Bristol 404

SLJ Hackett are delighted to offer this very special Bristol 404 first registered on the 7th of May 1954 to a Mr Phillip Scrutton finished in the very popular Bristol Red coachwork via Anthony Crook Motors. Chassis number 404/2013, it was the last car produced with the original dash layout and air ventilation duct fitted in front of the windscreen.

The car was allegedly taken to Australia and then returned to the UK during Mr Scrutton’s ownership whilst competing as a very competent amateur golfer. In 1958 Mr Scrutton sadly passed away in a road accident when an Army lorry pulled out in front of his 3.8 Jaguar.

The car was then sold to a Mr Billy Cotton who was a British band leader and entertainer, mainly remembered as a 1950s and 60s radio and television personality. He was also an amateur footballer, a power-boat enthusiast, an accomplished racing driver, a boxer and the owner of a Gipsy Moth which he piloted himself.

In 1938, Bill was selected with Arthur Dobson and Johnny Wakefield for the British Team against the Germans in the Grand Prix at Donington. In a race which was to become famous, Nuvolari took the individual win in an Auto-Union, while the British team took the coveted team prize. At the finish, all depended on Cotton and Dobson bringing their ERAs to the finish ahead of the third Mercedes. This they did, in the process igniting scenes of excitement in the crowd seldom seen at motor racing. The drivers fled the approaching mob and had to climb out of reach on to the top of the pits. Unsurprisingly, Bill Cotton regarded this as his finest win.

Whilst 404/2013 was in the ownership of Mr Cotton he used the registration ‘BC 1’. He kept the car until 1963 when brought by J W (Bill) E Banks via Anthony Crook Motors and then registered the car ‘KON 1’ to reflect the Banks’ shock absorber business. Bill Banks had rallied his 401 Bristol in the Tulip, Monte Carlo and Alpine Rallies, finishing 2nd overall and class winner in the Tulip rally of 1953 & 54.

In 1965 the Ex Bob Gerard genuine 6 port cylinder head (number 12) was fitted with the twin choke Solex carburettor which Is said to be 3 of only 18 originals made. An A-Type overdrive was also fitted at the same time by the an engineer using the Bristol drawings of the 405 setup. Koni dampers were the fitted which is still has.

Bristol Cars then modified the car at Filton by making a new fuel tank and moving it forward allowing there to be a boot made accessible by a large detachable lid below the rear window. Very classy Recaro front seats also fitted.

Upon Mr Banks return from Australia, Bill Banks son Warwick Banks used the car everyday and had the car resprayed Ford Express Blue by the best coachbuilder in Norwich at a cost of £190!

Warwick had driven Cooper F3 and Mini Coopers for Cooper Cars and Ken Tyrrell, partnering Sir Jackie Stewart in 1964 winning the European Saloon Car Championship in 1964, runner up to Sir Jackie Stewart in the British F3 Championship in 1964 and runner up/class winner in the British Touring Car Championship in 1965.

Moving onto 1988 the car was transferred to Warwick Banks, registered YTL 910, and a gradual process of restoration was undertaken which included a complete engine rebuild using Cosworth pistons and a Piper 103 camshaft. Re-Sprayed in Bentley British Racing Green after the dashboard and windscreen surround woodwork had been replaced along with a brand new windscreen. Since then the car has been regularly used and displayed, in 2018 404/2013 was voted Best Car in Show at Gawsworth Hall, Macclesfield (from 500 entries) and won the Filton Cup at the BOC Concours in 2018.

All modifications from Standard featured on 404/2013 include:

Front disc brakes

Alfin rear brake drums

Servo

Koni dampers

6 port head with twin choke Solex carbs

Cosworth pistons

Piper 103 camshaft

SC 103 Distributor with 8mm plug leads

Electrical auxiliary fuel pump

Kenlowe electric fan

Boot installed

Recaro seats

Wing mirrors

For further details and to arrange viewings

Contact Richard Hackett

Mobile Telephone: 07867782402

Office: 01985219551

E-mail: info@sljhackett.co.uk