Vehicle Description
In the immediate aftermath of World War II, Italy's industrial
sector faced significant disruption. Economic instability, high
inflation, and severe shortages in raw materials challenged even
the most established coachbuilders, including Vignale, Bertone,
Michelotti, Scaglietti, and Zagato. It was during this difficult
period that Carrozzeria Bertone made a pivotal move at the 1951
Geneva Motor Show, acquiring two MG TD chassis to demonstrate their
design capabilities. The resulting creations-a coupe and a
convertible-drew considerable attention, most notably from American
industrialist Stanley Harold "Wacky" Arnolt II. A distinctive
figure known for his Stetson hat and cowboy boots, Arnolt offered
to purchase both vehicles on the spot and commissioned an
additional 200 units, a proposal that would mark the beginning of a
unique transatlantic partnership.Arnolt had earned his nickname
following a solo, fog-shrouded crossing of Lake Michigan in a
14-foot boat-an early indication of his adventurous spirit. He
built his fortune during World War II by supplying marine engines
and, by 1952, had become a regional distributor for British Motor
Corporation products and the U.S. importer for Bristol cars.
Arnolt's financial backing provided critical support for Bertone,
effectively rescuing the company from the brink of insolvency.
Leveraging his Chicago-based dealership and newfound seat on the
Bertone board, Arnolt selected the recently introduced Bristol 404
chassis as the basis for his next venture.Unveiled in October 1953,
the Bristol 404 featured a compact wheelbase and was powered by the
marque's BMW-derived 1,971cc inline-six engine paired with a
four-speed gearbox. The car utilized a transverse leaf and torsion
bar suspension, providing an agile and balanced platform ideal for
Arnolt's project. He placed an initial order for several chassis
and contracted Bertone to develop the coachwork, which would be
sold through his dealership at a base price of $4,500.Bertone
designer Franco Scaglione was given free rein to execute the design
and responded with a clean, purpose-built form defined by deeply
inset headlights and sharply creased fender lines. To accommodate
the tall Bristol engine, Scaglione devised a subtle hood bulge
while maintaining a low, elegant profile. The Bolide
variant-designed with competition in mind-was stripped of weather
gear and bumpers, emphasizing performance and light weight.
Customers could opt for a more comfort-oriented "Deluxe" version
with weather equipment and additional trim for $650, while a
limited number of Coupe versions were offered at $5,995.In total,
142 Arnolt-Bristols were produced. However, 12 roadsters were lost
in a warehouse fire in Chicago, bringing the final delivery number
to approximately 130. Of those, an estimated 85 examples are known
to survive. Contemporary road tests praised the car's performance
and handling, and the Arnolt-Bristol quickly established a
reputation on the track. Its most notable achievement came at the
1956 12 Hours of Sebring, where it secured 1st, 2nd, and 4th place
in the 2.0-liter class.The car on offer, number 5859/C, chassis
number 3058, engine number 259, is one of the final examples sold
by Arnolt. Prior to its sale, it is believed to have served as a
factory reserve race car, although no competition history has been
confirmed. In October 1959, it was delivered in primer to Arthur
Lancett of Continental Motors in Reading, Ohio, who was allowed to
select the final color scheme. In addition to its Bolide
specification, the car came with optional equipment-convertible top
frame, side windows, and heater kit-enabling adaptation for street
or rally use. These components remain with the car today. Lancett
exhibited 3058 at numerous racing events throughout the Midwest
before it spent many years on display in his showroom.On October
16, 1987, just days before the Black Monday stock market crash, Dr.
Ted Bernstein, a local collector, purchased the car from
Continental Motors. Benefiting from limited use, the vehicle
retained a high degree of originality, including its BS1 engine
#259. In the early 2000s, Dr. Bernstein commissioned a
comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration to concours standards. The
restoration addressed all mechanical and cosmetic elements with an
emphasis on authenticity and period correctness. As an active
vintage racer, Dr. Bernstein outfitted the car with a modern fuel
cell, fire suppression system, and included a removable roll cage
for potential track use. Since its restoration, chassis 3058 has
been shown but never raced. Far rarer than period alternatives from
marques such as Jaguar or Austin-Healey, the Arnolt-Bristol Bolide
remains a distinctive Anglo-Italian creation-designed by Franco
Scaglione and engineered for spirited performance. It is eligible
for premier historic racing and rally events, including the Mille
Miglia Storica.A significant Anglo-American collaboration from the
Golden Age of sportscar manufacturing, it is offered with extensive
documentation and manuals. Showing just 14,579 believed to be
original miles, this spectacular Bolide is primed for some of the
most prominent driving and concours events worldwide.Offers welcome
and trades considered For additional details please view this
listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7885-1954-arnolt-bristol-bertone-bolide/
