Enjoy Pastoral Smells In The 1955 Bristol 403 - Jay Leno's Garage

The Bristol 403 is an understated yet proper motor car that is appointed with superleggera construction, aircraft styling, aerodynamic shape, and is the most British car of all the British cars.
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Hosted by legendary comedian and “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, the series explores our obsession with all things automotive. From classic cars to supercars and everything in-between, Jay is hitting the road to discover the most exciting, weird and wonderful vehicles ever made and meet the passionate people behind their wheels. Each one-hour themed episode features a mix of stunts, challenges, reviews, and celebrity interviews that showcases the colorful history of the automobile. Whether he’s exploring the story of an iconic brand, road-testing the newest super car, or investigating the latest automotive innovations, there is no wheel Jay won’t get behind to tell the story of our love affair with the car.
About Jay Leno: Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist…it’s no wonder that Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.”
Enjoy Pastoral Smells In The 1955 Bristol 403 - Jay Leno's Garage
• Enjoy Pastoral Smells ...
Jay Leno's Garage
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[@spyonthesoftparade]

The automotive community is so lucky to have Jay Leno letting us experience his collection.

[@murrieteacher]

True, but it also allows him to include the maintenance costs of the cars as a tax deduction. Very clever.

[@Alfsrapedungeon]

@@murrieteacher thats a good thing lol, anything to pay less tax.. taxation is theft ;p

[@Onemore59]

@@murrieteacher You don't know any accountants and you must be poor. Not clever. Typical accounting practices. If you ever own your own business you will take advantage of all the deductions. Accounting Practices are a huge secret to 90% of the people on the planet. NOT CLEVER. Completely normal.

[@Onemore59]

@@Alfsrapedungeon IDIOT. The countries with the highest taxes in the world have the best quality of life and the longest living and healthiest and happiest people. Stupid and wrong. You don't own your own business and you are poor. If you ever find yourself successful and make some money you will hire a CPA and you will treat them like your God.

[@murrieteacher]

@@Onemore59 Why do I need to know an accountant? I have staff to look after that. Your arrogance is a product of your insularity.

[@amirrashkan6216]

Watching Jay Leno's garage is like a therapy...,

[@a.castillo2190]

It seriously is. Been overly stressed the last few months but when I watch these videos I can escape for just a little bit and feel the stress go away.

[@crystalclear5684]

Have always appreciated Mr Leno...our classic car guru, and a lovely, kind, and very intelligent guy! Listening to you is healing..... Thank you Jay💛😎💛

[@barisondude7673]

While I have dinner or before bed. I just make it a point to watch any new uploads. It is therapy for anyone who appreciates cars 🙏

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I agree.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@Fredrik Larsson Absolutely! It's impossible to watch every episode and not enjoy them and learn something new and different about a car.

[@mazdamaniac4643]

You know, when I was a kid going to car auctions with my dad here in the UK, I was confused when I'd see my dad look at an old rundown Bristol with this dampened smile on his face. I'd ask him why he'd smile like that and he said "Son, that's a beautiful car that has no right being in a place like this." It dawned on me years later when I was a bit older and wiser, that he loved that Bristol. He understood what it meant and what it stood for, he wanted to free it from it's fate and give it a good home, but we never had the money back then for stuff like that. He was happy for seeing such a beautifully understated car, but saddened to see the poor state it was in.

[@Beeza56]

I know exactly what you’re talking about, my Dad was the same. Always loved Bristols although you very rarely saw them on the roads in England, even in the early ‘60’s. Superb motor cars.

[@dadautube]

well, surely the buyers in such auctions knew what they were after and would buy it for restoration or parts at least to be used on another Bristol in a better shape, not for the junk yard ...

[@Lasertrac]

sounds like you had an awesome father

[@wallochdm1]

The difference between "aircraft standards" and mass-produced automobiles cannot be overstated. I think Jay did a great job of illustrating how vast the quality gap can be. An amazing example of craftsmanship and engineering.

[@fredshred5194]

Well the fact that when the engine stops you don't fall out the sky may have something to do with it.

[@johnwight6041]

100% agreed. Aircraft are on a completely different level with respect to reliability simplicity robustness and ease of maintenance

[@wallochdm1]

@@johnwight6041 I would love to have one of these. Remarkable vehicle.

[@jeremytravis360]

My father always wanted a Bristol. He was a pilot in the RAF during the war and flew Bristol Beaufighters amongst many planes. He liked they way they used to make the car to measure. He ended up with a Wolseley 690 instead because he had 5 Kids.

[@mrtomatolord]

well whenever i see a lambo or ferrari or other high end car - i look at my kid and take a breath and they go yeah yeah dad. we know you could have had that car but you had me instead....

[@FourDollaRacing]

Must be a true story, because Jay Leno has a Bristol and ZERO kids....

[@andrewread154]

No shame on owning a 6/90. They were a good car in their day

[@jeremytravis360]

@@andrewread154 I know they were a good cars and he kept it till 1962

[@debschaefer7820]

I had to go check out the Bristol Beaufighter online. What did the person who sat in that little bubble in the middle of the plane do? I couldn't see from photos if they had a gun or not.

[@beendoneagain]

Jay is the one celebrity i can appreciate and respect. i love his passion for cars.

[@pfflyer3381]

And passion about the people. The caretakers past. as he, the "custodian"

[@autodidact537]

The only problem is that he is getting old & he constantly repeats himself which is too bad.

[@kingspanky2794]

@@autodidact537 that's just life in front of the camera. He's just a human like the rest of us.

[@ArthurZakaryan23]

@@autodidact537 True that he does repeat himself but I don't mind, to me it's Jay's passion and enthusiasm that comes through and any car guy should appreciate that.

[@weirdbeardgarage]

@@autodidact537 It wouldn't be a problem if the editor would catch that too... But I personally don't notice it that much, he is 70 years old after all.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I don't know how many times I've watched this episode. I just love that car. And the way Jay speaks of it makes it all the better.

[@mikewingert5521]

Correct. Me too. It’s a delicious motor car and the only car, as a man indifferent to cars that I am envious of ownership….🇬🇧

[@olspanner]

When I was 14 years old, in Melbourne , Australia the Dealership next to where I worked sold Citroen and Bristol vehicles. I remember, the day, I first saw a Bristol 403 in their showroom, the very same colour as your car. I thought at that time, and still do , that it was the most beautiful car I had ever laid eyes on. And now I have watched your video , which provided such an informative insight to the car of my dreams , I thank you. I am now 81 yo.

[@Mike-br8zt]

I last saw this car in NSW (Camden area).

[@FastNBulbous]

Leave it Jay to make me want a car that I have literally never heard of.

[@Caplax40]

You might enjoy this video of their later Fighter model. Viper V10 powered! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqqbpZ2ja6akoac

[@dwightbetten5280]

That's right the mascara snake, fastandbulbous.

[@FastNBulbous]

@@dwightbetten5280 Also, a tin teardrop.

[@grazianop2706]

Me too.

[@afrog2666]

Hehe, nice one

[@mrawesome2524]

This style of video where Jay talks to everyone like a proud uncle showing things he loves for us to enjoy is simply the best! Thank you Jay!

[@TXGRunner]

Very apt analogy. Good description.

[@robert9754]

My father was a huge fan of leno, and he really does feel like an uncle to me

[@johnetherington782]

As some of you may already know, Bristol Cars went into receivership look last year. All the tools etc went to auction as did a number of cars described as "restoration projects". The Bristol showroom in London (Knightsbridge) also went under the hammer. Luckily for those who are fortunate to own a Bristol there seem to a number of specialists in the UK who can and do maintain these cars.

[@leeonardodienfield402]

all western manufacturing will be killed. that is the plan.

[@colnuttall9035]

The Bristol company and its cars hark back to a different era, when your word was your bond. An era when service was a pleasure and hedonism was unheard of. Now it seem that everybody is screaming their so called virtues, shameless self promotion is the norm and narcissism is far too common. There was an art form in succinct language usage and understated elegance. Bristol car evoke all the things we quietly aspired to. We admired someone for having a nice car, rather than envied them to the point of hatred and vandalism. The world has changed and I have a theory that the cars on offer reflect us. Cars are often so similar, because nobody wants to take a risk and ruin the money making formula. I adore Bristol cars for all the reasons I mention. The understated great engineering and not working to a cost. The minimalistic elegance, known only to the cognoscenti. Great video Jay, as always . From an Englishman living in Australia.

[@avp217]

I used to subscribe to Autocar in the '70s, even though I'm American. My neighbor, who used to own a Morris Minor and a Morgan, turned me on to it. I enjoyed the writing of LJK Setright. (The magazine came in a manila envelope, and they suffixed my name with "ESQ" even though I was a teen at the time. That struck me as sooo English!)

[@chrissometimes7473]

@M Bacon He was actually a qualified lawyer but didn't enjoy it as a career, so he changed to automotive journalism.

[@NickRatnieks]

Back in the 1950s when the Bristol Aeroplane Company was making your car, elsewhere in the company's plants, they were making the Bristol Olympus turbojet that powered the Vulcan bomber and later the Concorde.

[@slimjimjohn4671]

Vulcan Bomber. What a beautiful aircraft.

[@washubrain]

Apart from the great pleasure we all derive from magnificent Jay's collection, I have a word to say about the way he presents these beauties. The relaxing manner and calm voice with some nostalgic vibes to it, contribute greatly to the experience from these videos. Thank you Jay, hope to see many more videos of yours in the years to come.

[@JohnWilliams-hw9yn]

I saw my first 403 on the road last weekend. It was absolutely stunning, and despite being nearly seventy years old the guy behind the wheel drove it through roundabouts like it was a low flying plane. I wish that more tv was made like this. Beautifully shot and edited, just letting the subject and the presenter, all with terrible music that just annoys. Fantastic.

[@ColinHarvey78]

What a beautiful, understated and elegant car. A bit like Jay’s talks on these cars - a class act.

[@mescko]

That was Bristol.

[@sixstrings1490]

Had to put my bib on to watch the video, very envious of Jay Leno but grateful for his excellent review a novelty to see him drive a RHD British car too ! What a sweet old ride ! 😎

[@martiniv8924]

My dads wartime buddy had a 403 , the last time we all met was in the early 80’s at a club meet in Warwickshire, Beautiful car 👌🏻🧐 ....... LJK Setright was pure class as a journalist, both motorcycles and cars .

[@peterwalley2355]

Totally agree with you about Setright - I loved reading his musings on cars & motorcycles👍

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

As a teenager, I remember coveting that Honda/Egli CBX that he had, as well as his penchant for all things prosaic.

[@gazfish]

LJK was so eloquent, nobody since has matched him

[@silvereith]

Long John Kickstart had his betes noirs as well as his loves. However well the Porsche 911 was developed he could not forgive its engine placement and slated even the very best examples.

[@martiniv8924]

@@silvereith yes I seem to remember he had some disdain for the 911’s layout, I can forgive him for being wrong on that one 😉

[@Silver3ides]

I got called to the factory in Patchway, Bristol about 20-25 'ish yrs to sort the alarm out , We chased a bloody Pigeon from one end to the other for about an hour :) ..What an amazing place it was ,with the original tooling , panels all done by hand , not a robot around .. suspended it time it was , Wood panel office's , vintage filing cabinets with the drawings in .Jon, Bristol UK

[@3milyeagle]

I'm from the UK and can vouch for the undersold nature of these cars. I would go as far to say that most people in the UK have not heard of Bristol Cars, and most of the people who have don't know much about them. I might never aspire to own one, but I think it is such a great shame to lose yet another unique car manufacturer. Thank you for the excellent review. :-)

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

LJK Setright was probably the best English writer about motor cars, motorcycles and even aircraft. He was a brilliant and engaging writer with boundless technical knowledge and a plethoric, creative mind. A man to remember. He must have about 100 or more books, not counting his magazine contributions.

[@stevedickson5853]

Setright...a fitting name

[@cerealtiller]

His Affectionate Nickname was IIRC NGK Sparkright?

[@slimjimjohn4671]

I certainly miss his endpieces at Car And Driver. What a writer.

[@kneedeepinbluebells5538]

" ... plethoric ... " Wonderful Adjective - Bravo Sir !

[@lfo414]

His pontifications and his supposed justifications for his biases were legendary. He was quite delightfully mad.

[@JoakimMiller67]

Cannot express how much we love what Jay does for automobile history, all car lovers thank you so much.

[@spike7038]

So true…..can watch these all day.

[@haroldgodwinson832]

That is one hell of a beautiful car! My Dad used to fly in Bristol Beauforts and Beaufighters in WW 2. He would have loved this car. Oh and by the way; the Bristol Centaurus wasn't an aircraft; it was an aircraft engine.

[@billcobbett9259]

Thank you for namechecking Setright, one of the best motoring writers of all time. I still remember his pieces in 'CAR' magazine.

[@paulreilly3904]

Me too, I remember his pieces about Honda's and especially his admiration for the Toyota Soarer, amongst many others. We are very lucky to have had the benefit of his knowledge and literacy.

[@kevgermany]

Loved his pieces in Bike magazine as well.

[@alexlang5649]

It's great when Jay starts pulling out the owner's manuals...

[@paulm6481]

Why?

[@simonlloyd7557]

'do not drink contents of battery'.

[@geoffcalleeney8403]

@@paulm6481 I'd imagine its a bit like toys in their original packaging. Not only does Jay have the car in pristine condition for its age. It also still has with it the original owners manual. Obviously the comparisons Jay makes in the video is valid as well, cars these days are more so rented to the consumer than owned with how much information companies restrict about the car.

[@nellfuncky305]

Yes, cool the way the manual comes in the same colour as the bodywork .

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I love the sound of that engine. That exhaust is perfectly tuned for it

[@ericbrunner4140]

I take it that the shoulder belt was original to the car? If so, another example of aircraft philosophy. Jay, thanks for showing us this car that I previously knew nothing about.

[@rupert.redboots]

Thank you for presenting and describing this wonderful Bristol so well. My late father, an artist, designer and forward thinker, once had one, and they've been a family favourite ever since. You have brought to life, my father's vision and experience of owning and driving one, which is fantastic. Thank you for your enthusiasm.

[@dracula-dead]

Something so "family" as Jay ages and we along with him. Life in it's simplest form.

[@13thdukeofwybourne69]

As a young lad growing up in England, I was always partial to Bristols. In fact I still admire them today.

[@L0stJ0hnny]

It's always nice to see one - even better if there's a pair.

[@jimififul]

@@L0stJ0hnny Naughty boy! Lost on our American cousins I fear!

[@MrOlgrumpy]

Agreed,a fine pair of Bristols is a sight to behold ! or beholden or -----

[@geriatricmotorcars9516]

As a kid growing up in London I would get the tube train into the city ' In remember in the early seventies Going to the Earls court motor show , and less than a mile up the road Was the Bristol Showroom They only had one 🤣 They were low numbers hand made And in instilled me that they were a cut above anything else ' Reserved for gentry and somebodies' I need not apply :) Sad demise about 10 years ago when they ceased trading . Fond memories , of when British was best 👏

[@geriatricmotorcars9516]

Beautiful Thanks Jay Bravo

[@scotsman46]

I love how you appreciate the Bristol. In the 1960's, our local village vet in Scotland drove nothing but Bristol cars.

[@nicfewer8393]

Our doctor here in Waterford, Ireland, too!

[@kevgermany]

And all the customers objected to his fees...

[@Rasscasse]

Definitely shows how much money there was in being in the vet business!

[@metubeochannel]

Really loved this car, thank you Jay for showing it to us. I'm glad you enjoy driving it around, it's good to see it used by someone who appreciates its qualities.

[@DJ-xl8xh]

Thank you Jay!! Anyone who wants to correct or criticize Jay on any issue should do so with courtesy and respect for what he does in presenting these treasures in a fun and friendly informative manner ..... “Thank you Jay!!”👍

[@christophernewman5027]

Thank you, Jay, for the best way to start 2021. 😊 I worked for Bristol at Filton from '79 to '85 and this brought back many happy memories. We used the Bristol engine until the 406; every Bristol from then used American engines from Chrysler. By the way, the vast majority of people in the UK have never heard of Bristol Cars and will probably never see one in their lives so God knows what they make of it over in the USA! Also, you mentioned the superleggera construction. What you neglected to say was that the body panels were all handmade from aluminium. When it was up on the ramp, you could also have pointed out the torsion bar rear suspension. 😊

[@orwellknew9112]

I thought I saw torsion bars. Jay missed a few things, but there was already so much he found interesting. Obviously he is a big fan.

[@lesliesutherland4080]

When we were kids we could look out our front window and see the factory!

[@liverush24]

It handles so well for a car with no handles.

[@VitalityMassage]

18:07 It even SOUNDS like an airplane!

[@TheFastrider76]

Hahahaha 😆

[@zelphx]

It just blows me away... how can ANYONE give any of Jay's videos a thumbs down? As it stands now, I see 131 of them; these "viewers" must be very demented.

[@craigcolavito5606]

The stories of the Bristol showroom and buying experiences are legendary.

[@iancarr8682]

The only Bristol car showroom was in London and their demonstrator had the number plate reading 100MPH, class

[@flappospammo]

I recall the time Michael winner came up to the door and Tony crook flipped the sign round to closed 😂

[@sevensupersport]

The steering apparatus in aircraft is called the Yoke. Bristol also made the body shells for the Lotus Elite, which is a beautiful delicate car that is missing from your collection Mr Leno

[@gonefishing9350]

And that was not a joke.....

[@jasonhensch4703]

sevensupersport Is that like a rack? It kinda looked like it I noticed

[@francoismontresmecaniques7082]

Agreed the Elite is a major car in automobile history. That being said, I would love to see a video of the black Talbot Lago. Another magnificent car.

[@cathalfolan8441]

I think he has an elise? he definitely has an elan

[@moyadapne968]

@@jasonhensch4703 The yoke is the control column in a 'plane. The rack (and pinion) is the steering on some cars. This Bristol appears to have one.

[@thetooner8203]

I wasn't having a good day but a virtual tour of and ride in your Bristol with you turned it around. Thank you Mr. Leno.

[@Ampex196]

The shots of the underside had me scratching my head for a brief moment. I've never seen lever arm and telescopic shocks used together like this with torsion bars. When we get to the front, the transverse leaf spring comes as another surprise. For 1955, it would have been advanced. Michelin X were the first radial ply tyres that most would encounter back in the day when crossplies ruled.

[@555Trout]

A car I know nothing about. That is one of the most beautiful colors I've ever seen on a car.

[@vicjones3992]

Ruby red

[@555Trout]

@@vicjones3992 I was reading they only made three cars a week!

[@Rasscasse]

I very strongly agree, it’s a stunning colour.

[@mikewysko2268]

Bristol sleeve valve aircraft engines were a masterpiece of engineering.

[@andyharman3022]

I wish that Bristol had built their auto engines with sleeve valves.

[@hazeljones5272]

W A N T • S Ę Х • My name is Rita ! So Rita do you have nice Bristols

[@yinyangja]

@@hazeljones5272 I've been reporting Rita to keep Jay's comment section decent.

[@autodidact537]

Sleeve-valve engines burned too much oil because of the poor sealing.

[@andyharman3022]

@@autodidact537 Are you thinking of the Willys-Overland double sleeve valves, or the Burt-McCollum single sleeve valve?

[@donhathaway3234]

Of all the cars you have presented to us over the years, this one really piques my interest in knowing how it feels to dive one. Your ability to describe how it feels makes me sad that I’ll never share that experience.

[@odnetnin4720]

Part of the magic Jay had with this show….it’s primarily him talking, but it feels like your having a conversation with him as he goes through the vehicles. Very interesting to watch and feel involved.

[@colehara]

The old owners manual told you how to adjust the valves on the engine. Today's owners manual warns you not to drink the contents of the battery.

[@worldtraveler930]

It's a shame that it's Such a True statement.

[@johnrebus1641]

That's because people who drive modern cars really are that stupid ! A lot of Bristol owners would have been smart enough to do their own maintenance. Pilots actually had to know how to fly aeroplanes then.

[@alex35agm]

Cars have gotten smarter but the owners have gotten dumber.

[@lawrencelewis8105]

I once read the owner's manual of a 1960 Porsche 356 that I was involved in restoring. It just about told you how to rebuild the engine. The introduction said something like, "Thanks for choosing a new Porsche 356, it shows that you are no freshman when it comes to sports cars." Yeah, you are a guy who likes to go off the road backwards, roll over, hit trees and die.

[@mastrofnone8025]

And people say there is no dumbing down going on in America.

[@deecee784]

Understated Elegance. That's what was told to me about Bristol's by a Bristol owner.

[@firstnamelastname8060]

It's important to note that the Superleggera construction was not performed in-house by Bristol. The coachwork is by Touring of Milan, Italy. Someone took the "Superleggera" emblem off. You can see where it used to be on the rear below the "403" emblem. A shame that Touring received no mention. Fantastic car! This is what I love to see in your videos, Jay!

[@DarkKnightwing75]

They never had Superleggera badging and whilst that was indeed a Touring trademark, 401s, 2s and 3s coachwork was not by Touring. They bodied several 401s but the production model was designed by Bristol, inspired by Touring’s designs.

[@mattevangelou3491]

I have the honor of owning a 1968 Bristol 410 here in the US. Its a magnificent automobile. I love it because no one here is the US knows what it is.

[@IDann1]

Watching a Bristol from its home in Bristol

[@normandagger7542]

Snap

[@MegaJackpot180]

same here Filton

[@JosephsCoat]

Same-Bristol, Virginia lol

[@antonywardle4795]

Snap for Nailsea, close enough!

[@kevincoombs7348]

Hanham for me, South Glos.

[@brytuber]

Pastoral every step of the way...from the smell of the (clean!) oil drop underneath, the wooden dash and Solex carbs, to the Eucalyptus trees along the drive. Thanks to Leno's Garage for every minute they put into making this video and maintaining this example of a Bristol. It is such a gift to us all.

[@julianadams2206]

As a UK viewer a Bristol has a special place in our automotive history. Wonderful review of an equally wonderful car. I just love Jay's anecdotes from his Tonight show days.

[@raypurchase801]

Some people drive like they own the road. A person who drives a Bristol probably DOES own the road. Except, being Bristol owners, they're much too polite to say so.

[@TheClockwise770]

Yes, fully agree. beautiful designed car. They even featured a 403 taking Fiona Bruce driven at the beginning of Antiques roadshow a couple of year ago

[@Rasscasse]

@@raypurchase801 I think you have that exactly right sir 👍

[@alanchouston]

Great show, Jay: You explain the mystery of the Bristol brilliantly and the fact that even in England very few people knew of it. This video brings back memories of my college friend Rob, whose family had Bristols in the late 60's which they drove daily as well as taking on hill climbing races at the weekends. Keep posting your great classic cars: such an antidote to the dreariness of pandemic lockdown!

[@mikewysko2268]

We finally get to see a Bristol!!🇬🇧 Thanks Jay.

[@cnsious]

Hear, hear. My father drove a 405, then a 406 - great cars

[@mosipd]

Even the cover of the owner's manual looks like war department documents.

[@MrDaiseymay]

looks like leather, not rexine, and the same colour of the car

[@klaushaunstrupchristensen7252]

To me it looks like a passport.

[@lawrencelewis8105]

I saw the owner's manual for a 1957 Ferrari. There was a picture of the car and a woman who could be a stand-in for Sophia Loren next to it. She was wearing a skin-tight cotton print summer dress that could barely contain what was within. Damn she was a sight!

[@rodneycarey44]

I searched for the book Jay mentioned and found it for sale, on Amazon, for the low low price of like $900. So this must be one of things in life where if you have to ask you can’t afford it lol.

[@pagarb]

It might not be memory lane for some people but it is for me. I remember Bristol cars from when I was a kid. It's great to see Jay Leno enjoying himself so much in it, he does a great job of conveying the character of these cars.

[@petecox8649]

Jay! English cars don't "leak", they are just marking their territory.

[@shossainimam]

Your comment is really hilarious .

[@johnsmulders8535]

And rust-proofing..

[@joachimjacobsson4877]

Trying to retake the colonies are you?

[@sparky6086]

Don't worry if they leak. Worry, if they stop leaking, because that means, that they're out of oil!!!

[@petergamache5368]

Nonsense! Everything British leaks: MI5 leaks secrets, British ships leak seawater, Lucas electrics leak smoke...

[@jked7463]

The "pinched" headlight arrangement actually makes me think of some early saabs with the inboard headlights.

[@charlesfranks1902]

Saab also had freewheeling on its earlier cars.

[@m39fan]

@@charlesfranks1902 They had freewheeling into the 1970'$ at least.

[@historybufffi2349]

@@charlesfranks1902 And they were coincidentally also an aircraft company diversifying to car maker

[@kevincoombs7348]

A great episode. In the '60/70's I sold aluminium to Bristol Cars Filton and would often see company owner Anthony Crook test driving prototypes, always with reg 100MPH or MPH100. Good race record, the car and the man. In '54 the build three 450's to race at Le Man. They came 1,2, & 3rd in their class. And again the following year. Makes me proud to be Bristolian!

[@gwo7610]

Best one yet I think. What a beautiful classy British car. My granddad's brother flew the beaufighter during the war, I've read his diary and it abruptly ends the day his aircraft was heavily damaged, as he was coming into land he struck a tree and all on board died.

[@discoverymoi]

I get so excited whenever Jay says “let’s put it up on the lift”

[@graycav56]

When Jay dips into the throttle and those triple carbs cut in...that’s the “Bristol Stomp” I love!

[@josephgaviota]

_"Let's all do the Bristol Stomp"_ Ah, another old memory :-)

[@doublelifeatributetothecar2185]

Of all the amazing muscle cars and super cars and hot rods Jay has had on his channel, THIS is the one I would most like to own and drive. What beautiful lines. What a fantastic color. What attention to build quality, style and elegance.. Of course, I'd have to adopt a phony upper-crust British accent every time is drove it ("old chap") and would become completely insufferable, but that's a price I'd willingly inflict on the motoring public.

[@Rasscasse]

You wouldn’t become insufferable. The point about Bristol owners is that they came from old money and were discrete, so they had nothing to prove to anyone, because they had already arrived, so they would always would be polite to everyone. Unlike the competitive, brash, attention seeking ‘look at me’ traits of new money people.

[@robertweldon7909]

7/28/2022 Whenever I see a video like this one on Jay's channel, I read a few comments and always come away with the impression that many people regard Jay's knowledge and passion for cars as wonderful, me too. For me, jays vast knowledge of cars, how they are made, and the historical back story of each, is what keeps me watching. I knew about Bristol as an aircraft builder but never saw one of their cars. Imagine building cars to that standard today, they're called SUPER CARS and cost more than a house. ;-)

[@Metalovai]

Love that dashboard!

[@Horizon344]

"One of the greatest driving experiences" - high praise from a man as knowledgeable as Jay, for what looks like a 1960's Jaguar that needs to go on a diet.

[@dorienberteletti2129]

It does not have Superleggera written all over it, because the British were embarassed to have had to use Touring to design the car for them. Best keep it quiet that it was designed in Italy The hood opening from either side is no different than a 40s Buick.

[@UglowD]

@@dorienberteletti2129 Touring didn't design the car, Bristol just adopted the Superleggera form of construction.

[@harryballzack]

It does look like a Jaguar XL size. 😂 It still looks sexy though.

[@mrbennetts]

@@UglowD Bristol definitely adapted the Touring design, which was no bad thing. See the pre-war Alfa 6Cs and 8Cs, and Touring made the 401 prototype.

[@jamestkirk1631]

It's wonderful that Jay remembered L.J.K. Setright so fondly. He was one of the greatest - if not the greatest - automotive writers in history. The Wikipedia entry does not do him justice, and anyone who hasn't read his work should do so immediately to remember what really good writers could accomplish through their craft.

[@cliffordnicholls4067]

Thank you Jay for showing us the Bristol 403, a gentleman's car.

[@colinpettit3448]

The cover on the owner's manual is the same colour as the car. How cool is that ?

[@tonys1636]

Just coincidence, the cover is maroon Morocco leather.

[@colinpettit3448]

@@tonys1636 Lovely coincidence

[@philbrown6787]

I really like the color, too

[@zzgarden]

The car matches the owner's manual.

[@charlie1832]

In general I’m not a fan of anything red but this car I actually like the color it’s painted

[@ableone7855]

Jay was born to do these presentations! The Tonight Show was just a short distraction until he could get around to Classic Car presentations. I enjoy this as much as the Tonight Show!

[@211212112]

I think this is my favorite out of all the ones I’ve seen him display.

[@francismallette]

Thank you so much for this discovery Mr. Leno, I enjoyed the history of this aircraft company making aircraft quality automobiles, well tought out. I enjoyed discovering this most british, understated car with unique features like: free wheeling, one shot lubricant sytem, hood opening on two sides and the aircraft inspiration of the steering wheel, the 2 bladed fan, the super leggera construction and its aerodynamic shape with no door handle. Thank you very much Mr. Leno, this is such a wonderful discovery! Bristol doesn't brag about the superleggera construction. We know it's light, because we know its weight. Bristol doen't brag about the aerodymic of the car either. We don't know how efficient it is, because we don't know its Cx (drag coefficient). This is a well thought car, that looks pretty sleek, made by an aircraft company. The aero dynamic of this car must have been well studied and tested. I surely would like to put this Bristol 403 in a wind tunnel to find out its Cx. This jewel hasn't revealed all its wonder.

[@darwinskeeper421]

I agree with England being a nation of scribes. Any nation that could give us Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Dr. Who, and L.K.J. Setright deserves all the respect it could garner. I have also been curious about these cars. They seem to exude understated taste and balance.

[@ronr6605]

thinking bout bristol they also gave us jk rowling... mr leno made me laugh bit bitter... what a downer ;)

[@Fred_Bender]

Rick Ostman 16 July 2018 · With the posts about the early astronauts and their Corvettes, I thought I'd post this. This was (pic) Wally Schirra's Maserati 3500 after my Dad, and Uncle Russ, swapped the six cylinder Maserati engine for a 327 Corvette engine, circa 1966. Wally blew up the original engine racing Gus Grissom down A1A one night. He had it towed over to our shop. My Dad suggested the engine swap. Three days later a truck from Jim Rathman's delivered the Corvette engine and 4 speed transmission. Wally was happy with the new engine. He took my Dad and I to Wolfies for breakfast before school. I was a very impressed 4th grader at Freedom 7 that day! My Dad passed in June 1998. About a year after that I get a call at home from someone looking for my Dad. I explained I was a Jr. and that he had died. "Oh, maybe you can help me?" he says. "I have all the service records for a Maserati I just bought. It has a Corvette engine. One invoice shows your Dad installed that engine for Walter Schirra. Is that any relation to the astronaut?" I filled him in on the whole story, including that I still had the original, unrepaired engine in the back of my shop. He was ecstatic! Drove down from Atlanta the next weekend and bought that engine so he could complete the circle.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Beautiful car. I remember reading LJKSetright’s monthly column in Car (magazine) in the ‘80s and ‘90s. His knowledge of automobile engineering was legendary, as was his often wandering into Latin in his prose. He was truly educational and intellectually challenging; I lost count of the number of times I had to resort to the Oxford English Dictionary to look up a word that he had used! He loved any marque of car that put engineering before marketing. Bristol was a real favourite (I think he may have owned one at some stage), along with Citroën and Honda (I remember he owned a Prelude and applauded its double wishbone suspension and VTEC engine). LJKS drove the first Lamborghini Miura bound for the UK from the factory in Italy. So impressed was he with the car’s performance that he coined the word Supercar to describe how impressive it was. The first time it had ever been used and a word we now take for granted. He was a true legend. Bristols were a very rare sight, even on UK roads and very expensive. Pretty sure they were Rolls Royce sort of money rather than Jaguar. I wonder if Bristol picked BMW as they started out as an aero-engine manufacturer? Thanks for sharing another of your wonderful cars Jay. Happy New Year.

[@mikemullay5622]

I love the exhaust sound of that Bristol under acceleration.

[@misterdanielsiii]

Jay knows more about his 200 vehicles than I know about myself

[@rgschmitt44]

Closer to 350 if motorcycles are included

[@bcgrittner]

Years ago I had a 1958 Morris Minor. The owners' manual was also a complete repair manual. I should have never sold that car.

[@neil03152]

all mine had done over 100,000 miles, great car and years ago I helped someone start theirs because, despite knowing car people around, I was still an expert with the old starting handle!!!!!

[@seanoreilly1832]

My cousin did a full rebuild on a morris minor in Australia over 5 years... 1 week after it was done a bushfire burnt down the shed it was stored in. Tragic

[@gingernutpreacher]

It's easy to say but the framework rots and so does the body my dad sold one in the early 80's after being badgered to sell it them Fulham to turn up at the door a week later because the engine had fallen out at the traffic lights

[@stevedickson5853]

@@gingernutpreacher ..lol ,had to laugh at that one, it's like something out of a tv comedy

[@gingernutpreacher]

@@stevedickson5853 agreed but it wasn't funny at the time my dad was just glad to get rid of them don't think he gave them any money back

[@BCVS777]

I love how mr Leno presents these videos like he’s just visiting with a friend. It makes it very pleasant to watch! Thanks

[@JRattheranch]

I rebuilt one of those engines in the late '60's.. Nothing sounds like a Bristol! The best news to share is that this week, it's been announced that the Bristol Car company, is back in business, after it's declared bankruptcy! Great cars!

[@troller3155]

Someone’s posting Jay Leno’s Garage videos under the upload name “Jay Leno’s Garage YT” and the only way to notify KZbin of copyright infringement is if you own the copyright, so I’m hoping this post gets noticed and something can be done about it.

[@tommurphy4307]

so you know that because you tried to turn somebody in??

[@TXGRunner]

Unfortunately, there are some parasites in the world who profit off of reposting content from others. BigTech is too concerned with politics and suppressing speech to take any measures to squash these bugs.

[@MrMenefrego1]

I love my car collection but Jay, *REALLY, REALLY, REALLY LOVES HIS CAR COLLECTION!!* It's so nice to see a man like Jay having the ability to not only restore and enjoy automobiles, but to share them with such sheer excitement as well.

[@davidwhudson555]

Setright! The man, the myth, the legend. No one could write about cars half as well.

[@lovelygarden2673]

Love your shows, it's like listening to a bedtime story of the good old days, such beauty and style.

[@SimonPass230267]

Even in England ANY Bristol is a rare sight. Saw a blue 403 on the M40 motorway on the way to Oxford and posted it on Facebook. And it belonged to a mate of mine's Dad by pure coincidence. Lovely looking car.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

A few days ago in south London I saw a Bristol 401, which is very little different from Jay's car. Owner just out for a drive

[@mw8653]

I've only seen them at the Kensington showroom looking through the window, the entrance door was locked. And at the Haynes Motor Musium in Yeovil Somerset, but never seen one on the road in the UK.

[@SimonPass230267]

@@mw8653 My Dad's mate used to turn up at our house in a BRISTOL 412 SERIES 2 CONVERTIBLE in white. This was a car he and his dad in particular lusted after. I would describe it as an aquired taste. Styled by Zagato apparently. One of their off days I would suggest.

[@mw8653]

@@SimonPass230267 I would agree with you on the looks I didn't like the 412 or the rear of the 603s, the 410/411 are my favourites with the V8 power they would I imagine have been a pleasure to drive.

[@SimonPass230267]

@@mw8653 I think if you own a Bristol, you will care little what others think. That's the privilege of being in that club. Vive la différence.

[@areyousureyouenteredyourna85]

The British always seem to be all about simplistic elegance. This car is a fine example of that. Thanks for sharing it with us, Jay!

[@michaelhaverty541]

Having grown up as a child in in England. My uncle had a Bristle. One of my fondness memories of this car was a moonlit night, riding in the back from the Lake District back to Devon . And listening to the old BBC radio. It was magical. Thank you Jay for sharing a very understated automobile.

[@shankarbalan3813]

Jay Leno’s garage is superb. And I love those three tenets which nobody follows when they are following their hearts…get a pro to look over the car, don’t pay the asking price and don’t buy over the phone… When you find a car you really love or want, then all this prudence goes right out the window. Sitting here in India in the midst of a long lockdown and getting cabin fever and gritting my teeth and impatiently waiting for the day I can just take an enjoyable drive around the city and the highways….

[@DanaTheInsane]

Nobody who has ever driven past an Iowa pig farm misses “pastoral smells”.

[@LordEvan5]

Pig farms smell no better in Connecticut

[@ZGryphon]

Or the cattle yards by Coalinga, California.

[@piers995]

We have some ripe farms in the UK too lol.

[@AmericanNope]

Pretty sure pigs smell like crap anywhere .

[@douglasb.1203]

Or the conagra plant in Nebraska.

[@Runningnthe90s]

Can we all just agree how much we like seeing the undersides? I want that to continue

[@alexbrown1995]

Yep, you get to see Michelin ZX tyres which must be 50 years old, unless they still made that tread pattern.....

[@kattcasel9730]

@@alexbrown1995 I like seeing the undersides as well. Part of the oil drips situation is Jay does not wet wash his cars. Running mine thru the "no touch" car washes keeps mine rinsed off. Wonder how he cleans the engines and underneath areas.

[@kevgermany]

Yes, live looking at the undercarriage of a nice pair of bristols

[@turbinexman]

"Pastoral Smells"!! I love that term!! It makes me crack up!!

[@MyMaxHeadroom]

I loved LJK Setright. He made enginering fun for me Growing up, he was one of my heros

[@bikkiikun]

The "M" on the "Enricher" likely stands for Mixture (just like in an aircraft with a piston engine).

[@FryNOR]

What a great car, it has some design similarities with the early SAAB's like the 92.

[@cathalfolan8441]

Early SAABs were built by aero engineers as well I think

[@boogiebonefan]

Both car companies were aircraft manufacturers. Perhaps that explains their design philosophies?

[@timcarpenter2441]

I was about to comment the same thing. The windscreen and overall lines of the vehicle, the slightly narrower track than the body, the smooth tail and 2 doors. Double the cylinders and double the strokes. Front transverse leaf spring in the Bristol is a surprise vs the Saab's torsion bars.

[@hunchanchoc8418]

And the Jowett Javelin

[@tedthesailor172]

Jay's relaxed but enthusiastic discussion is the ideal accompaniment for this old British classic...

[@MegaBoilermaker]

thank you for your comments re the British people/character. I worked for the Bristol Aircraft co and I can vouch for your comments re their attitude to quality and craftsmanship

[@SmokyPondFarm]

Great timing! A week ago I was reading about the Bristol 406 and the monstrous 407 in the December 1962 issue of Car and Driver. Beautiful cars, the 403 especially!

[@andrewthomason3857]

I once saw a guy vintage racing an AC Aceca with the Bristol engine at Sears Point. He left the rest of the field in the dust.

[@christopherrankine1364]

Across from my parents home lived a well off home builder who owned a pale green 403. I hounded him to let me buy it. Following my National Service in the army, I had accumulated a healthy bank balance. So I approached him again. This time in uniform. Not only did he agree to sell it to me, he also insisted I date his pretty daughter. The Bristol was one of the best cars I ever owned.

[@yelyab1]

In 1963 I had to write a paper for typing class . I got Hot Rod, Motor Trend, and Road and Track. I did a comparison of European and American cars. I was 15 years old. The Americans won based on styling, performance primarily. This mid 50s mid lux car looked a pre war American car. The engines were cast iron tractor engines. 4 cylinders, push rods, roofing nail valves, and double digit horse power. All the mentioned special engineering features don’t compete with win on Sunday sell/buy on Monday. The teacher not knowing much about cars was impressed with my enthusiasm and I got an A, one of very few. Reflecting, I was testosterone intoxicated. Some of the crap that the fat 3 pushed out the door would get a slightly different audit. 19 years as a product design engineer had something to do with that. Still love cars. Can’t get enthusiastic about golf carts, I don’t care if they can pull enough g’s to make you lose consciousness.