1958 Arnolt-Bristol Deluxe Roadster Once owned by General Curtis LeMay
This exceptionally rare 1958 Arnolt-Bristol Deluxe Roadster by Bertone carries a remarkable provenance, having once been owned by U.S. Air Force General Curtis LeMay, one of America?s most influential military leaders during World War II and the Cold War. He served as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965. Nicknamed Bombs Away LeMay, he was a larger-than-life figure and an avid automotive enthusiast. His passion for cars played a pivotal role in shaping postwar American motorsports. In the early 1950s, street racing faced extinction following a series of serious accidents. At a critical moment, General LeMaythen head of the Strategic Air Commandstepped in and opened SAC air bases for racing use, providing a safe and viable alternative. Though the so-called SAC era lasted only three years, it proved instrumental in sustaining the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and bridging the transition to purpose-built racing facilities. In recognition of his contributions, LeMay was awarded the SCCA?s highest honor, the Woolf Barnato Award, in 1954. He further cemented his legacy within the sport when he was inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame in 2007.
Chicago-based importer S. H. Wacky Arnolt discovered strong demand in the early 1950s for the Arnolt-MG, a series of MGs fitted with custom bodies by the Italian design house Bertone. Encouraged by that success, he turned to Bristol, which had recently expanded from aircraft manufacturing into building small numbers of high-performance grand touring cars. Arnolt believed Bristol?s platformpowered by a well-regarded two-liter engine derived from the pre-war BMW 328 and respected in racing circleswould make an ideal foundation for a sports car. He arranged to combine Bristol?s box-section chassis, 130 bhp BS1 MkII engine with hemispherical combustion chambers, transverse-leaf front suspension, and live rear axle with Bertone?s sleek bodywork. The resulting car weighed just 1,800 pounds and delivered impressive performance, reaching 60 mph in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of around 110 mph. Its balanced weight distribution made it capable on both road and track. The model proved competitive as well, earning success in the SCCA Modified Championship in 1954, 1955, and 1956, and competing at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Over a seven-year run, 142 cars were built.
This Arnolt Bristol Deluxe offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of both automotive history. It presents as an excellent restoration candidate and includes many original parts, making it a compelling prospect for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Previously owned by U.S. Air Force General Curtis LeMay
Retains its original matching numbers Bristol engine
Unique opportunity to restore a rare and special piece of automotive history
A model famous in its day in SCCA competition
Body designed by Franco Scaglione of Bertone
One of 142 Arnolt-Bristols built from 1954 through 1959
Price:$129,500