Hefner himself wouldn’t keep it long, passing it along to one of the Bunnys
Monday, May 16, 2022
1954 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide Deluxe Roadster gifted to Hugh Hefner by Stanley Arnolt II in 1960 was the highest specification of all the Arnolt-Bristols, and is one of 37 roadsters built, the styling from Scaglione who was at Bertone
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I recall seeing one of these at the Milwaukee Mile infield road course sometime in the fifties. Thought it rather odd looking at the time and can’t say I’ve changed my opinion much over the years. It’s probably because the front end, from windscreen forward, appears to have such a high profile compared to other popular sports cars of the period. And with such a high hood, the fenders, both front and aft, must be a bit high to maintain coherency. Looking at the head on view, the shape itself is very pleasing to the eye, but it’s too high off the deck to inspire thoughts of covetousness. Perhaps it’s a bit presumptuous of me to critique the likes of Scaglione, but what I see is what I see. Nevertheless, the car has its place in the record, and it’s just great that anyone not acquainted with it has an introduction here.
ReplyDeletecertainly is odd looking, really sticks out both in memory, and in a car event. I still clearly recall the SMASHINGLY GOOD looking one I photographed at the Phoenix Concours https://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2016/01/1959-arnolt-bristol.html and I think you'll like it a LOT more, as it's got a contemporary race car lowered stance! Of course, it's a 59, and this was a 54, so, they did have years to improve the looks.
DeleteLike you point out, the head on view is a find design.
And thank you for the compliment about me giving it an introduction! It's RARE to come across an Arnolt Bristol, and that's why this is only the 2nd I think I've ever posted, in 50,000 posts