1975 Bristol 411 Series 4 Sports Saloon, Registration no. JWV 702N (see text) Chassis no. 7732482

* Genuine four-seat luxury and speed
* Known ownership history back to the early 1980s
* Well maintained and extensively refurbished
* Registered in Germany

For the 411, introduced at the 1969 Earls Court Motor Show, Bristol continued with Chrysler V8 engines but specified the 6.3-litre unit that produced 335bhp, further increased to 6.6 with the 'Series 4'. This provided an an increase of some 85 horsepower over the preceding '5.1'. There was a commensurate improvement in performance. With a maximum speed of 140 mph and a 0-60mph time of 6.9 seconds, the Bristol 411 was hailed by Autosport's John Bolster as 'The fastest true four seat touring car in the world'. Hand built to very high standards, the 411 benefited from its relatively lightweight aluminium bodywork and a low drag coefficient resulting from much time in the wind tunnel at Filton. Company owner Tony Crook's mantra was comfort for four and a huge boot (the spare wheel was housed inside the front wing), while the famously understated appearance of Bristols of this era belies their tremendous performance and excellent handling. The 411 was built in five series from 1969 to 1976, with a restyled body from the Series 3 onwards.

This example's history can be traced back to the early 1980s, there being invoices on file to owner Mr G Herdman for the period 1982-1984. The next known custodian is a Mr A Ross (named on invoices dated November and December 1984) followed by M Widdup & Sons Ltd, who bought the Bristol on 28th July 1985. Next owner Gerald Acher, CBE bought 'JVW 702N' on 5th December 1986; he was a partner at accountants KPMG and used the Bristol as a company car (see mileage claims, etc on file). The number of former keepers was stated as six at that time.

The present owner purchased the Bristol from Mr Acher in September 1999 and exported it to Germany (purchase receipt available). The odometer reading at time of purchase was 60,530 (now reads 63,707). However, invoices and an MoT on file suggest that the speedometer has either been changed or gone 'around the clock'.

Also on file is a record of works carried out during Mr Acher's ownership between 1990 and 1999 (inspection recommended). Highlights include an engine rebuild and conversion to unleaded compatibility (1991); a major re-spray (1990); automatic gearbox reconditioned (1995); installation of Bristol's Holley fuel injection system (1996); new rear axle (1998); and a steel sliding sunroof installed by Bristol (1999). While in the vendor's care, the floor panels and wheelarches have been repaired; the wheels rims refurbished; the differential overhauled; the Holley fuel injection serviced; and a new fuel pump and plug leads fitted. There are related bills on file together with a copy of the old UK V5 document. We are advised that the registration number is still recorded with DVLA and may be recoverable.