This is the latest Bristol to be produced based on the tried and tested 603 series chassis, still type coded 603s3 and the car replaces Beaufighter, Beaufort, Brigand and Britannia types.
There is almost hint of dare I say ‘back to basics’, of ‘BMW derivative’ about the headlamp disposition and frontal treatment. The rear of the GM Vauxhall Carlton is mimicked with the adoption of its effective rear lamp clusters. The essence of the Brigand and Britannia is found in the interior and many a minor estate car would be shamed by the cavernous boot. I read that it was a shock to Autocar & Motor 15 Sept 93, and considering some of the cars that have passed through their hands over the years, this seems to have been a pleasant shock. Along with a potted history of the company the car is described as having suspension, chassis, roof and doors matching the previous models, but the front and rear bodywork is an all new design. With the possible exception of the wing mirrors, externally the car looks much cleaner and smoother. This is of course a subjective judgement. The main features are:
Performance figures stated by Autocar and Motor are 0-60 in 6.9 seconds; top speed is estimated to be 140 mph. Mpg on urban cycle 24, at 56 mph 34. Best of all, the claimed figure for fuel consumption at 70 mph is 30 mpg. Speed per 1000 RPM is stated to be 39.3 mph(62.88 kph).
In one recent article reporting a road test, we are told the power unit is more commonly to be found on trucks these days in Canada. (I am sure they meant something else). In any case the last time I checked a truck engine it was a 12 litre, two stage injected diesel, two stage turbo charged, intercooled, and supplied six forms of braking including air, hydraulic, mechanical, transmission, vacuum and exhaust. So this is simply too small to be a real truck engine! Some magazines just seem make it up as they drive along. So is there any worth in their reviews?
One thing for sure is that the smaller utility sector is extremely aggressive these days. Things that don't work are soon discarded, and usually long before they reach the market place. Their engines are designed to perform effectively over a very long and hard working life. If that be the derivation this new engine seems to be an excellent choice, and the two stage petrol injection will speed up the progress through those fiendishly designed obstacle courses of the Oxford section. No more, as combatants' cars on full rudder, banked at 30 degrees, enveloped by plumes of rubber smoke, storm in ever decreasing circles, will be heard the cry —
“We seem to have lost the port bank.”
“All right Jeeves. Adjust trim and carry on.”
“We seem to have lost the starboard bank too, Sir!”
“Oh! Very well. We'll have to pull out.”
“Anything else, Sir?”
“Yes Jeeves, let's swop her for a Blenheim. We'll succeed next year.”
“Very good Mr Wooster.”
Apologies to PGW
It is club policy not to publish chassis listings for current production models. Which is entirely academic in this case because the car is so new that only a handful of examples have so far been seen. This is in accordance with guidelines issued by the Club Committee at the Annual General Meeting at Stratford on Avon, in April 1991.
Should you wish to purchase one of these instant classics you should contact Bristol Cars at the usual offices. I have only spoken to one owner, who also has driven many other types. He simply stated that it is the best Bristol he has ever driven. What better accolade.
