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
