| BRISTOL 401
In 1946, the Bristol Aeroplane Company, one of the world's most successful aviation manufacturers diversified into car manufacture. In 1960 it was persuaded to join with others to form the British Aircraft Corporation (later British Aerospace). At that time the car division (Bristol Cars Ltd) passed into private hands. Bristol Cars claim that their staff is still drawn from an aviation background "to ensure that they are steeped in the traditions of superior engineering, unimpeachable quality and a total devotion to safety".
Today, the company claims to pursue a mindset that designs and builds cars with a useful life of many decades in mind. Bristol Cars are the only luxury car manufacturer that remains in private British hands.
The Bristol 401, a development of the 400 series with a more aerodynamic body, was constructed on a strong steel chassis using aluminium bodywork on a "superleggera" frame. It was known as the "Gentleman's Express" | 
