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.

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.

Long-wheelbase 4-door saloon

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.

Drophead version.

Body built and designed by Zagato. It was commissioned by Bristol dealer Tony Crook and only a small number were built. It is lighter, smaller, and faster than the factory-bodied base car

This is the 1960 Motor Show Car. Sold for £170k in 2014.

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

Horizontal bar on grille; twin exhausts

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 gearshift, power steering, heated rear screen, alternator. A more modern machine, but not a sportscar.

Photo: Flickr

Prototype sportscar

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

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, smaller 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. Built by Zagato and united with chassis at Filton. Rare Beaufort had 4 seats and power hard roof.

Turbo version, with 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).

Britannia has rectangular headlights

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.