1954 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide

Sold for $401,000 at 2018 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island.
Sold for $329,500 at 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey.
This Arnolt-Bristol Bolide was used by the factory as a Works competition racer and is one of only two equipped originally with front disc brakes and is equipped with a remote shifter. It was delivered to Arnolt on June 20th of 1954 with modifications and preparations commencing soon after in preparation for the following season. Arnolt was able to convince Rene Dreyfus to come out of retirement and manage the team of three Arnolt-Bristols at the Sebring 12-Hour race. The cars finished 1st, 2nd, and 4th in the 2-liter class, with the 3rd place going to the Morgan-Triumph of Rothschild. That year, the Arnolt-Bristols were awarded the Team Trophy, and again in 1956 and 1960.

In 1963, the car was sold to privateer Richard Milburn. He was active on the Canadian circuit and raced the Arnolt-Bristol in three early Canadian Grand Prix, placing on the podium each time before winning championship honors from the Canadian Automobile Sports Club in 1965.

The car later came into the care of Thomas Mittler, who used it as his main racer for his early vintage career. In 1985, at the Sebring vintage race, the original block was cracked. It was replaced by a factory-original unnumbered factory block sourced from Arnolt's son. This block is currently installed in the car, while the now-repaired original block still accompanies the vehicle, along with a number of spare parts.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018