Istorie
The Bristol Aeroplane Company entered the automobile business in 1946. Britain’s oldest aircraft manufacturer, Bristol had built many different craft during World War II.
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The Bristol 409 is presented as an elegant sports saloon, launched in 1965 by the British manufacturer Bristol Cars. The model was equipped with a 5,211 cm³ V8 engine. Numerous improvements were made to this car, including softer springs that provided a more enjoyable and comfortable driving experience. The DC generator was replaced with an alternating current (AC) alternator. Additionally, the model featured an extra safety mechanism that prevented the driver from accidentally engaging the automatic transmission. In terms of design, the Bristol 409 retained a look very similar to that of its predecessor, the Bristol 408.
Continuing its 1960’s policy of frequent model changes, Bristol dropped the 408 after only two years in favour of the new Bristol 409. This was a more ambitious update than the previous one, though it bore few alterations to styling or equipment.
Like earlier Bristol models, the first Bristol 409s were available only with a manual transmission, but the optional ZF power assist became available at the end of 1966, significantly altering the car’s character. Refinement had steadily improved over the years, yet this latest Bristol proved more civilized and more of a “gentleman’s” car than even its most recent predecessors, offering comfort both at high-speed cruising on the highway and during smooth navigation through the urban “jungle.” The successor models, the Type 410 and 411, would continue this evolution, taking the trend a few steps further.
British cars equipped with American engines have a long-standing history. Prior to World War II, Railton, Brough, and Jensen were popular, while in more recent times, models such as Jensen, Allard, and Bristol continued this tradition.
The Bristol 409 was first introduced in 1965. By 1967, when its production ended, a total of 74 Bristol 409 units had been manufactured.
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