1955 Arnolt-Bristol DeLuxe Convertible in Monterey, CA

Chassis No. 404/X/3077
Engine No. BS1 MKII 283

The Arnolt-Bristol was the inspired result of American ambition, British engineering, and Italian craftsmanship-a transatlantic collaboration led by Stanley H. "Wacky" Arnolt. Designed with performance and elegance in mind, the car featured advanced aerodynamic principles and a featherweight chassis, giving it an exceptional power-to-weight ratio in the two-liter class. Built on the Bristol 404 platform and bodied by Bertone, the Arnolt-Bristol maintained exceptional road-holding through the curves and exhibited powerful braking for the era.

Offered in three configurations-Roadster, Coupe, and the more refined Deluxe Convertible-the Deluxe model combined performance with luxury. It featured inset headlamps, a sloping hood, and streamlined fenders, along with deep-cushioned bucket seats and a finely upholstered interior in crushed-grain leather. With superb handling and distinctive styling, the Arnolt-Bristol Deluxe appealed to both spirited drivers and connoisseurs of fine automobiles, with S. H. Arnolt's period advertising calling it "the world's most distinguished sports car."

It is believed that Arnolt-Bristol chassis number 3077 was raced very early in its life by Virginia Schleicher. Schleicher, who raced an MG TD in 1954, is reported to have been behind the wheel of this DeLuxe Convertible with start number 188 at Watkins Glen for the Seneca Cup races during the 1955 Grand Prix weekend-the last such races at The Glen on public roads. The Arnolt-Bristol was later acquired by Michael Arnolt, the son of company founder Stanley "Wacky" Arnolt. Few can claim to have owned a production automobile built by a family member-let alone one crafted under the direction of their own father! In 2019, Michael Arnolt parted ways with his Arnolt-Bristol, selling it to the current owner - a devoted enthusiast of the marque himself, who at one time owned a half-dozen Arnolt-Bristols!

Upon acquisition, the decision was made to embark on a full and comprehensive restoration. Images and invoices on file totaling well-over $100,000 from 2019 to 2022 detail the painstaking effort to fully return the rare DeLuxe to better-than-new condition. M.C. Bodyworks conducted the restoration to the Bertone aluminum body which was taken down to bare metal with thorough rust repairs before metal finishing and applying the silver metallic paint with a red central racing stripe that carries through to the cockpit on the dashboard. U.K.-based INRacing supplied new Bristol engine components to Automotive Machine Shop who expertly rebuilt the 2.0-liter straight-six. Red Car Restorations handled the assembly of the car with innumerable sundry components sourced and restored with the result one of passion for the marque and exceptional attention to detail throughout. Finally, a set of Borrani-style wheels were added to the car, identical to period optional units fitted to a very few Arnolt-Bristols - further enhancing both this example's beauty and accentuating its sporting character. Beautifully finished and mechanically freshened, chassis 3077 is a standout example of this postwar Anglo-Italian-American collaboration. It is eligible for premier historic touring events such as the California Mille and Colorado Grand, and with the delightful power curve and sounds emanating from its Bristol straight six, we suspect every mile will be a joy.