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Market Auction

1959 Bristol 406

At a Glance

Rare | Great Potential | Market Auction - Seller Created Listing

  • Mileage~72,094
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine2.2L
  • LocationSawbridgeworth

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

MARKET AUCTION

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HRS
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CURRENT BID£1,000
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MARKET AUCTION

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

The Bristol 406 offers a bespoke experience, a tailored machine for those who appreciate unique, high-quality craftsmanship. It values exclusivity and personalisation.

Unveiled in 1958, the 406 followed the previous 405 models, gaining a more modern-looking body but still powered by the potent straight-six. Notable for being one of the first production cars to offer four-wheel disc brakes, developed and produced by Dunlop, the 406 was remarkable for its long-distance cruising ability, taking full advantage of the new Motorway networks and Continental escapes.

Notable for the neat trademark wing bays, where the battery and spare wheel are harmlessly stored away, along with the roof-mounted indicators and subtle but pleasing aerodynamic styling body traits, the 406 is a happy medium of the original Bristol vision before the company separated the car producing and aircraft lineage.

Just 171 406s were produced, maintaining the air of rarity. Some 406s were restyled by notable styling houses such as Zagato, yet the standard 406 remains under the radar for many classic car buyers looking for their luxury kicks. Certainly, it is less ‘show-biz’ than a Bentley or Rolls Royce, and they may have lacked the sporting pedigree of Aston Martin or Jaguar, yet the Bristol is considered a true luxurious 'Gentleman's Carriage', and the 406 is thought of as one of the last of the elegantly styled Bristols.

This Bristol commands an instant presence wherever it goes. With its distinctive design and rich history, it’s a car that doesn’t just turn heads—it leaves a lasting impression.

Market Auction

Danny, the seller, has created this listing themselves using our free Market Auction tool. Unlike our Curated Auctions, we haven’t photographed the car or written the listing, however we have completed 3 important security checks for your peace of mind.

V5C Checked

Danny provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Danny provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

V5C Checked

Danny provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Danny provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The distinctive bodywork, elegant lines, and carefully appointed interior are a celebration of a bygone era of automotive excellence.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels are in positive condition, featuring a clean, well-preserved chrome trim. The full set of Michelin X tyres, known for their durability and suitability for classic cars, are fitted to the vehicle and are the correct profile for this model. All show plenty of tread remaining.

Bodywork

The handmade aluminium panels on this Bristol 406 present well, with no significant damage or dents. There are a few areas of light corrosion, primarily on the front wings near the side trim and at the tops and base of the rear arches. These areas show evidence of past repairs, consistent with the car’s age, but nothing that detracts from its overall appeal.

The chassis rails are robust and in great shape, offering confidence in the car’s structural integrity. The floor pan, engine bay, and wheel wells are all presented as solid.

Paint

The car’s burgundy paint finish is of a positive standard, with even coverage. The bonnet and boot exhibit a slightly different hue - likely due to age or previous refinishing.

There are a few minor paint chips scattered across the car, mainly on the top of the nose, the edge of the driver’s door, the rear panel, and a small scuff on the near-side front arch. These imperfections are typical for a car of this vintage but these subtle signs of age only add character to this distinctive classic.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good shape overall, with only mild signs of age that are to be expected on a car of this vintage. The seals and rubbers are in solid condition, with the windscreen rubber showing some light signs of wear.

The lights and lenses are all in excellent order, clear and free from cosmetic damage. The chrome trim and bumpers present well, with a few signs of age in places. Overall, the car retains a sharp and well-maintained appearance.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Bristol’s rich legacy in aircraft design is clearly evident in the cabin, where the spacious, airy feel evokes a sense of luxury travel.

Seats and Carpets

The front seats, particularly the passenger seat, would benefit from refurbishment. The rear seats are in good condition and are thoughtfully fitted with seat belts.

The Wilton carpets are dry, with some age-related discolouration. However, they could clean up well with some care.

Dashboard

The leather and veneer dashboard show some age-related wear and the occasional blemish, but it still exudes a welcoming, vintage charm. The materials have aged gracefully, offering a refined patina that adds to the car’s overall character. The switches remain in good shape, and the dials are all fully legible, with only mild signs of age around the bezels.

The headlining and door cards are clean and free from any significant damage.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are both in good shape, showing only a subtle patina, adding to the car’s vintage charm.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Upgraded to a 2.5-litre straight-six engine, this Bristol not only delivers more power than the original but also offers greater efficiency and easier maintenance.

Engine and Gearbox

The car is now powered by the tough and reliable Triumph 2.5L six-cylinder engine, which appears to have been well-maintained and shows evidence of thoughtful care and regular attention. The ancillaries and hoses are in good condition.

The engine requires a little easy-start sprayed directly into the carburettor in order to start, but once running it ticks over nicely and sounds very well indeed. The carburettors would benefit from some attention in order to negate the need for easy-start and iron out any fuel delivery gremlins which may have arisen due recent to lack of use.

This engine has benefited from a comprehensive rebuild a number of years ago, which includes a rebore, reground crankshaft, new main and big-end bearings, and new pistons. Additionally, the Megaspark ignition system has been installed, encouraging a reliable spark.

The car is fitted with a four-speed overdrive gearbox to provide a more relaxing drive at cruising speed.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension components appear to be in good physical condition. There appears to be no negative feedback or unwanted vibrations.

The car is equipped with disc brakes all round, and features upgraded Coopercraft calipers. These improvements ensure the car stops without drama.

The Drive

The car starts up with a little help from the aforementioned easy-start and drives, with the Triumph straight-six engine sounding well but the carburettor showing signs of requiring some attention, demonstrating spluttering and hesitation. The steering is direct, with just a slight amount of play, but it is free from any creaks or knocks.

The oil pressure and engine temperature both appear stable, further confirming the car's healthy mechanical state.

Electrics and Other

It’s worth noting that the speedometer is currently underrating the speed and will need calibration to ensure accurate readings.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Previously owned by Classic & Sports Car magazine, this Bristol 406 has been carefully maintained and has seen several advisory-free MOT passes over the years.

First registered in June 1959, this Bristol comes with a current V5 and an instruction booklet. According to online MOT records, the car has covered fewer than 2,000 miles over the last 10 years, a testament to its careful use and charming condition. The most recent MOT, conducted in 2015 under the ownership of a deputy editor from Classic & Sports Car magazine, was free of advisories, and since then, the car has travelled less than 1,500 miles.

The car doesn't have any previous provenance.

It is sold with its original age-less plate.

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From Trade Classics:

This is a Market Auction listing, meaning we have not visited and photographed the car - instead the seller has supplied the images and written the description. However we’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID that matches the V5, and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPi that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. This history check flagged for stolen and outstanding finance, however we have been in contact with Solera cap hpi who run the check, they told us this is due to the car having a short VIN that isn't unique to one vehicle, only the VIN has been flagged and the registration of this car is not related to either the stolen or outstanding finance status.

This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

Viewings are welcomed, so please get in touch with us via the 'contact us' page - we just need to speak to you first on the phone, have you register on the site, and also send in valid photo ID before confirming a suitable time to visit.

Like all our auctions, if there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - the Buyer's Premium is not refundable in any instance, just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details
  • Model 406
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 1959
  • CC 2216
  • Mileage 72,094
  • Colour Red
  • Interior Colour Beige
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # 5231
  • Engine # 1105012
  • Former Keepers 6
  • Sale Type Business/Trader
  • Owned 0-1
  • Vehicle Registration 512 YUU
  • Driver’s Side RHD
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Saloon - 2 Door
  • Auction ID 20011
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Sawbridgeworth

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £1,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 30th Jan at 7.30pm
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    3 Comments
    AJS
    AJS
    12 hours ago

    just flagging an anomaly in the ad…TC have listed as both auto & manual in their listing. Looking at the photos it appears to be a manual but you might wish to get them to correct it? Good luck Regards Andrew

    kashingley
    kashingley
    1 day ago

    is there a reserve on this car?

    ColinB
    ColinB
    Admin
      kashingley
    17 hours ago

    Hi,

    Yes there is a reserve on the car, we can’t divulge it though.

    Thanks,
    Colin.

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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Bristol like this is £178 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Winter 2025.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Sawbridgeworth

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price that the seller will let the car go for. We work with sellers to set realistic reserves in line with market pricing – we don’t take on vehicles with unrealistic pricing. Reserve met / not met labeling may or may not be announced during the auction – this is just like a traditional auction house, i.e. bidders may only know when they’ve been successful at the end of the auction.

    If the reserve hasn’t been met at the end of the auction then we work with the highest bidder to try to work out a deal with the seller.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.

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