Marque: Bristol - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand

Bristol

It is almost a century since the Bristol Aeroplane Company started to produce aircraft (from1910), and the firm’s machines played vital roles in both the First and Second World Wars. During the 1939-45 War, the company produced over 14,000 aeroplanes, including the Beaufighter, Blenheim and Fighter (all names which have been used again in recent years for Bristol car models). The car division…

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Bristol 407-408

RATING:

8 / 10

PRICE: £3000 - £14,000+

Fast Facts

Produced:
1961-65
Bodywork:
Two-door sports saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve V8 5130cc 250bhp
0-60 mph:
9.5 sec
Top Speed:
120+ mph
MPG:
12-18

Big, bold and beautiful, the 407 was similar in appearance to the 406, but under the bonnet was a 5.2 V8 Chrysler engine, driving through standard-fit automatic. A notable feature was independent front suspension with coil springs and ball-jointed transverse wishbones (earlier models made do with transverse leaf springs). Servo-assisted disc brakes were fitted. Specification levels were high and as with the earlier Bristols, top class engineering and excellent performance came as standard with the 407, which was replaced in October 1963 by the similar 408. This model was identifiable by its quadruple headlamps and an angular roof line.

Bristol 400-406

RATING:

8 / 10

PRICE: £3000 - £19,000+

Fast Facts

Produced:
1946-61
Bodywork:
Two-door sports saloon; four-door saloon (405 only), drophead
Engine:
Overhead valve in-line six-cylinder 1971cc 85bhp (401 & 402); 1971cc 100bhp (404); 1971cc 105bhp (405); 2216cc 105bhp (406
0-60 mph:
Early (85 bhp ) cars 17+ sec; Later cars approx 14 sec
Top Speed:
Early (85 bhp ) cars 95 mph; Later cars 120 mph
MPG:
20-25

Introduced in 1946, the two-door Frazer-Nash Bristol sports saloon (based on the pre-War BMW 328) featured a triple carb, six-cylinder, two-litre; a BMW engine which had been improved by Bristol. The 401 arrived in 1948, with bodywork built on the Superleggera principle (steel cage clad with aluminium panels). For 1949, the new 402 drophead was offered. A re-engineered 403 followed in 1953, then came the 404, with wood-framed bodywork. The four-door 405 (403- based) arrived in ‘55; dropheads were also produced. The last Bristol to use the BMW-inspired power unit was the 1958 to 1961 406 (with a 2.2-litre variant). Zagato coupé also produced.

Bristol 409-410

RATING:

10 / 10

PRICE: £3000 - £15,000

Fast Facts

Produced:
1965-69
Bodywork:
Two-door sports saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve V8 5211cc 250bhp
0-60 mph:
9.5+ sec
Top Speed:
120+ mph
MPG:
12-18

These lovely grand tourers still provide effortless motoring. Note that costs for fuel and maintenance can be high though… Compared with the 408, the luxury 409 of 1965 was fitted with a larger version of the Chrysler V8 , and the all-disc brakes were now by Girling instead of Dunlop. The new model also featured a wider front track dimension. The revised 410 in the autumn of 1967, saw twin circuit brakes, and a modified quadruple headlamp system. The new model was also fitted with smaller diameter wheels (15in. rather than 16in.), resulting in a corresponding reduction in the vehicle’s overall height. As ever, engineering was second to none.

Bristol 411-412

RATING:

6 / 10

PRICE: 411: £3500 - £16,000; 412 Convertible: £4000 - £20,000

Fast Facts

Produced:
1969-76
Bodywork:
Two-door sports saloon(411); two-door convertible (412)
Engine:
Overhead valve V8 To October 1972 6277cc 335bhp; October 1972 on 6556cc power output not quoted
0-60 mph:
7+ sec
Top Speed:
140 mph
MPG:
12-18

The 6.3-litre 411 arrived in 1969, with a standard-fit limited slip diff and a collapsible steering column, plus (compared with 410 it replaced) revised suspension. The tail fins of the 410 had gone, and the boot was bigger. The ‘Series II’ 411 (from 1971) featured further updates. ‘Series III’ (mid-1972) had a new grille, bumpers and revised lamps and safety upgrades. A ‘Series IV’ appeared in late ‘72, with a 6.6-litre engine. Restyled ‘Series V’ versions arrived in 1975, with self-levelling rear suspension. Also a Zagato-styled four seat 412 Convertible made its debut. The ‘Convertible Saloon’ of 1976 could be used with a removable hardtop or a conventional soft hood.

Bristol 603

RATING:

10 / 10

PRICE: £3000+ - £12,000+

Fast Facts

Produced:
1976-82
Bodywork:
Two-door sports saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve V8 5211cc (603E) or 5900cc (603S); power outputs not quoted
0-60 mph:
8.5+ sec
Top Speed:
140 mph
MPG:
5.2: 14-20+; 5.9 12-18mpg

If you are after a fast sports saloon of peerless qualities, the 603 ranks up there with the best. Current asking prices are cheap, too. Replacing the 411 series, the new 603 of 1976 was offered with a choice of a 5.2 V8, or with a much more powerful 5.9-litre unit. The 603’s elegant aluminium bodywork was mounted on a sturdy steel chassis. Features included leather or wool upholstery, self-levelling suspension, electrically operated windows, electrically controlled seat adjustment, a radio/cassette stereo system and a walnut facia. Second Series 603s with their updated interiors arrived in 1977; the model was discontinued in 1982.

Bristol Beaufighter

RATING:

10 / 10

PRICE: £4000 - A1, £14,000+

Fast Facts

Produced:
1980-93
Bodywork:
Two-door convertible
Engine:
Overhead valve V8 5900cc (Power output not quoted)
0-60 mph:
6.5+ sec
Top Speed:
150 mph
MPG:
12-18

Representing something of a classic bargain (with asking prices today running at only a fraction of the price when new), the beautifully engineered Beaufighter is fast, stylish and well-built. Introduced in 1982, the new convertible Beaufighter was developed from the Zagato-styled 412 Convertible, and was powered by a turbocharged 5.9-litre Chrysler V8 (as also used in the Brigand) so pace is to say the least spectacular. The body incorporates a roll-over bar, removable Targa roof and a tiltable/removable glass centre section. An export-only version of the car was known as the Beaufort. This stylish car is a true modern (sleeping) classic and fine value.

Bristol Brigand & Britannia

RATING:

10 / 10

PRICE: Britannia: £3500 - £13,500; Brigand: £4000 - £14,000

Fast Facts

Produced:
1982-93
Bodywork:
Two-door saloon
Engine:
Overhead valve V8 5900cc (turbocharged in Brigand) Power outputs not quoted
0-60 mph:
Britannia 7+ sec; Brigand 5.9 sec
Top Speed:
Britannia 140 mph; Brigand 150 mph
MPG:
12-20+

Evolving from the 603, the luxurious Britannia and Brigand saloons were both powered by the proven 5.9-litre V8, which endows rapid performance, even in standard, naturally-aspirated form (as used in the Britannia). When installed in the Brigand, the unit was turbocharged and this model was even faster, and is still particularly impressive to drive; it is identifiable by a bonnet ‘hump’, which accommodates the Rotomaster turbocharger. Frontal styling was revised on the Brigand in 1984, and on the Britannia in 1987. These fine cars were discontinued in 1993. Despite relative exclusivity, asking prices are comparatively low, if not running costs.

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