Bristol (1946-2011)

A hand-made BMW-based saloon with wooden interior trim. Aero industry heritage clear in its wind tunnel aerodynamics, and in the re-engineering of the BMW engine, with aluminium head, helped by ex-BMW engineer Frtiz Fiedler.

Redesign by Carrozzeria Touring, using their patented Superleggera construction – light alloy panels over a steel tube frame. Productionised and streamlined by the Bristol aero engineers – the drag coefficient was just 0.36.

Convertible with concealed hood.

Photo: Flickr

Evolution of 401 with more power and better brakes.

Businessman’s express, with hole in the wall front end and spare wheel stowed in front wings. Alloy panels on an aerospace-style ash frame, which was found to better absorb vibration and be more flexible in manufacture and repair.

Arnolt’s solution to fulfilling his contractual obligation to Bertone after MG ended previous deal. 403 engine, 404 chassis and Bertone body.

Long-wheelbase 4-door saloon or convertible by Abbott.

Back to 2 doors for market positioning and easier ash-frame engineering. Enlarged engine gives more power, but luxurious appointments add weight.

Based on an abortive ERA F2 car, the 450 was built for Le Mans 24-hrs, at which they won both their class and the team prize in both 1954 and 1955. Bristol withdrew from motorsport after the disaster in 1955.

Photo: Flickr

Without the resources to develop their own replacement engine, Bristol began using blue-printed and upgraded Chrysler engines. Front coil springs.

Photo: Flickr

New wider grille incorporates driving lights. Lower lines, driver-adjustable dampers. Performant and quiet, but heavy steering.

Photo: Flickr

Slightly enlarged engine, smoother ride and gearshifts, power steering, heated rear screen, alternator. A more modern machine, but not a sportscar.

Photo: Flickr

Floor-mounted gear selector, following Chrysler’s lead, dual-circuit brakes, smaller 15″ wheels. More side chrome.

Photo: Flickr

Big-block engines, re-engineered with hydraulic tappets and bespoke tuning to ensure a cultured feel at normal speeds. But more dynamic than a Bentley, and marketed as the world’s fastest true 4-seater. Aircon, electric windows.

Less chrome, samller fins

Restyled front end with quad headlights; blacked out grille for S5.

Horizontal tail lights from S4

New targa sports body by Zagato, anticipating safety regulation. Beaufighter was the turbo version. Rare Beaufort had 4 seats and power hard roof.

Beaufigher has quad headlights

New saloon body by Dudley Hobbs with flatter panels, so easier to hand hammer. Much more spacious and better visibility – windscreen wider than lower bodywork! More economical engines. Facelift was Britannia (Brigand had turbo).

Final update – restyled, and with fuel injection. Maintained characteristic narrow body for the sake of drivability. About 12 Roadster/Speedster version ran 2004-11.

210mph supercar with modified Dodge Viper engine well forward of front axle on box-section chassis with aluminium floorpan (by Bostrom). Nimble and civilised, with quirky aero interior. Prototype “T” had twin-turbo and was limited to 225 mph.

Photo: Wikipedia