Arnolt-Bristol. The Rarest Brands in the Top 100 Collections

Today we continue our journey among the lesser-known brands of the cars that populate the world’s Top 100 collections (the Ranking of our yearbook, The Key). This particular model goes by the name Arnolt-Bristol “Bolide” and it was designed by the extraordinary talent of Franco Scaglione and produced by Bertone.

139 of the 142 Arnolt-Bristols produced were Roadsters with Bristol engines and chassis, and Bertone bodywork

The brand itself combines the name of its creator, the American industrialist Stanley H. “Wacky” Arnolt, and the British manufacturer of aeronautical origins, Bristol, which supplied the chassis and engine. The period is the early 1950s, and Wacky Arnolt, who imported a number of British brands into America, asked Carrozzeria Bertone to rebody MG TDs under his name. The lack of success of the model forced Arnolt to “invent” a new car that could replace the Arnolt-MG and respect the agreement he had made with Bertone.

An Arnolt-Bristol in race conditions at Sebring. Note how the driver’s racing suit had a blue line on the back matching the car

In 1953, with the typical harmonious open bodywork of racing cars of that period, the Arnolt-Bristol was launched, which immediately imposed itself on the racing circuits with a class victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring. A total of 142 cars were produced from 1953 to 1959, three of which were coupés. Some of these also featured Franco Scaglione’s distinctive coved front fenders that further lightened the overall stance of the car.

An American brand, Arnolt, and an Italian one, Bertone, on a car with British mechanicals by Bristol

Even though the cars had steel bodies and an aluminium trunk and bonnet, the Arnolt-Bristol weighed just 900kg which, when combined with its 130hp engine, allowed it to be very competitive on the track for the time.

Franco Scaglione’s distinctive style, carefully oriented towards aerodynamic efficiency, in this frontal view of the Arnolt-Bristol

The adventure ended as a result of two tragic events: first the death of the official driver Bob Goldich during the 12-hour endurance race at Sebring in 1957, which had a profound effect on Arnolt, and then in 1963 Wacky Arnolt himself passed away with the consequent closure of his activities.

A decidedly sporty driver’s seat with a wooden steering wheel as was the fashion in the 1950s. Note how the body line continues onto the dashboard

Bristol’s classic 2-litre in-line 6-cylinder engine produced 130hp

An image that makes Arnolt-Bristol perfectly consistent with the current green era…