Illustrated above is the 411 prototype. This Grille was added later ex.411s5
Illustrated above is the 411 prototype. This Grille was added later ex.411s5
The 411s never seemed to acquire a nickname. Perhaps by this stage owners cared more for performance than looks, or were becoming aloof to such frippery. What they were presented with was a car which would evolve in more specific stages than any previous Bristol type, indeed any other Bristol type, except perhaps for the 603, which seems set to continue on its course into the next millennium. This type was fitted with the largest capacity engine of all available as standard Bristol specification (to date) commencing with a 6,277c.c. unit, and peaking with a 6,556 c.c. unit in the series 5. Only one experimental model was actually tried with the full 440 cu.in./7,210 c.c. engine and gearbox. It has been reported that there was so much torque available the tyres simply were not able to cope. In effect the increased power was being disipated by wheelspin. What it obviously needed to complement the power was a much larger footprint. The narrow body shape, a feature of the later saloons, in this case restricted that option so the idea was abandoned as impractical. It would seem prudent to deal with each variation in turn, since there were many if not all so obvious changes. In order to define the reference per series each has been prefixed by the Series number of that type and an item reference code.
In 1969, after the 410, came the first of the type 411, now regarded (though once again not so named by the manufacturers) as the S1. This was fitted as standard with the Chrysler 383 cu.in. engine or 6,277c.c. capacity, engine numbers being prefixed D, accompanied with the Torqueflite 3 speed automatic transmission. The prototype has slightly raised creases to the wings which were toned down on the series production models.
The rear of the 411 prototype car
This version was introduced in 1970, still fitted with the 383 cu.in. engine, but prefixed E. This time the type Series 2 definition was so designated by the maker. It is worth pointing out the the cars do not carry a series identification, nor do they display a type number visible on the exterior of the body shell. The series code is in the full chassis number sequence. Visually it is very difficult to identify the difference between the first and second series cars; at a glance you would have to note the following features:
This was introduced in 1972, still fitted with the 383 cu.in. engine, prefixed F generally but late versions are prefixed G. Once again the type series number is confirmed by the manufacturers' literature.
This was introduced in October 1973, and fitted with the 400 cu. in. engine of 6,556c.c. capacity, prefixed H, and with the intermediate code of HC. The series number is confirmed by the manufacturers' literature. Changes were:
This variation was introduced in 1975, still fitted with the 400 cu.in. engine, prefixed J and with the intermediate code 3C. The series number is confirmed by the manufacturers' literature. Alterations were:
The body panels for the production series for most if not all of the 411s were manufactured on body bucks and mated to the chassis outwith the factory, by Park Royal Vehicles Ltd at Acton.