1955 Arnolt-Bristol MG Coupe

Nuccio Bertone used a pair of MG TD frames and clothed them with a coupe body designed by designer Franco Scaglione. The cars made their debut in Turin in 1952 where they caught the attention of American industrialist S.H. 'Wacky' Arnolt. A deal was struck for production versions, and the first examples were on display in New York in 1953.

In a similar fashion to Bertone's cars, the Arnolt versions utilized the MG TD chassis and an XPAG engine that developed nearly 55 horsepower. Arnolt planned on producing 200 examples with a price tag of $3,145, but MG phased out the TD chassis and engines in favor of the new TF. In total, just 103 Arnolt MGs were produced, with 67 being coupes and 36 convertibles.

This 1955 Arnolt MG Coupe is one of the last examples produced. The original owner was Maurice Stein, an alto-saxophone jazz musician. The next owner was Gene Ponder who kept it until 2007.

The car is finished in maroon with a matching leather interior and a tan headliner. It has an optional Motorola radio and a set of Borrani wire wheels with special Arnolt knock-offs. Power is from a 1250cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors and a belt-driven Shorrock supercharger with seven psi of boost. The odometer reads just 377 miles, which is believed to be correct since the restoration was completed.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the RM Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $38,500 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2011