Chassis No. 404/X/3058

Arnolt-Bristol No. AR/BR5859C

Engine No. BS1/MkII/259

The aftermath of World War II had left Italy's industrial landscape in turmoil, with legendary names like Vignale, Bertone, Michelotti, Scaglietti, and Zagato grappling with severe inflation and supply shortages. It was against this backdrop of economic uncertainty that the 1951 Geneva Salon saw Carrozzeria Bertone take a calculated risk, acquiring two MG TD chassis to showcase their coachbuilding expertise. The resulting creations-one coupe and one convertible-were enough to capture the attention of charismatic American industrialist Stanley Harold "Wacky" Arnolt II, cutting an unmistakable silhouette in his Stetson hat and cowboy boots, who approached Nuccio Bertone with a proposition-to purchase both show cars on the spot and commission an additional 200 units.

Having effectively saved Bertone from bankruptcy, Arnolt leveraged his Chicago dealership and new seat on the Bertone Board of Directors to pick the chassis for his next project, settling on the exclusive Bristol 404 introduced in October 1953. Its compact chassis paired with the company's BMW-based 1,971-cc inline-six, four-speed gearbox, and transverse leaf and torsion bar suspension made it an ideal foundation for Arnolt's vision. Arnolt made the substantial commitment of ordering several chassis while simultaneously commissioning Bertone to create the coachwork, with plans to retail the finished cars through his dealership at $4,500.

Bertone designer Franco Scaglione, given complete creative freedom, produced a truly distinctive automobile characterized by inset headlights and sharply defined fender lines. He ingeniously addressed the challenge posed by the Bristol engine's height, while maintaining restrained, uncluttered lines throughout, featuring only essential badges and functional elements such as wing vents and a hood intake. The road/race Bolide configuration emphasized sporting purity, omitting weather protection and bumpers, though customers could specify these amenities for an additional $650 in Deluxe trim. For buyers with deep pockets, a rare Coupe variant commanded $5,995.

The final production tally reached 142 vehicles, though a warehouse fire in Chicago claimed 12 roadsters. Research indicates that of the 130 cars delivered, approximately 85 survive today. Period road tests lavished praise on the Arnolt-Bristol, particularly reveling in its performance, handling, and agility. This sporting prowess was validated through numerous competition successes in the 1950s and '60s, including dominance at the 1956 12 Hours of Sebring, securing first, second, and fourth in the 2.0-liter class.

This particular Bolide, chassis number 3058, was one of the last cars sold by Arnolt. Prior to its sale, it is thought to have served as a factory reserve race car for several years, although any actual competition history remains unverified. The car was then sold in October of 1959 to Arthur Lancett of Continental Motors in Reading, Ohio. It was delivered in primer, so the new owner had a choice of color combination. Beyond its racing-focused Bolide specification, the car was also accompanied by factory-supplied equipment that could adapt it for street and rally use. Some of these included a convertible top frame, side windows, and heater kit, all carefully preserved to this day. Lancett showcased chassis number 3058 at numerous Midwest racing events, then presented it in his showroom for several decades.

On 16 October 1987-days ahead of the "Black Monday" stock market crash-a local collector, Dr. Ted Bernstein, acquired the Bolide from Continental Motors. Owing to its sparing use, the original components remained remarkably well-preserved. Subsequently, he initiated a comprehensive restoration in the early 2000s to concours standards. Dr. Bernstein's attention to detail and precision resulted in a complete "nut-and-bolt" restoration encompassing all mechanical and cosmetic components. An avid vintage racer, Dr. Bernstein prepared the car for participation by adding a contemporary fuel cell and fire suppression system. A roll cage, included, was also fit for usage if desired.

Since restoration, the car has been successfully shown but never raced. As vintage racing and rally enjoyment will surely entertain its new owner, the car received a mechanical refurbishment in preparation for the sale. This included rebuilding of the carburetors, fuel pump, and braking systems. A significant Anglo-American collaboration from the Golden Age of sportscar manufacturing, it is offered with extensive documentation and manuals. Showing just 14,579 miles at the time of cataloging, this spectacular Bolide is primed for some of the most prominent driving and concours events worldwide.