1954 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide Roadster

We are proud to present our extraordinary 1954 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide Roadster, a rare and beautifully restored example of one of the most distinctive Anglo-Italian sports cars ever produced. Believed to be 1 of just 85 surviving examples from the original production of 142 cars, this particular Bolide is further distinguished as 1 of fewer than 10 examples equipped with the highly sought after factory Borrani knock off wheels.


This remarkable car benefits from an incredible 56 years of single enthusiast ownership, a testament to its significance and desirability. During that time, it was comprehensively restored by noted specialist Skip McCabe of Chicago, Illinois, with exceptional attention to detail throughout. The car is exquisitely finished in Ferrari Del Rio Green, a striking and elegant color choice inspired by a Ferrari 275 and carefully paint matched during the restoration process, giving this example a truly unique and captivating presence.


The Arnolt-Bristol story is one of innovation and collaboration. Stanley Harold Wacky Arnolt, a successful American industrialist and importer, partnered with Italian design house Bertone to create a lightweight, performance focused sports car built on the Bristol 404 chassis. Designed by Franco Scaglione, the Bolide variant was intended for competition use, featuring a minimalist and purposeful design with no bumpers or weather equipment, emphasizing performance and weight reduction.


Power comes from a Bristol 2.0 liter inline six cylinder engine, derived from BMW engineering and known for its advanced design including hemispherical combustion chambers. This finely tuned powerplant delivers an engaging and spirited driving experience, paired with a four speed manual transmission. Additional performance features include Alfin drum brakes, an optional anti roll bar, an extended remote manual shifter, and a competition style windshield, all contributing to its race inspired character.


Adding to its rarity and provenance, the Borrani knock off wheels were sourced directly in period from Wacky Arnolts son, making this car even more special among the already limited production. These wheels were originally a rare factory option, produced in extremely small numbers, often reserved for competition cars.


This Arnolt-Bristol has been enjoyed and admired across the country and presents beautifully today, offering a raw and immersive open air driving experience that is both exhilarating and unique. Accompanying the car is a tool roll, owners manuals, spare wheel, and a large collection of hard to find spare parts, further enhancing its appeal for collectors and enthusiasts alike.


Eligible for prestigious historic events including the Mille Miglia, this 1954 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide Roadster represents a rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece of automotive history. With its exceptional provenance, long term ownership, rare factory options, and striking presentation, it is ideally suited for concours display, vintage rallies, or spirited driving enjoyment.