Bristol - Bristol 407
The Bristol 407 looked externally no different to the previous 406, apart from the omission of the extra indicator lights above the doors on the roof. But under the bonnet there was a big departure with the fitting of a 5130cc Chrysler V8 small block 313. This came about after Tony Crook (now part owner of Bristol) arranged for an engine and Torqueflite gearbox to be used in the prototype, which was a stunning success. The chassis needed some modifications such as different steering (using a Marles steering box) to make room for everything, and the front suspension changed. One huge advantage of the Chrysler engine was that it was manufactured in Canada which was part of the old British Empire and now part of the Commonwealth, which meant that import duties to bring the engines over to the UK was zero - which was a huge help! As an aside the Chevrolet engine plant was also in Canada. In any case the Bristol 407 was a whole new ball game, and to put all of this into perspective, this well balanced 4 seater could out drag a Ferrari 250 to over 120 mph. The Bristol 407 was produced to 1963.
The Bristol 407 had 6.00x16 tyres as original fitment. We would recommend the radial equivalent size 185R16. Blockley produces a high speed rated, steel belted 185VR16 with period correct tread pattern etc, which will transform the handling of a 407 - guaranteed. See full details of this 185VR16 tyre below:
