Bristol 401/402 (1948 to 1953)

The Bristol 401 and 402 were produced from 1948 through 1953 and were derivatives of the Bristol 400. However, the 401 and 402 were significant advances in technology. The 401 was a two-door coupe and the 402 a convertible; together, the two were designed from the inspiration of Italian design firm Carrozzeria Touring. The 401/402 exemplified the movement toward more roomy interiors and ergonomics more conducive to aerodynamic performance. The exterior had concealed buttons for the door actuators, an improved inline-six engine based on the 400, and a manual transmission with four speeds. Production's end left a total of 611, 401 examples and only 23, 402 convertible cars by the end of 1953. The vehicles were succeeded by the Bristol 403 in 1953.