"Bristol" aircraft distinguished themselves in both World Wars and by 1944 the company's workforce had risen to 70,000 men and women. To maintain employment at the conclusion of the Second World War the company began to manufacture motor cars to aircraft standards, under the direction of George S.M. White, the founder's grandson.

A two door, four seater saloon, the 408 was mechanically identical to the 407, with a Chrysler V8 engine and automatic transmission. Outwardly, a rectangular grille with pronounced horizontal bars was introduced, along with rectangular indicator lamps. Its top speed was 122mph+.

This matching numbers Bristol 408 in a much neglected but complete state provides the opportunity for its next owner to take possession of a true British hand built gentleman's express on a par with any vehicle produced by any manufacturer at the time. A luxury high performance car of distinction it was able to hold a Ferrari 250GT 2+2 over a standing half mile according to the December 1964 issue of Cars Illustrated.

Factory records provided by Bristol Cars Ltd indicate the following:
Despatched from the Filton Factory on 24.11.1964
Car number: 408-1-043 (this suggests that the car was the 43rd of 86 in total production)
Engine number: 949-23228C 5130cc
Gearbox No: 1975123

It was supplied in Heather Grey with red upholstery and came with additional features of a heater unit, windscreen washers and cigar lighter as well as an electric window winder.

The car was dispatched to Anthony Crook Motors, Hersham who supplied it to its first owners when it was registered on the 9th December 1964.