Bristol 401
The Aerodyne: Post-war aeronautical precision meets Italian Superleggera style.
- Power
- 85 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 15.1 s
- Top speed
- 98 mph
- Est. value
- $25k–$75k
About the Bristol 401
The Bristol 401 was a landmark in post-war British luxury, combining the Bristol Aeroplane Company's engineering rigour with a low-drag body inspired by Carrozzeria Touring. Its 'Superleggera' construction—aluminium panels over a thin steel-tube frame—allowed for a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.36, enabling a 100 mph top speed from just two litres. The BMW-derived straight-six engine, featuring a complex pushrod-operated hemispherical head, provided smooth and sophisticated power. Inside, the 401 offered a high-quality, aircraft-inspired cabin that was significantly more spacious than its 400 predecessor.
Bristol 401 specs
The Bristol 401 produces 85 bhp (63 kW) and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 15.1 seconds and has a top speed of 98 mph (157 km/h).
| Make | Bristol |
|---|---|
| Model | 401 |
| Trim | 2.0 |
| Years | 1948–1953 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 611 built |
| Original price | About $7,000 when new |
| Engine | 2.0-litre straight-6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,971 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 85 bhp (63 kW) at 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 15.1 s |
| Top speed | 98 mph (157 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,225 kg (2,701 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 69 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Bristol 401 worth?
A typical Bristol 401 is estimated to be worth $25,000 – $75,000 (about £19,000 – £56,000).
Its original price when new was about $7,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Bristol 401 rarity in CarSpot
The Bristol 401 is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 70 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Bristol 401 fun facts
- The 401 features flush-fitting door buttons instead of traditional handles to maintain its aerodynamic profile.
- It was the first 2.0-litre production saloon to be verified at a top speed of 100 mph by contemporary road testers.
- The bonnet is uniquely designed to open from either the left or right side, or it can be removed entirely by undoing a single bolt.