For Sale: 1954 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide in Saint Louis, Missouri

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