was the sexiest little thing I'd ever seen, but I was too shy to ask her out. Then CB radio arrived - her handle was Strawberry Shortcake, - I was Shogun ! - Sounded like a warrior, but still didn't have the balls to ask her out. So back to the delivery in 2002, she had matured wonderfully, mid to late 30's, amazing curves, gorgeous face, thick black curly hair, -and a wedding ring, and so did I ! - ah, such is life.
Great episode Jonny of an exceedlingly rare car with perfect low owner and mileage provenance .It would be extremely worthwhile if the original engine can be saved despite the challenge of the bottom end , I have seen and been involved with many in similar condtion and it is surprising what can be saved.I wish David the best of luck with which will be a considerable but such a worthwhile challenge .
Bristol used offer boring out the motor to 2300 cc, high compression pistons, gas flowed head and bigger valves to produce well over 125 HP. There was also the fabled six port head as used on Copper Bristol racing cars - that would boost the horsepower to near 200. I even saw a 403 for sale in Sports Car And Classic with a M series BMW motor and gearbox fitted which would have literally made a Bristol flying machine!
Absolutely brilliant!!!! You are simply a master of your craft sir. The conversation/history within each episode is just phenomenal! No matter the vehicle, you draw the viewer in as if we were standing right next to you @ the location. I could go on and on truly. All of your hard work is greatly appreciated and i wish you nothing but success moving forward!
Hi Fiona, thank you for the message. I know it's incredibly unlikely, but would your father have held onto any kind of records for the cars he sold? Would be great if we could add some more history to the car. Cheers, Dave
Top tip with leather thats not been used a long time. Once its cleaned cover it in hide food or neetsfoot oil. It will be dried out and if you start using it without softening it will crack and age 50 years in a few months. I learned this all the hard way ! Get it nice and soft before sitting on it and it will be fine. It all looked good for its age in the video
My uncle in Melbourne, Australia, owned one of these in the mid-sixties. I remember my sister and I sat in the back while Dad and Uncle in the front flogged it along the backroads north of Melbourne at 'terrifying' speeds! When Mum found out, she and Dad had 'words'! I have no idea what happened to that Bristol.
I am sure this car will be restored. Bristol cars history is linked with AFN, now owned by Porsche. It was originally Frazer Nash, run by Archie Frazer Nash. His company went bankrupt and was taken over by the Aldington family, hence the name AFN. They imported BMW cars prior to WW2. Post war they owned the rights to the old BMW 328 engine, which they licensed to Bristol cars. A very similar engine was fitted to the AC Ace, Aceca and Greyhound, purchased from Bristol cars. Plus a few racing cars, including Cooper and Lotus. Tony Crook did indeed own Bristol cars, a very interesting character!
I was at a engine builder. He had engine parts soaking in a solution that only attacked rust. They were looking great. I would look into soaking that engine as a whole. Then inspect it after. You have to at least try to save original if possible. Personally I would contact Jay Leno to see if he has interest. For proper saving of the rare car.
Could've been EvapOrust , great stuff , use it myself. Would be worth just dumping the engine in a 45 gallon drum of diesel. The engine can certainly be saved.
A few months back I saw a Bristol 405 by Pimlico tube station. Painted the same colour as this one. It was raining and when the traffic lights went green the fella driving moved off, but as he was about to pass through them they suddenly went red. The driver slammed on the anchors and locked the breaks. Left some 11's on the ground. Might have been scary for him, but was a sight for me to witness.
Knew Brian May quite well personally, he was an amazing character. I don't want to sound pessimistic but people who bought Bristols in the 1950s really drove their cars a lot. Given that uncle Peter put 7000 miles on it in less than a year, there's a very good chance that the first owner did 6000 miles a year which over nearly 20 years would end up at the 119,000 miles when Peter bought it. That's backed up by the fact that it sounds like it needed a repaint at which point the owner decided on a colour change and the interior looked well worn for 26000 miles, plus uncle Peter obviously also felt the engine needed to be stripped for an overhaul...... Still nobody will ever know for sure so the owner can fortunately believe whatever he chooses. I really hope he gets that back on the road to be enjoyed......
That’s an interesting point, I don’t remember whether it’s only a 6 digit milometer. But after stripping the block and taking it to a specialist they advised there was a heck of a lot of wear on the crank and a previous crack repair on the block. It certainly wasn’t an expensive car when he bought it.
Such a great show Jonny, I love these barn finds. I hope someone restores this one, it needs to shine once again, such a glorious looking car 🚗 Hi from Australia 🇦🇺
what a gorgeous car! And what a nice bloke! Loved this episode... Not that it differs from other episodes, hasn't happened yet I didn't like one I think; but this car, man, what a beauty! A true celebration of 50s/60s Jetsons futuristic thinking and I wish it would still be in production. Wouldn't it be great if you and your brother would restore this beauty?! Well worth it! Only just hit the mark where he told you he would love to restore it himself. Please ask him if you can film and participate in the restoration! (Like you have nothing better to do, I know... ;-) But you have such great rapport with them, I think we would all love to see follow ups! Maybe give _the smallest cog_ a run for their money and start another restoration shop?! Oh and a good detailing moment with this car, THANK YOU!! Love that so much, some TLC for this gift from yesteryear... and nice merch!!
The late break show is by far one of if not the best shows I've personally ever watched and enjoyed and quite possibly the best channel on RUclips thank you jonny Smith and everyone involved with the late break show 👍🏼❤️🔥
alright we see the videographer using the blossoming pink Rhododendron as a cute cinematic background feature at the start! Great work and I always love chilling with a coffee watching these barn find video!
That would looks great as a resto mod , with a modern bmw engine in , please Jonny try do a revisit series ! As I’d love to know what happened to some of these barn finds !
Speaking of 'resto mod', I would restore the interior and send it off to David of Electric Classic Cars for an engine and drivetrain. Why not join a classic aerodynamic Bristol body and interior with modern low emissions technology?
@@jamesellsworth9673 yes as an EV driver myself it would future proof it ! What a perfect candidate a car with no engine ! I even think what’s left of the engine might be worth a fortune even though you couldn’t make a full engine that bottom end is toast
What a magnificent car and fantastic story.. please please please Jonny revisit this car in the future when its back on the road.. would love to see it again.
Great to see another 403. That engine is the crown jewel of that car and whomever took it out ruined the project. Ian Nutthill/INRacing can likely sort it out, but the costs involved far exceed the value the car. Would be great to bring back to life.
It’s been to INRacing since filming. Their assessment other than the block and crank being beyond saving is that the engine had had a very hard life despite such low mileage. There’s a huge crack repair on the block and lots of scoring in the crank journals, maybe explains why it was removed.
I always look forward to new episodes of the Late Brake Show, especially the barn find episodes. Would so love to see a crossover joint episode between you and Tom Cotter from Hagerty's 'Barn Find Hunters'
I've watched your one and wow, some stunning Bristol's in it. Your video came to mind yesterday when watching another RUclips barn find, which had ACs in it and for some reason I thought yours was on ACs and nearly posted a link to it, but then it dawned on me that I'm a fool,.as I'd got it wrong.
I played the guessing game using Jonny’s introductory clues and was thinking “Bristol?”, only at 1’40” so waiting to be wrong! Blimey, so I guessed right, I was born, car mad, in 1949 and knew all about Bristol by the time I was 8, still got my Dinky Toy of the racing Bristol of the era in the die cast collection. Mentioning Tatra’s magnificent rear engined streamliners, Ferdinand Porsche took inspiration from some of their designs though he didn’t use air-cooled V8s in the back of any of his designs.
As soon as you said 'distant relation' I thought Bristol. I know of a fully restored one and the story about the inline 6 BMW engine they put in it. I was told that when new they cost the same as 3 semi-detatched 3-bed houses!
What a beautiful machine that is. If it is at all possible the original engine needs to go back in there, I wish I had the skills to do it but I don’t, but there are some very clever people out there and maybe someone could bring that old engine back from the dead.
I would look further a-field for a 3rd or 4th opinion. Crankshaft could be remade of course, but the block could be acid dip cleaned, any cracks can be rectified and of course it could always be resleeved. Maintaining the original engine number must be key here. Depends how much the guys budget is but I would suggest sending some photos of it to the Mönchengladbach branch of Capricorn Automotive Engineering.
Big thank you to Jonny and Matty, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day despite being a bag of nerves being on camera.
My aunt was so happy seeing the car out in the open after such a long time hidden away. They may only have had it on the road for a short time but she has many fond memories.
Current status, with the help of the BOC we’re still trying to get the 403 reregistered with the DVLA.
I have managed to strip the engine, rods and pistons were clearly scrap before I even started. The crank came out surprisingly easily. I have since taken the crank and block to INRacing, outcome is the that crank has a lot of scoring in the journals and the block has previously had a crack repaired, combined with the amount the amount of rust (top face is pitted) neither are viable for reuse (“it’s had a bloody hard life before it was even removed” was the takeaway comment). Remanufactured crank and block alone is getting close to £20k so the likely outcome will be an engine swap, either a BMW straight 6 or possible a v8 in keeping with later Bristols.
The body itself looks nice and solid, just a couple of localised areas that need attention and they’re steel so shouldn’t be too problematic.
Good luck mate! A Ford V8 sidevalve motor would be my choice for a swap.
Go Electric!!
I thought you were great on camera, very chilled. Like you and Jonny had been mates for years.
Good luck with it mate. It’s your car to do with as you please, I hope it remains with an ICE as it was intended. Truly a thing of beauty.
Thanks for the update. The very best of luck with the car.
Easily the best show on RUclips at the minute if you are a car enthusiast. Such a simple premise but perfectly executed.
Thank you for this comment. Really kind 🤘🏽
Not as good as Shmee tho
@@TheLateBrakeShowstarting watching episodes this weekend and cant stop 😊 Hello from Slovenia
@@TheLateBrakeShowwhat's with the black hand? Are u a box ticker? If so I will leave. Be proud to be white and keep it about car's.
@@ichiban8558 Slightly subjective, Shmee has some good content but he is hard to stomach at times, I much rather watch this, Mat Armstrong and others over Shmee.
Love these barn finds Jonny. There isn't a man more suited to doing this type of content. Brilliant!👏🏻
That's kind of you. ✌🏽
Hiding for 52 years, gets to finally come out in the sun for Jonny to give it a wash.....and it's simply gorgeous. Would love to see a follow up someday when it runs again.
Would like to see a follow up video 😊
If it runs
Jonny. Seeing the notification for a new L.B.S. gives me the same giddy feeling that Duckula did 35 years ago. Perhaps a find dusty and neglected in the barn of my mind?
Deep.
Count Duckula, David Jason, jars of fasteners in sheds, Johnny Smiths barn finds... These are few of my favourite things
Always enjoy the Bristol finds, such unique and unknown vehicles. That side shot at 20:45 really highlights the beautiful profile.
Ultra rare, and v quirky. They grow on you the more you notice all the features.
A wild Calum appears!
what an incredible barn find 😳
Any time I see one of these special cars being dragged out of a barn or a hedge after years (decades) of neglect and being allowed to fall into such disrepair I tell myself no more barn finds for me. Then Johnny appears with all his enthusiasm and his famous note book and I'm hooked again.
You give hope to the hopeless and the promise of a new life for these poor things.
Thank you for that
I do hope he manages to get it running again and enjoy it. A follow up video would be brilliant!
My heart did drop a little when he said he was gonna fix it up himself. We may never see this thing get completed.
@jeffreycormier3864 it's going to need a lot of money put into it.
Hi Jonny. Back in the '60's we had a pub and one of our regulars had the exact car in red ,so l recognieed it immediately . I do remember he part exchanged for a new Elan +2 in 1967 . Bristol wasted time and money converting all the engine metric fittings to imperial . Jonny those engines are worth a small fortune and if you think about it may be looking terible but a good vapour blast and careful dismantaling will ressusitate it
As a teenager, back in the sixties, I always drooled over the Bristols. I used to love the aerodynamics, the "Businessman's Express", I think they were often referred as. This and the Jaguar XKSS were amongst the most beautiful cars ever made, back in the day. the Bristol front end is definitely a shout out to Fraser Nash/BMW 328, another favourite of mine. Love the Barn finds and your channels over the years Jonny.
During the Second World War my father was an aero engineer who started out working on Bristol Beaufighters & Blenheim’s, after the war he worked for the Bristol Aeroplane Company which carried out early development work for supersonic flight. He loved Bristol cars but sadly never managed to own one - great vid 👍
That's too cool!
It's rear looks copied directly from a SAAB 92. Another highly aerodynamic car from airplane manufacturers as mentioned.
That log book is a VE 60 (standing for "Vehicle Excise") or green log book. These were not introduced until the mid-1960s, and stayed current until the DVLA central records were set up in 1976-1977. The original in 1954 would have been an RF 60 (standing for "Road Fund") or buff coloured log book. These were stamped every time that the car was taxed, so they did get filled up over a period of so many years, and a continuation log book would then have been issued. This is most likely what happened with this Bristol. Unfortunately any details of the previous owners from the RF 60 were not always transferred onto the VE 60, only the then current keeper, so the Bristol may have had other un-recorded owners prior to the issue of the VE 60. The DVLA will usually accept the VE 60 as proof of the original registration mark, so I expect that the owner will have no problems retaining it on this fine car. It will be on a "Non-transferrable " basis, but all to the good, as it will protect the car's identity from being robbed at any time in the future.
I, for one, am very pleased every time you do these barn finds. It's truly a joy to rediscover and celebrate these beautiful automotive creations.
Many thanks
I've heard of Bristol cars but have never seen pictures. The styling of the body is truly stunning. All curves, yet still has a masculinity to it. Aspects of art-deco but still looks racecar-fast. Today's designers could learn from it.
They are a special kind of quirky Beast.
I look forward to seeing future episodes of this restoration on TLBS. The dash restoration alone would be worth its own episode! Love to see a later 'Analog' BMW straight six and box installed in this rare beauty. It has such beautiful lines, especially considering the contemporary design ethos of the time at which it was built!
As an ageing car nut who has seen the birth of many new cars from the late 40's. I still think that this is one of the best looking cars ever produced. Some have come close but no one has ever betterred it.
An absolutely perfect example of an automobile worthy of preservation! I wish Pete's nephew all the best in his endeavour to get this back on the road.❤
This is a just superb edition. My wife and I are enjoying it immensely. Her father loved cars of this era, and would get almost tearful recalling the Sterling Moss / Fangio battles on the racetrack. He didn’t run to Bristol car money, but a series of MGBs.
When I first met my future wife, she & her father both owned MG Midgets, his a British Racing Green, hers a light blue. I think his was a 1975 & hers a 1978 (T reg). I had just a Suzuki GT380B. I didn’t learn to drive until later.
William (RIP) kept a scrapbook - remember those? - of clippings from newspapers and magazines of the late 1950s right up to the date (1982). Cars had been his love. He’d have found this one compelling. Thank you, the Late Brake Show!
Please keep us apprised of whatever happens to this special car!
So glad you and your wife enjoy the episodes together. 👍🏽
Seeing these old timers be preserved in garages and barns really makes you miss what wonderful engineering used to go on in the UK. Would love to see someone take one of these old Bristol's and do something crazy with it, like a rotary swap or maybe a 2UR swap. What a wonderful looking piece of automotive history!
That was very satisfying watching an old classic being snow foamed ..I hope we will see this back on the road 👍👍💯💯
Have a really soft spot for Bristols.
As a teenager in the 60s I had an early 50s Ford Prefect to thrash round the fields at our farm. Friends had a variety of similar wrecks but someone I knew further up in the Lakes had a previously damaged but running Bristol 403, dark green. Because it was essentially a pretty fast car it got rolled, totally wrecked, but such a beautiful car. It then sat on the side of a minor road for years before finally being scrapped.
Had the chance to buy one in a similar state to this one on auction, but in California and I’m in Canada so not a practical proposition.
I am seriously envious!!!!
The best of luck with your restoration.
Jonny what a great barn find episode, i never new Bristol made cars back then, my knowledge was limited to the 70's from an elderly uncle of mine who was in England during the 50's with the Canadian Army at the time, very cool to see another company using their aeronotical knowledge to build cars, the shape is so unique/cool at the same time and broaching the frame for lite weight, my guess is the bottom end, the block could possibly be saved subject to a hot tanking and examination, the rest of the internals maybe BMW regular parts of the 50/60's allot of their engines were carried over in to the next decade, i hope he has a good chance to get it back on the road and maybe a follow up episode from you for us all to see , I think it would be awesome 👍
Imagine Johnny Smith and Ed China getting together to form a barn find dream team. Both great, down to earth characters, and Ed's mechanical skills would allow them to tackle a bit more in depth resuscitations.
Jay Leno has an immaculate 403, in my opinion worth a view to see the true beauty of a classic British car
What a fabulous piece of British motoring history. And so glad the guy is going to try and get it back up together. Well done him!
Love this. We had a Bristol 404 and 405 back in the day, and also lived in Leicester. I remember Dad having to fit similar style "Add-on" indicator lights in order to get an MOT ! At the time my mum was regalia secretary for BOC and may have issued the new badge ! The engine is probably very saveable as these are often robbed for use in Bristol powered race cars... Dont give the old engine away ! Good luck with the car
Fantastic find,always a pleasure to watch.
Would be lovely to see a follow up on some of these someday (the ones that eventually got back on the road).
Great stuff!
In good condition, the Bristol 403 is worth over £50k! Such beautiful design and definitely a worthy contender for restoration. I can't remember the last time I saw one at a vintage car show.
As soon as you said the car was distantly related to the E30, I knew it had to be a Bristol. What a great looking car. Sort of reminiscent of the BMW 502, but way more aerodynamic.
Great find Jonny. At least you did need to worry about starting it. Hope it gets back on the road soon
Whenever you see these cars you always wish for two. Because…well you know 😅
A very enjoyable 'barn find' I hope David manages to restore it back to being roadworthy again. It's a lovely looking car with a lot of character.
What a stunner.
I would LOVE to see a series of this getting back to a running state . Hint hint
That's a lot of polishing cleaning, but putting it back together but it would be amazing. To see it run with as many parts from the garage as possible!
As soon as I caught a glimpse of the windscreen, I thought is that a Bristol?! What a rare car and despite being in pieces, is in such great condition. I hope they manage to get the engine rebuilt and the rest of the car restored. Such a fantastic piece of motoring history. 👏🏼
Never did see a Bristol 403 in the flesh. I can say that the AC Ace Bristol I heard at Riverside International Raceway in 1972 was one of the best sounding small bore race cars I've ever heard. This in an event where there were two Alfa TZs.
I've worked on British cars over 40 years and this Bristol has the perfect look. Great find. Great show. Easy to watch. . Thanks
When I was in my late teens I’m the early 90s, and older friend of mine had a 403. Super cool thing, loved it. He also had a Healey 100/4 and old A40s and A70. All original, lots of patina. Wonderful.
Far superior content than any motoring related TV show..Excellent work Jonny and team, I enjoyed this.
❤️
Want to see it when it’s back on the road -2025? So keep us informed please. - do love a Bristol. If memory serves LJK Setright adored the
403
Can't get enough of these superb barn finds. So well presented. A joy to watch.
I spotted one of these on the M40 in blue about 5 years ago (just as you pass that cut in the Chiltern hills after High Wycombe) and on FB asked if any of my friends could identify it as a test. One guy got it spot on first go. Turned out it was his Dad's. He had owned it many years and still in fine fettle.
I've never seen a Bristol before.
But any day the fleece jacket is donned is a great day indeed.
Bristols were rare AF then, and even rarer now. Quite a misunderstood car.
Used to deliver to them when I worked for City Link, the factory was tiny, and the workforce looked like the "Tetley tea men" all shuffling around in their brown warehouse coats, Had to go to the secretary for a signature for the delivery, She was in the year below me in Patchway High School, - she was the sexiest little thing I'd ever seen, but I was too shy to ask her out.
Then CB radio arrived - her handle was Strawberry Shortcake, - I was Shogun ! - Sounded like a warrior, but still didn't have the balls to ask her out.
So back to the delivery in 2002, she had matured wonderfully, mid to late 30's, amazing curves, gorgeous face, thick black curly hair, -and a wedding ring, and so did I ! - ah, such is life.
Great episode Jonny of an exceedlingly rare car with perfect low owner and mileage provenance .It would be extremely worthwhile if the original engine can be saved despite the challenge of the bottom end , I have seen and been involved with many in similar condtion and it is surprising what can be saved.I wish David the best of luck with which will be a considerable but such a worthwhile challenge .
Bristol used offer boring out the motor to 2300 cc, high compression pistons, gas flowed head and bigger valves to produce well over 125 HP. There was also the fabled six port head as used on Copper Bristol racing cars - that would boost the horsepower to near 200. I even saw a 403 for sale in Sports Car And Classic with a M series BMW motor and gearbox fitted which would have literally made a Bristol flying machine!
Absolutely brilliant!!!! You are simply a master of your craft sir. The conversation/history within each episode is just phenomenal! No matter the vehicle, you draw the viewer in as if we were standing right next to you @ the location. I could go on and on truly. All of your hard work is greatly appreciated and i wish you nothing but success moving forward!
Brian may was my Father and yes he did sell it to your uncle. Good luck with this beautiful car.
Hi Fiona, thank you for the message. I know it's incredibly unlikely, but would your father have held onto any kind of records for the cars he sold? Would be great if we could add some more history to the car.
Cheers,
Dave
What a machine! Really hope she gets to live again. Nice one Jonny 😊
Fabulous find . . . reminds me of my father's garage . . . so glad the car is staying in the family.
i've been binge watching these for the past 2 days, nice surprise to have a brand new one today
Welcome aboard the TLBS binge train
What a stunner! I really hope David wins in getting it back in working order.
Barn finds quickly becoming one of my favourite things on RUclips. I love seeing old things brought back to life.
Thank you. Jonny's favourite too.
@anamiruir the show is called barn finds mate, that’s what I’m referring to.
Used to drive past the Bristol showroom in Kensington on occasion.
This 403 is such a beautiful car.
Top tip with leather thats not been used a long time. Once its cleaned cover it in hide food or neetsfoot oil. It will be dried out and if you start using it without softening it will crack and age 50 years in a few months. I learned this all the hard way ! Get it nice and soft before sitting on it and it will be fine. It all looked good for its age in the video
Loving the filing cabinet locks everywhere. I had hundreds and sold them as a kid to old Mesters that needed new keys for their old British Cars.
As usual Jonny you've found another amazing old car that hasn't seen the light of day in many years, wow, Rj in Oz
My uncle in Melbourne, Australia, owned one of these in the mid-sixties. I remember my sister and I sat in the back while Dad and Uncle in the front flogged it along the backroads north of Melbourne at 'terrifying' speeds! When Mum found out, she and Dad had 'words'! I have no idea what happened to that Bristol.
Would love to see you revisit this after it's put back together and on the road!
What a absolute beauty.
All the best with the restoration.
Wow, thats stood up well considering its been in there so long, This definately needs a follow up please Jonny. What a beautiful car.
I am sure this car will be restored. Bristol cars history is linked with AFN, now owned by Porsche. It was originally Frazer Nash, run by Archie Frazer Nash. His company went bankrupt and was taken over by the Aldington family, hence the name AFN. They imported BMW cars prior to WW2. Post war they owned the rights to the old BMW 328 engine, which they licensed to Bristol cars. A very similar engine was fitted to the AC Ace, Aceca and Greyhound, purchased from Bristol cars. Plus a few racing cars, including Cooper and Lotus. Tony Crook did indeed own Bristol cars, a very interesting character!
Lovely car great story again Jonny would love you to go back on the ones that have now been restored that car deserves restoration 👍
I was at a engine builder. He had engine parts soaking in a solution that only attacked rust. They were looking great. I would look into soaking that engine as a whole. Then inspect it after. You have to at least try to save original if possible.
Personally I would contact Jay Leno to see if he has interest. For proper saving of the rare car.
Would be great to know more.
@@TheLateBrakeShow look into electrolysis......no harsh chemicals , but not good for aluminium (so either remove them or be sure to find replacements)
Could've been EvapOrust , great stuff , use it myself.
Would be worth just dumping the engine in a 45 gallon drum of diesel.
The engine can certainly be saved.
Read the pinned comment from the owner at the top of the page
A few months back I saw a Bristol 405 by Pimlico tube station. Painted the same colour as this one. It was raining and when the traffic lights went green the fella driving moved off, but as he was about to pass through them they suddenly went red. The driver slammed on the anchors and locked the breaks. Left some 11's on the ground. Might have been scary for him, but was a sight for me to witness.
Knew Brian May quite well personally, he was an amazing character. I don't want to sound pessimistic but people who bought Bristols in the 1950s really drove their cars a lot. Given that uncle Peter put 7000 miles on it in less than a year, there's a very good chance that the first owner did 6000 miles a year which over nearly 20 years would end up at the 119,000 miles when Peter bought it. That's backed up by the fact that it sounds like it needed a repaint at which point the owner decided on a colour change and the interior looked well worn for 26000 miles, plus uncle Peter obviously also felt the engine needed to be stripped for an overhaul......
Still nobody will ever know for sure so the owner can fortunately believe whatever he chooses. I really hope he gets that back on the road to be enjoyed......
That’s an interesting point, I don’t remember whether it’s only a 6 digit milometer. But after stripping the block and taking it to a specialist they advised there was a heck of a lot of wear on the crank and a previous crack repair on the block.
It certainly wasn’t an expensive car when he bought it.
First time I have ever seen the exterior of a car needed a vacuum before a wash, but what a beautiful car
What a beautiful car! I immediately thought electric conversion but it would be as interesting to see it running in the original config
Jonny is always so respectful to the owner and the car…a real gent 👍
There’s nothing I look forward to more on RUclips than a Sunday episode of Jonny Smith and one of Harry’s Garage. No one can touch what they do 👍
Steve, we thank you for watching and supporting
Such a great show Jonny, I love these barn finds. I hope someone restores this one, it needs to shine once again, such a glorious looking car 🚗 Hi from Australia 🇦🇺
I'm in Leicester.
I know people who play with Bristol engines, it's worth trying to save it.
If you need any help give me a shout.
Thank you for the offer, afraid that the bottom end has been written off as unsalvageable by INRacing.
Please do a follow up this is one car that deserves and warrants loads of TLC!
That POLITE NOTICE no parking sign is hilarious. I'm from Canada, and even we aren't that polite. 🤣🤣🤣
what a gorgeous car! And what a nice bloke! Loved this episode... Not that it differs from other episodes, hasn't happened yet I didn't like one I think; but this car, man, what a beauty! A true celebration of 50s/60s Jetsons futuristic thinking and I wish it would still be in production. Wouldn't it be great if you and your brother would restore this beauty?! Well worth it!
Only just hit the mark where he told you he would love to restore it himself. Please ask him if you can film and participate in the restoration! (Like you have nothing better to do, I know... ;-) But you have such great rapport with them, I think we would all love to see follow ups! Maybe give _the smallest cog_ a run for their money and start another restoration shop?!
Oh and a good detailing moment with this car, THANK YOU!! Love that so much, some TLC for this gift from yesteryear... and nice merch!!
The late break show is by far one of if not the best shows I've personally ever watched and enjoyed and quite possibly the best channel on RUclips thank you jonny Smith and everyone involved with the late break show 👍🏼❤️🔥
Thank you ✊🏽
Love the workshop more than the car.... i too collect stuff in jars on shelves in my shed.
Send me that bemch vice in the post 🤗👍
As soon as I saw this I had to click on the video. Always look forward to these videos 😊 best way to spend a Sunday. Thank you 😊
✊🏽Cheers!
I hope this story continues so we can watch as this car gets restored and back on the road. Such a nice car.
alright we see the videographer using the blossoming pink Rhododendron as a cute cinematic background feature at the start! Great work and I always love chilling with a coffee watching these barn find video!
Cheers for noticing 👌🏽
Another great find from Jonny such a rare car needs to get back on the road may be with a BMW straight 6 2litre engine
That would looks great as a resto mod , with a modern bmw engine in , please Jonny try do a revisit series ! As I’d love to know what happened to some of these barn finds !
Speaking of 'resto mod', I would restore the interior and send it off to David of Electric Classic Cars for an engine and drivetrain. Why not join a classic aerodynamic Bristol body and interior with modern low emissions technology?
@@jamesellsworth9673 yes as an EV driver myself it would future proof it ! What a perfect candidate a car with no engine ! I even think what’s left of the engine might be worth a fortune even though you couldn’t make a full engine that bottom end is toast
What a magnificent car and fantastic story.. please please please Jonny revisit this car in the future when its back on the road.. would love to see it again.
Great to see another 403. That engine is the crown jewel of that car and whomever took it out ruined the project. Ian Nutthill/INRacing can likely sort it out, but the costs involved far exceed the value the car. Would be great to bring back to life.
It’s been to INRacing since filming. Their assessment other than the block and crank being beyond saving is that the engine had had a very hard life despite such low mileage. There’s a huge crack repair on the block and lots of scoring in the crank journals, maybe explains why it was removed.
@@kedgeuk in good hands then! They can make a new block and crank.
Your photography just keeps getting better, Jonny!
Wayne Carrini from Chasing Cars would love this! hopefully it can be restored soon.
I always look forward to new episodes of the Late Brake Show, especially the barn find episodes. Would so love to see a crossover joint episode between you and Tom Cotter from Hagerty's 'Barn Find Hunters'
Absolutely love this show, think I've watched all of them now. One of the best on RUclips!
Thanks for watching them all - without support like this we wouldnt be anywhere.
@3'33, I thought that was a very early SAAB, like Bristol, they were originally aircraft manufacturers. What a find.
I have never heard of this car but it is beautiful. I hope it gets the restoration it deserves. At least back on the road.
I absolutely love this channel, especially the barn finds. Johnny Smith is a legend, content is fantastic..❤
No way this is my all time fave British car I filmed a place with over 50 of thease I will rember it for the rest of my life!
I've watched your one and wow, some stunning Bristol's in it. Your video came to mind yesterday when watching another RUclips barn find, which had ACs in it and for some reason I thought yours was on ACs and nearly posted a link to it, but then it dawned on me that I'm a fool,.as I'd got it wrong.
I played the guessing game using Jonny’s introductory clues and was thinking “Bristol?”, only at 1’40” so waiting to be wrong!
Blimey, so I guessed right, I was born, car mad, in 1949 and knew all about Bristol by the time I was 8, still got my Dinky Toy of the racing Bristol of the era in the die cast collection.
Mentioning Tatra’s magnificent rear engined streamliners, Ferdinand Porsche took inspiration from some of their designs though he didn’t use air-cooled V8s in the back of any of his designs.
The proportions are stunning. Looks fast just sitting there.
Hope something can be done with the engine.
Wow that garage is organized..😮❤🎉Greetings from South-Africa!
As soon as you said 'distant relation' I thought Bristol. I know of a fully restored one and the story about the inline 6 BMW engine they put in it. I was told that when new they cost the same as 3 semi-detatched 3-bed houses!
What a beautiful machine that is. If it is at all possible the original engine needs to go back in there, I wish I had the skills to do it but I don’t, but there are some very clever people out there and maybe someone could bring that old engine back from the dead.
The engine has been looked at by a couple of specialists now, block and crank are both beyond saving unfortunately.
@@kedgeukThat's sad. The block can be replaced, if it's truly related to a BMW
I would look further a-field for a 3rd or 4th opinion. Crankshaft could be remade of course, but the block could be acid dip cleaned, any cracks can be rectified and of course it could always be resleeved. Maintaining the original engine number must be key here. Depends how much the guys budget is but I would suggest sending some photos of it to the Mönchengladbach branch of Capricorn Automotive Engineering.
What a wonderful Bristol. If David is able, it would be fab to get the the original engine sorted especially 26000 miles 👍
So glad you are keeping it in the family 😊