Bristol 406 Zagato

Bristol 406 Zagato 1959 RHD Chassis N°: 5298 Engine N°: 110-5038 In total only 6 Zagato-bodied Bristol 406 were produced with this 2+2 style body. This particular 406 Zagato is N° 4 in the row of which today only 5 remain. I think it is safe to say that the excentricity of Bristol Cars director Mr. Anthony Crook is very clearly reflected in the cars, his company produced. All Bristol models have a very distinct character and were ment to be sold (they were never cheap...) to a very select group of customers. Thus making these Bristols today very sought after collectors items. A most interesting twist in the rather small Bristol production were the 6 Zagato bodied 406 models (Mr. Anthony Crook was also the Zagato representative for the UK). At first glance one has to admire the talent of the Zagato designers succeeding in creating an unmistakable latin but characteristic Zagato aluminium robe on what still is immediately recognizable as a typical British Bristol. Also mechanically this 406 Zagato stands out by the combination of the generally rather apart Bristol aeronautic engineering with the ultimate development to 2,2 liter and 135 HP of the ex-BMW 6 cylinder engine. This particular 406 Zagato was bought by the last long term (42 years) owner directly from Bristol Cars in London and shipped to New Zealand where the 406 covered during these 42 years only 5.000 miles! In August 2012 the now elderly owner decided to ship his car back to the UK where this 406 Zagato underwent a full mechanical and structural inspection + recommisioning by a well reputed Bristol specialist. This Bristol is now imported into the UK, all taxes were paid and the car has a valid full UK MOT. After test-driving this 406 Zagato on the road, I can only confirm what Mr. Anthony Crook published in his full page period Zagato advertisement: Designed for those who require an even faster 406, this Zagato Bristol is lighter and smaller than the standard saloon and yet there is still room for rear seat passengers, which is unusual in a Grand Touring car.