Stefano Pasini


403-1404, 2017:
Some new pictures


Now that the 403 is running fairly well, I can plan her ASI/FIVA homologation; I also took some pictures of the more interesting details of 403-1404.....

Bristol_403-1404_FIVA

GRRC Members' 2017 badge is purple

Bristol_403-1404_FIVA

A fabulous dashboard

Bristol_403-1404_FIVA

As you already know if you followed my blogs, in the past I experienced some serious trouble during the restoration of '403-1404'. At one moment (or two) I seriously thought of selling her, as I couldn't bear the idea of going after the many problems that appeared day after day, every time I took her out. But every time I sat in the 403, being very angry and resolute to sell her, and looked at this dashboard, I instantly changed my mind....you can't sell a car that offers you this view. That's class


Engine number plate. '1404' has a correct '100A' engine, but it was swapped early in her life. The original one was no. 3092; in 1953 they fitted, for unfathomable reasons, no. 3185

Bristol_403-1404_FIVA

Original plaques are always fascinating. If anyone not familiar with Bristols asks himself what the metal cylinder with the rubber button actually does, well, it's for starting the engine standing out of the cabin. One of the quirky details of this Bristol (and of very few other British cars of that era)

Bristol_403-1404_FIVA

It is interesting to see that Anthony 'Tony' Crook not only bolted a personal plaque to the bulkhead (above) and to the passenger's side sill (below) when he sold a second-hand Bristol ('403-1404' was sold new by University Motors in London) but quoted his own reference number for this car. That's a professional

Villa d'Este Style 2016, Villa La Massa, Firenze

The chassis number plate in 2012, before restoration

Bristol 403-1404 (1953)

The polished chassis number plate today, in its original position near the oil filter. Please note the correct 'Vokes' label on the filter, courtesy of Peter McGough


Bristol 403-1404 (1953)

Underside pics. No rust, just a little bit oily

Bristol 403 Alternator

The rebuilt alternator in its place


A nice old-style fuel filter is a reassuring thing

Bristol 403-1404 (1953)

'100A-3185', LH side

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'100A-3185', RH side


The Bristol key fob sold by BCL is very nice


May 2017: preparing for Villa d'Este


New windscreen wiper arms will be needed....


Looking around to see the origins of some little noises, Mimmo dismantled the wiper motor and found that the grease inside was very old (no surprise here...) and scarce too, so he cleaned everything, packed it with new grease and refitted it


Solex BI32 carb choke. Its control is quite hard and not progressive, we will have to find the way to make it better

Bristol 403 May 2017 pictures

The starting handle, repainted, in its clips inside the engine bay

Bristol 403 May 2017 pictures

The battery now has a proper leather cover

Bristol 403 May 2017 pictures

A 'vintage-style' battery will replace the modern one for a more proper look. It is custom made by Nettuno Accumulatori in Bologna

Bristol 403 May 2017 pictures

New, better shaped custom carpets. Still not what I want


Nettuno Accumulatori built a special vintage-looking battery with modern innards to fit exactly the ample battery space of the 403. It looks fine


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