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1954 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Roadster Designer: Bertone |
The Bolide's were designed specifically for racing and they were rewarded with much success. At the 1955 Sebring 12 Hours race, the Arnolt Boldie's finished in first, second and fourth place in the two-liter class.
This 1954 Arnolt Bristol Bolide with coachwork by Bertone was shown at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007
 |  |  | Roadster Designer: Bertone Chassis Num: 3055 |
Arnolt produced a Bristol engiend car during the 1950's from their plant in Warsaw, Indiana making it, perhaps, the only American Bristol. Arnolt ceased operations in the mid 1960's. Arnolt built these 'specials' in conjunction with the coach builder Bertone.
| | | Roadster Designer: Bertone Chassis Num: 3055 |
The mechanical basis for the Arnolt-Bristol was a Bristol 404 chassis with a Bristol BS MK II Series engine of 130 horsepower. This chassis was bodied by Michelotti who created the actual design. There were a total of 142 cars produced with production beginning in 1953 and ending in the late 1950s. The model line-up included six coupes and the remained were Bolide or Deluxe Roadsters. The Bolide was advertised for $3,995.
The current owner of this Arnolt-Bristol Bolide, #3055, purchased the car in August of 1970. Although it has no known racing history, it has some very desirable options, including remote shifter mechanism, competition windscreen, and the very rare Borrani knock-off wheels, of which only ten sets were produced.
 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 404/X/3086 Engine Num: BS1/MKII/286 |
 |  |  | Roadster Designer: Bertone |
In 1955, the Arnolt Race Team fielded stock cars to race at Sebring and finished first, second and fourth in the two-liter class. With continued success, the Bristols were extensively raced in the 1950s through the early 1960s by private owners.
They now can be seen frequently participating in vintage racing events. To reduce weight, the hood and trunk were fabricated from aluminum.
An American engineer named Stanley Harold 'Wacky' Arnolt was working for Waukesha Engineering Company during 1939 when the company went bankrupt. As payment for the work Stanley had done, he was awarded a patent for an outboard motor. In two short years, Arnolt had purchased two factories and production of the 'Arnolt-SeaMite' engines for American Marine was in production day and night. As a result, Arnolt made a fortune. By the end of World War II, Wacky had six factories. He switched production from engines to domestic appliances.
Arnolt ordered 200 MG TD's from Nuccio Bertone. He sold all two-hundred in the United States as Arnolt-MGs. Though they may not have been extremely fast, they were exquisit to behold. This success inspired Arnolt to continue to purchase vehicles, outfit them using famous coachwork builders, and then re-sell them to the public.
Arnolt Bristol
During the early 1950's, Arnolt realized a market for sports cars in the United States. Using a Bristol 400 chassis, modifications were named and the result was dubbed the 404. In 1954, the Arnolt Bristol was in production and featured Bertone supplied bodies. They featured hand-formed steel body and aluminum-skinned hoods. The similarities between the Shelby Cobra's and the 'Bolide' are undeniable.
The 'Bolide' was a true racing bred sports car. Without a top, carpeting, windshield wipers, or adjustable seats, the car was void of amenities and very light-weight. A 'DeLux' option was available that included these items, different dashboard, and instruments in front of the driver.
The suspension was comprised of independently sprung front wheels, wishbone arms and a transverse multi-leaf spring and anti-roll bar. The steering was rack-and-pinion.
In 1955, an Arnolt Bristol finished first in class at the 12-Hours of Sebring. Two other Arnolts finished second and fourth. The racing team, owned by the Arnolt Company, went on to win its class at Sebring in 1956 and 1960. Privately owned Arnolt Bristols were frequently seen racing in SCCA E-Production classes.
In total, only 142 Arnolt Bristols were created. Three were coupes, a few were powered by Chevrolet V8's, and a few were all-aluminum bodied cars.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2007
Arnolt ordered 200 MG TD's from Nuccio Bertone. He sold all two-hundred in the United States as Arnolt-MGs. Though they may not have been extremely fast, they were exquisit to behold. This success inspired Arnolt to continue to purchase vehicles, outfit them using famous coachwork builders, and then re-sell them to the public.
Arnolt Bristol
During the early 1950's, Arnolt realized a market for sports cars in the United States. Using a Bristol 400 chassis, modifications were named and the result was dubbed the 404. In 1954, the Arnolt Bristol was in production and featured Bertone supplied bodies. They featured hand-formed steel body and aluminum-skinned hoods. The similarities between the Shelby Cobra's and the 'Bolide' are undeniable.
The 'Bolide' was a true racing bred sports car. Without a top, carpeting, windshield wipers, or adjustable seats, the car was void of amenities and very light-weight. A 'DeLux' option was available that included these items, different dashboard, and instruments in front of the driver.
The suspension was comprised of independently sprung front wheels, wishbone arms and a transverse multi-leaf spring and anti-roll bar. The steering was rack-and-pinion.
In 1955, an Arnolt Bristol finished first in class at the 12-Hours of Sebring. Two other Arnolts finished second and fourth. The racing team, owned by the Arnolt Company, went on to win its class at Sebring in 1956 and 1960. Privately owned Arnolt Bristols were frequently seen racing in SCCA E-Production classes.
In total, only 142 Arnolt Bristols were created. Three were coupes, a few were powered by Chevrolet V8's, and a few were all-aluminum bodied cars.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2007
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| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1954 |
| Jaguar XK-120 ($3,350-$4,000) |
Average Auction Sale: $99,330 |
| Arnolt-Bristol: 1951-1960 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Arnolt-Bristol History |
| Other models by Arnolt-Bristol |
| Bristol MG Bertone Coupe |
