A final development of the Type 401, this Type was introduced in 1953. Production was to be continued for two more years and ceased in 1955.

Bristol Type 403 Saloon

The Type 403 was the 4th model produced by the company. The body is easily identified by chrome numbers 403 mounted on both flanks of the bonnet lid and the centre of the boot lid. The background colour to centre of the body flank and Hub Cap badges, unlike the preceding models, should be red. The sidelights were mounted on the top of the wing. Originall, the front grille inserts were painted silver.

The Type 403 was initially fitted with a more developed Bristol 100A series engine, but later cars were fitted the more advanced 100B series unit. This in turn was itself further developed, becoming the 100B2 series and was combined with a remote short shift gearbox with Laycock de Normanville overdrive on top gear. This was fitted as standard on the last few Type 403 models. The more powerful transmission package was later to be fitted as standard on the Type 405 Saloon. Many early Type 403 cars were so modified and these engine units are identified as either 100AB series or 100AB2 series units according to specification. Because of the increased power from even the base level 100A series engine unit, an Anti-roll or Sway bar was added to stiffen the front suspension. The brake linkage was modified to reduce pedal pressures and Alfin brake drums were fitted (initially on all four wheels, but later only on the front wheel units, the extra cooling on the rear drums having proved unnecessary).

Wheelbase 2896 mm 114 in   Track front 1314 mm 51.7 in   rear 1372 mm 54 in   Length 4864 mm 191.5 in   Width 1702 mm 67 in   Height 1524 mm 60 in   Ground clearance 165 mm 6.5 in   Kerb weight 1225 kg 2701 lb   Weight distribution (Front)   Fuel capacity 77.3 litres 17 UK Gal 20.4 US Gal engine Code 100A Type S-6 OHV 12 valves total 2 valves per cylinder Bore × stroke 66.00mm × 96.00mm 2.6 in × 3.78 in Bore/Stroke ratio 0.69 Displacement 1971 cc (120.278 cu in) Unitary capacity 328.5 cc/cylinder Compression ratio 8.50:1 Fuel system 3 So BI carbs Aspiration Normal Max. output 106.5 PS (105.0 bhp) (78.3 kW) @5000 rpm Max. torque 167.0 Nm (123 lbft) (17 kgm) @3750 rpm Coolant Water Specific output 53.3 bhp/litre 0.87 bhp/cu in Specific torque 84.73 Nm/litre Top speed 164 km/h Power-to-weight 85.71 bhp/ton chassis Engine location Front Engine alignment Longitudinal Steering rack & pinion Turns lock-to-lock 3.000 Suspension Front I.TL. Rear TB. Tyres F 5.75 x 16 Tyres R 5.75 x 16 Brakes F/R 2LS/LT-LH Brake ∅ F/R 279/279 mm Transmission 4M Drive RWD Top gear ratio 1.00 Final drive ratio 3.90