Bristol 405
The only four-door Bristol, blending aeronautical precision with executive luxury.
- Power
- 105 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.0 s
- Top speed
- 110 mph
- Est. value
- $30k–$85k
About the Bristol 405
The Bristol 405 holds a unique place in the marque's history as its only four-door saloon, designed to offer greater practicality without sacrificing the brand's signature aircraft-inspired engineering. It features a distinctive 'bomber' nose with a central third headlamp and innovative wing-mounted lockers for the spare wheel and battery. Under the bonnet lies the legendary BMW-derived 2.0-litre straight-six, which provides smooth, high-revving performance suited for long-distance touring. Collectors prize the 405 for its exceptional build quality, aerodynamic efficiency, and the rarity of its hand-built aluminium-over-ash construction.
Bristol 405 specs
The Bristol 405 produces 105 bhp (78 kW) and 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 12.0 seconds and has a top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h).
| Make | Bristol |
|---|---|
| Model | 405 |
| Trim | 2.0 |
| Years | 1954–1958 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 308 built |
| Engine | 2.0-litre OHV inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,971 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 105 bhp (78 kW) at 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,200 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 12.0 s |
| Top speed | 110 mph (177 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual with overdrive |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,230 kg (2,712 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 85 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 405 worth?
A typical Bristol 405 is estimated to be worth $30,000 – $85,000 (about £22,000 – £63,000).
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 405 rarity in CarSpot
The Bristol 405 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 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 405 fun facts
- The 405 features 'gullwing' lockers in the front wings; one side houses the spare wheel and jack, while the other contains the battery and fuse box.
- Its front-end styling was inspired by the Bristol Beaufighter, a twin-engine combat aircraft produced by the same parent company during WWII.
- The interior was designed to mimic a cockpit, featuring a comprehensive array of seven dials positioned directly in front of the driver.