Hi all from New Zealand. Along with my Ace Bristol we also have a Bristol 406 in the family, which is in the final stages of restoration. I wanted to see if there would be any interest from AC/Bristol enthusiasts from around the globe that were looking to travel to NZ in hiring the 406 to complete a tour of NZ with a real difference.
I would envisage people arriving in Auckland (we can probably collect you from the airport and put you up for a couple of nights whilst you get over the flight – we are just up from the beach and for anyone into fishing you can catch snapper up to 10 pounds within rowing distance of the beach).
The exact trip and duration would be up to you but I would recommend heading north to the Bay of Islands, then south taking in the Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington before crossing to the South Island where the scenery is mind-blowing and the roads practically deserted. If you did not wish to return the car to Auckland then it could be left in Dunedin or Christchurch in the South Island.
This 406 was originally sold in the UK, has spent time in Fiji (it as the UK high commissioners car in Fiji) and has been in NZ for the last 30 years. The car still has its original 110 engine and overdrive gearbox. The boot is massive and it comfortably seats 4 adults and is great for long distance touring. The engine goes rather well, benefiting from a 406 Zagato camshaft (additional 25bhp), ported head and a few other tweaks…..
The price would be around NZD1400 (approx. GBP700) per week including insurance, breakdown cover (not that you need it with a Bristol) etc. Person hiring would organise their own accommodation, ferry crossings etc.
The car is still a few months away from completion but if this is something that could be of interest, please send me an email on the following email address: kiwiacebristol@hotmail.com Best Regards, Glen Smytheman
