Bristol decided its own brakes worked too well and pulled the rear discs off later cars.
Lead trim: 403 1,971 cc OHV six (100 hp)
Bristol 403403 · 1953–1955
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- 0sets it belongs to
Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Bristol 403 yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactBristol decided its own brakes worked too well and pulled the rear discs off later cars.
The Bristol 403, made from 1953 to 1955 (287 made), was the third of the eventual five series of Bristols powered by the BMW-derived pushrod straight-six, replacing the 401 and 402 with much the same styling but many mechanical improvements: bigger valves and larger 54 mm main bearings (against 51 mm) raised power from 85 hp to 100 hp, giving a top speed of 104 mph, an anti-roll bar was added at the front and improved "Alfins" (aluminium-finned) drum brakes were fitted (all four wheels at first, front only on later cars because Bristol thought the car over-braked). It was the last Bristol with a BMW-style radiator grille and is noteworthy for two extra headlamps at the side. Curb weight 2,788 lb (1,265 kg), length 15 ft 11.5 in (4,864 mm), width 5 ft 7 in (1,702 mm).
Collectors Spotted in the Bristol 403 Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Bristol 403 yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
One published trim in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 403 1,971 cc OHV six (100 hp) | 1953–1955 | 2.0 L Inline-6 | 100 hp | — | — | RWD | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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