CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Bristol 406

Bristol 406 — 2-door saloon, 2,216 cc OHV I6. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine2,216 cc OHV I6

Transmission4-speed overdrive manual

DrivetrainFR

About the Bristol 406

Bristol 406 is a 2-door saloon in the sports car (s) class. The available vehicle data lists 2,216 cc OHV I6 as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed overdrive manual and a FR layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Bristol 406 guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 2,216 cc OHV I6 and 4-speed overdrive manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Bristol 406 specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Bristol
Model	406
Model years	Not specified
Body style	2-door saloon
Vehicle class	Sports car (S)
Manufacturer	Bristol Cars (then Bristol Aeroplane Co.)
Production	1958–1961174 units produced
Market / country	GB, NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Bristol 406 includes 2,216 cc OHV I6.. Transmission information includes 4-speed overdrive manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR.

Engine	2,216 cc OHV I6
Transmission	4-speed overdrive manual
Drivetrain / layout	FR

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	2896 mm (114 in)
Length	4978 mm (196 in)
Width	1727 mm (68.0 in)
Kerb / curb weight	1365 kg (3,009 lb)

Bristol 406 other specifications

Name	Bristol 406
Image	Bristol 406 – Flickr – mick – Lumix.jpg

Bristol 406 generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Bristol 406	1958–1961174 units produced	2,216 cc OHV I6	4-speed overdrive manual	FR

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Bristol 406

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Bristol 406

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Bristol 406 have?

The available source data lists the Bristol 406 engine as 2,216 cc OHV I6. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Bristol 406?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Bristol 406?

There is no single best engine oil for every Bristol 406 configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Bristol 406?

The Bristol 406 is classified as a 2-door saloon.

What are the dimensions of the Bristol 406?

The available source data lists length 4978 mm (196 in), width 1727 mm (68.0 in), and wheelbase 2896 mm (114 in).

What transmission does the Bristol 406 have?

The available source data lists 4-speed overdrive manual transmission options for the Bristol 406.

Is the Bristol 406 FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Bristol 406 is FR.

Who makes the Bristol 406?

The manufacturer listed for the Bristol 406 is Bristol Cars (then Bristol Aeroplane Co.).

When was the Bristol 406 produced?

The available source data describes production as 1958–1961174 units produced.

How much does the Bristol 406 weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 1365 kg (3,009 lb). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

What class of car is the Bristol 406?

The Bristol 406 is listed in the Sports car (S) class.

Which markets or countries sold the Bristol 406?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Bristol 406 with GB, NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Bristol 406?

The available vehicle data lists Bristol 407 as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Bristol 406?

The available vehicle data lists Bristol 407 as the successor where applicable.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Bristol 406?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Bristol 406?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Bristol 406 is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Bristol 406 have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Bristol 406?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Bristol 406 images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.