Chassis Number: 40615299
“The Bristol Zagato Grand Touring model is designed to cater for those who desire an even faster car than the standard type 406 saloon. The Bristol Zagato is lighter and smaller, with a tuned version of the 406 Bristol engine. The lightweight 2-door coachwork has been built to the requirements of Anthony Crook Motors Limited by Zagato of Milan, Italy, who have been famous coachbuilders for half a century, mainly in the field of high-performance cars. The emphasis has been placed on providing extra speed without impairing reliability or flexibility and whilst still retaining reasonable rear-seat accommodation — a feature normally lacking in Grand Touring saloons.” — Anthony Crook Motors
Last of the 6-cylinder Bristols, the 406 was made between 1958 and 1961, though the basic steel-framed, alloy-paneled superstructure would be carried over to its V8-engined 407 successor. Bristol’s BMW-based engine was extensively revised and enlarged to 2.2 liters for the 406. As a result, power went up to 130 hp and flexibility increased, while other improvements included servo-assisted Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels and self-canceling overdrive as standard.
Bristol had commissioned Carrozzeria Zagato to build a limited series of lightweight 4-seater cars on the 406 chassis in October 1959, six of which, plus a solitary 2-seater, had been completed by the time production ceased. Weighing 2,436 pounds, the Zagato was a whopping 574 pounds lighter than the stock 406, as well as 11 inches shorter and five inches lower, with commensurate gains in both acceleration and top speed.
