As ever, these high-dollar auctions are a rare chance to see priceless classics out and about in the real world. This Arnolt-Bristol by Bertone certainly applies — a run of 143 total rebodies of the Bristol 404 completed to order by Bertone in Italy.
The design shows how an odd chassis package can actually inspire fantastic design solutions. The donor Bristol had a particularly tall engine, which needed to be shrouded in perhaps the Arnolt-Bristol’s most characteristic style: an almost cartoonishly-swoopy panel form. Disguised by the hood scoop, this tall hood profile makes the subtle nose and bulging rear fenders seem all the more special.
One of 75 surviving cars, this rare Arnolt-Bristol will go up for sale at RM Auctions Amelia Island 2015 event in mid-March.
1956 Arnolt-Bristol Deluxe Roadster by Bertone
RM Auctions
Amelia Island
14 March 2015
1956 Arnolt-Bristol Deluxe Roadster by Bertone
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Chassis no. 404/X/3108
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Engine no. BSI/MKII/312
130 bhp 1,971 cc inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with wishbone and traverse-mounted leaf springs, torsion bars to the live rear axle, and four-wheel Alfin drum brakes. Wheelbase: 96 in.
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Offered from the estate of Donald C. Mann
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One of 142 built and fewer than 75 known survivors
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Reportedly personally driven by S.H. “Wacky” Arnolt
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Veteran of the Colorado Grand, the California Mille, and the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic
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Eligible for numerous vintage events, including the Mille Miglia
The 1950s was a magic period for the development of the sports car. Regulations were few, and a post-World War II economic boom opened many possibilities. Britain led the charge with volume exports and was closely followed by Germany and Italy, but there was also no shortage of American ingenuity, which set about making homegrown sporting machines. One such carmaker-to-be was Stanley Harold “Wacky” Arnolt.
Photo Credits: 2015 © RM Auctions Inc.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
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