The 406 quietly made suspension history: its Watt's-linkage rear end was a world first for a production car, replacing the old A-bracket design every earlier Bristol had used.
Lead trim: 406 2,216 cc OHV six (105 hp)
Bristol 406406 · 1958–1961
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Bristol 406 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.
FactThe 406 quietly made suspension history: its Watt's-linkage rear end was a world first for a production car, replacing the old A-bracket design every earlier Bristol had used.
The Bristol 406, produced between 1958 and 1961 (174 made), was the last Bristol to use the BMW-derived pushrod straight-six. As a stopgap its torque was improved by a 245 cc increase in capacity to 2,216 cc (bore and stroke 68.7 x 99.64 mm), though the actual power was no greater than the 405's (105 hp, per the Zagato comparison). A prototype with a body by Carrosserie Beutler of Thun was shown at the 1957 Paris and London shows and production at Filton was announced in late August 1958, most bodies being made by Jones Brothers in London. It had Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels (one of the first cars with them) and a Watt's linkage at the rear, the world's first production car so equipped, though the outdated front suspension was retained; manufacture of the 2-litre version continued for supply to AC Cars for the Ace and Aceca. A 1974 Car magazine reviewer called it "a delight to drive". It was replaced in 1961 by the Chrysler-V8 407. Wheelbase 2,896 mm (114.0 in), length 4,978 mm (196.0 in), width 1,727 mm (68.0 in), curb weight 1,365 kg (3,009 lb).
Collectors Spotted in the Bristol 406 Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Bristol 406 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 406 2,216 cc OHV six (105 hp) | 1958–1961 | 2.2 L Inline-6 | 105 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
Only six Bristol 406s ever wore a Zagato body — making the 406S rarer than almost anything else Bristol built.
The 406 quietly made suspension history: its Watt's-linkage rear end was a world first for a production car, replacing the old A-bracket design every earlier Bristol had used.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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