Type 603

The Type 603 was introduced during 1977, though the prototype which was later modified as a series 2 car was actually registered in 1976. Thus the type has the distinction of being in parallel production with the 412 series cars and again offered a Bristol saloon to those who required it.

Unlike the 412, the body was this time designed by Bristol Cars and yet again it was a radical change from their previous in house design the 411 S5, introducing a ‘windcheating’ near fast back style with a more raked rear window and a more pronounced slope in the boot line. The frontal treatment is reminiscent of the later 411s only in the retention of the quadruple circular headlights and radiator badge, the lines being altogether more angular.

603 S and 603 E

Initially two versions were offered from October 1976, a performance version, the 603 ‘S’, which was fitted with the Chrysler 360 cu.in./5,899 c.c. engine with a four barrel carburetter, and the 603 ‘E’, or economy version, which was offered with the Chrysler 318 cu.in./5,211 c.c. engine fitted with a double barrel carburetter. Both variants were fitted with the Torqueflite 3 speed automatic transmission. A variation in this element being first the stalled ratio, and second the diameter of the torque converter, 2.07:1, and 10.75 inches in diameter on the ‘S’, 2.23:1 and 11.75 inches in diameter on the ‘E’. The majority of the cars so far recorded by the Club of this Type are the Economy version, which was discontinued in November 1977.

• The ‘S’ has smaller cushion type headrests, whereas the ‘E’ has open centred framed headrests.
• The gear shift lever is cranked on both, according to Dave Crownshaw, not as wrongly captioned on page 272 in the Illustrated History.
• Twinned circular quartz halogen headlights are fitted to both.
• Two smaller but higher speed cooling fans are fitted compared with the larger units on the 411 S5.
• Auto-cruise was fitted as standard.
• Tyres were full section tubeless Avon radial ply 205 VR 15, on pressed steel wheels, with badged nave plates.

603 S2

With the introduction of the 603 S2, the 318 cu.in./5,211 c.c. engine was dropped in favour of the 360 cu.in./ 5,899 c.c. unit with its equivalent torque converter 10.75 inches in diameter, and stalled ratio, 2.23:1.

• The chrome studs and holes in bumpers are deleted on this series, black trims are fitted.
• Revised air intakes are incorporated to the ventilation system.
• The air conditioning system matrix is increased from that fitted to the 603 S.
• There are air exhaust grilles on the rear wing flanks associated with the changes in the routing of the internal air circulation system.
• Seats fitted with headrests as the 412 S2.
• Seat tilt electric releases are deleted in favour of mechanical catches.
• The gear shift lever is straight in observed examples, according to Dave Crownshaw, and not cranked as in the ‘S’ & ‘E’, wrongly captioned on page 275 in the Illustrated History.

How and where to find the vehicle particulars

The chassis number is to be found on the identification plate fixed to the top shroud plate in front of the radiator, with the sales number and engine number. The chassis number is also stamped on small plates fixed to the right hand front wheel arch and to the left hand chassis side member. It is repeated by indelible stamping on this side member below the left hand exhaust manifold.

603 NSB

It is now known that a small number of the 603 cars may have been remodelled, fitted with the Brigand front end and one at least, chassis 7924072, has the Brigand power plant as well.