Arnolt-Bristol Bolide: Bertone-Designed Racing Icon of 1950s

Transatlantic Brilliance - In the early 1950s, the automotive world was undergoing a period of rapid transformation. World War II had ended, and manufacturers were pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. In America, large, powerful cars dominated the roads, while European automakers focused on lighter, more agile machines. This era of innovation also saw an increasing number of international collaborations, blending the strengths of different automotive traditions. Among the most remarkable results of this cross-border creativity was the Arnolt-Bristol Bolide—a car that fused British engineering, Italian design, and American entrepreneurial ambition into one striking package.

The Arnolt-Bristol Bolide was the brainchild of Stanley “Wacky” Arnolt, blending Bertone’s bold Italian styling with the proven engineering of the Bristol 404 chassis. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

The Arnolt-Bristol Bolide was the brainchild of Stanley “Wacky” Arnolt, a Chicago-based businessman who initially made a name for himself as an importer of British cars. However, his ambitions went beyond mere distribution. After encountering Nuccio Bertone’s work at the 1952 Turin Motor Show, Arnolt saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary. He envisioned a sports car that combined Bertone’s bold Italian styling with the proven mechanical foundation of the Bristol 404 chassis.

The Arnolt-Bristol Bolide's bodywork by Franco Scaglione truly set it apart, sculpting a form that was both elegant and aggressive. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

Under the hood, the Bolide featured a 2.0-liter inline-six engine built by Bristol, derived from a BMW design. With a hemi-head configuration and triple carburetors, it produced 130 horsepower, delivered through a four-speed gearbox. However, it was the bodywork by Franco Scaglione that truly set the Bolide apart. Scaglione, who would later design the iconic Alfa Romeo B.A.T. concept cars, sculpted a form that was both elegant and aggressive. The car’s high hood, necessary to accommodate the tall engine, was seamlessly integrated into a flowing design with swooping fenders and a compact grille, giving the Bolide an unmistakable presence.

The Arnolt-Bristol Bolide by Bertone features two sporty racing buckets in its compact cabin, paired with a three-spoke steering wheel and a minimalist dashboard. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

Arnolt’s automotive venture produced several variations of the car, including the stripped-down Competition model for racing, the more refined Bolide, and the road-friendly Deluxe. A handful of coupes were also built, featuring distinctive pop-up headlights. Despite their limited production numbers, Arnolt-Bristols quickly made a name for themselves in motorsports, securing class victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1955 and 1960, as well as multiple Team Trophy wins.

The Arnolt-Bristol Bolide by Bertone features two sporty racing buckets in its compact cabin, paired with a three-spoke steering wheel and a minimalist dashboard. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

Among the 142 Arnolt-Bristols produced, one holds particular historical significance—the very first prototype, chassis number 3000. According to Arnolt’s personal records, this car was the first completed example of the model. It received its Bertone-designed bodywork in late 1953 before being returned to Bristol in England for final fitting and testing. Originally equipped with an FNS-specification engine, it was soon upgraded to a BS1 MK II-type engine, matching the units used in the production versions.

Under the hood, the Bolide featured a 2.0-liter inline-six engine built by Bristol, derived from a BMW design. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

The car arrived in New York in early 1954 and was delivered to Columbus Sports Cars in Ohio, where it was demonstrated on the racetrack by dealer Robert Fergus before being sold to its first private owner. Over the years, it changed hands several times, with some owners modifying it for performance. Walter Tormohlen of Indiana, for example, swapped out the original engine for a fuel-injected Chevrolet V8, installed a Chevrolet gearbox, and repainted the car white with dark racing stripes. Later, another owner painted it blue and modified the grille slightly.

The Arnolt-Bristol Bolide by Bertone’s high hood, necessary to accommodate the tall engine, was seamlessly integrated into a flowing design with swooping fenders and a compact grille. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

Eventually, the Bolide prototype fell into long-term storage, its drivetrain removed but otherwise largely intact. In the mid-1990s, an enthusiast took on the challenge of restoring it to its original factory specification. Over nearly two decades, and at a cost exceeding $220,000, the car was meticulously brought back to life. A period-correct Bristol engine and gearbox were sourced, and the steel Bertone bodywork was carefully restored to its original red finish with a tan interior. Every detail, from the Lockheed brakes to the hand-crafted trunk latches, was painstakingly re-created to match its original condition.

The Arnolt-Bristol Bolide by Bertone’s high hood, necessary to accommodate the tall engine, was seamlessly integrated into a flowing design with swooping fenders and a compact grille. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

By the mid-2010s, the Bolide had undergone further refinements under new ownership. In 2018, it was acquired by a collector specializing in Bertone-bodied Arnolt models, ensuring that this piece of automotive history would be preserved. With its fully documented history, factory-correct restoration, and extreme rarity—far more exclusive than contemporary sports cars from Jaguar or Austin-Healey—the Arnolt-Bristol Bolide stands as a unique and highly desirable collector’s item. It remains eligible for prestigious vintage racing and rally events, including the Mille Miglia Storica. | lVRYP64nR8c |

For enthusiasts drawn to rare and beautifully engineered automobiles, the prototype Bolide represents more than just a car—it is a testament to Stanley Arnolt’s bold vision, Franco Scaglione’s artistic genius, and Bristol’s engineering excellence. A fusion of performance, design, and heritage, it continues to be celebrated as one of the most fascinating sports cars of its era. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RM SOTHEBYS | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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