Bristol 407 GTZ

Vehicle Overview

The Bristol 407 GTZ Zagato coupé was a styling exercise displayed at the Earls Court Motorshow in October 1961  but not developed as a production series. The car was not exhibited at the Bristol stand, but at the Zagato one. The author of the project was again Anthony Crook (and not Bristol Cars Ltd.). It only took 10 weeks from the idea to the finished product.  The radiator grille with a crest-shaped shield was borrowed from a Lancia Flaminia Supersport. The car was welcomed in a friendly manner, but the few journalists who were allowed to drive the car criticised the front-heavy construction. The extremely light Zagato body combined with the heavy weight of the American engine led to an unfavourable weight distribution. Tony Crook, who had initially hoped for a few orders, abandoned the project in the summer of 1962 because the plant could not resolve the weight distribution problems. The Bristol 407 GTZ was unique and still exists today. The car was significantly lighter than the factory 407 and reached top speeds of over 200 km/ h.  It entails good use of side and rear glazing, leaving a very slim rear ¾ pillar which permits excellent all round visibility.