1954 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide Roadster

The 1950s were a particularly good decade for sports cars: the booming post-WWII economy and lack of stringent regulations fostered innovations and possibilities.

The Arnolt Bristol was conceived by Stanley Harold 'Wacky' Arnolt and combined a British chassis and running gear with Italian style and construction. Production lasted from 1954 through 1959, and the design was successful enough to take a class win at the 1955 Sebring 12 Hours.

They were powered by a 2-liter Bristol sports-racing inline six-cylinder engine with three carburetors, producing 130 horsepower. The modified Bristol 404 chassis and engine were built in England, and the body was fitted by the prestigious Gruppo Bertone design house in Italy.

Bertone's new designer Franco Scaglione, who would go on to create the famous aerodynamic Alfa Romeo B.A.T. concept car, was in charge of the Arnolt Bristol's styling. He added a hood scoop and sharply creased fender lines to draw the eye away from the high peak in the hood necessitated by the three Solex carburetors.

Four body styles were offered: a stripped road racer, a slightly better-equipped Bolide racer; a Deluxe version with side windows and a convertible top and a glove box; and a coupe with pop-up headlights.