Arnolt Bristol

Information

- 1954 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide Prototype Roadster by Bertone
- lowest chassis number of any Arnolt-Bristol
- received Bertone bodywork in Turin, Italy in 1953
- initially equipped with FNS Bristol engine but later swapped for BS1 MK II-type engine (same as production cars) prior to export to US
- raced at Maryland’s Andrews Air Force Base by Robert Fergus
- fitted with fuel-injected Chevrolet V-8 motor and a four-speed Chevrolet gearbox by Walter Tormohlen in the late 1950s, car was also repainted white with dark racing stripes
- Thomolen to be first owner to road-register the car, he also finished first in the novice race at the Louisville Fairgrounds
- Robert Schifrin repainted car blue and modified the grille, moved headlights and added small bumperettes
- spent time in long-term storage in Illinois with drivetrain removed
-acquired by enthusiast I mid 90s who spent 20 years restoring the car (spent approx. $220,000) to it's original prototype look
- motor 100D 754 was found and retrofitted, four-speed gearbox and rear end from chassis 404/X/3132 we're used to return car to as-delivery spec
- Body and chassis restored by Restorations Unlimited in Cary, IL
- Repainting done by Appenzeller Brothers of Milford, IN
- further after refinement of restoration after acquisition in the mid-2010s by new owner
- sale at Miami 2025 auction by RM Sotheby's included historical research and copies of records, correspondence, restoration details and photos