Bristol 411

Bristol 411 Mk 3

The Bristol 411 was a two-door sedan version of the British car manufacturer Bristol Cars, the 1969 Bristol 410 replaced and was produced until 1976. Over the seven -year production period, the model gradually learned numerous technical and optical modifications. Some of these changes were so severe that they had the previous practice of the manufacturer's basis, actually justify a new model designation; that was certainly true for the change from 411 Mk.2 and Mk.3 for the Mk 3 for Mk.4. Nevertheless, Bristol kept for all variants the term " 411 " and differentiated at the individual models by series (Mark 1 to Mark 5 ). At present the model as a Series 6 coupe from Bristol Cars will be offered again.

Model history

Bristol 411 Mk 1

The Bristol 411 Mk 1 was launched in the spring of 1969. The main difference with the previous 410 was the use of a much larger engine. Bristol separated after eight years of the proven 5.2-liter eight-cylinder and attacked now back on a large 6.3 liters engine of Chrysler, which was used in a similar configuration has long been in the Jensen Interceptor. The new engine was less processed than the previous engine; Bristol used from now on essentially standard motors. The adaptation of the new engine in the car drew numerous technical detail changes by itself. The reason for the change of the engine was after presentation of Bristol primarily in the fact that the new engine was service-friendly, as an adjustment of the valves was no longer necessary. However, It is noteworthy that with the larger engine was associated a significant increase in performance. The engine was now from 335 SAE hp.

The body had been revised in many details. The changes were so subtle that they were hardly noticeable at first glance. The most striking modifications concerned the lateral trim - only one instead of the current two - as well as the rear end: Here was omitted in basic maintenance of the Humber taillights now to the indicated rear wing; rear of the car was instead designed smooth. Aside from Bristol had redesigned the shape of the radiator grille, modified the position of the auxiliary headlights and revised the curves of the front fenders. In the interior, the use of a new steering wheel fell on: now, instead of the traditional two-spoke steering wheel from Bluemel a model with three spokes was installed in the hub of a Bristol coat of arms was seen.

The performance increased significantly by the new engine. The maximum speed of the Bristol 411 was 230 km / h for the acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in the work gave a value of 7 seconds. The Bristol 411 Mk 1 was thus, according to the magazine Auto Sport is the fastest standard touring car in the world.

In his presentation of the selling price of the Bristol 411 at 6,997 pounds sterling was.

Bristol 411 Mk 2

In the fall of 1970 Bristol presented a revised version of the first 411 In technical terms, there was a significant innovation in the use of an automatic - instead of manual - level control. Externally, there were some very subtle changes that were to be understood as cosmetic modifications. So Bristol used new door handles and door locks, which were slimmer. The Mk 2 was produced until 1972.

Bristol 411 Mk 3

With the introduction of the third series in July 1972, the Bristol 411eine received new body in many areas. Although it maintained the basic layout of the car and also the design of the passenger compartment in the core untouched, except were designed but the front and rear sections newly in a striking manner. The grille was now over the entire width of the vehicle. Integrated into were four large round headlights from the supplier Lucas, whose diameter was close to 20 inches and which provided for excellent visibility when driving at night. Between the headlights was a chrome-plated radiator grille element, which reminded a toaster because of its shape. The element was then called in the press toaster grill or barbecue grill. It remained in all subsequent 411 models obtained and found himself - in modified form - including the Bristol 412 and later at the Bristol Britannia and the Bristol Brigand, but not in the immediate successor of the 411, the Bristol 603 According to the new front section, were also the hood and the front fenders have been revised. The latter were slightly increased in order to improve the visibility of the front end. At the rear, the taillights of the old Humber Sceptre were replaced by new rectangular taillights which stood vertically as before. Reversing lights were located on both sides next to the license plate number. A total of 411 Mk 3 made ​​a much more contemporary feel than its predecessor, without even really fashionable or to be modern.

A special feature were two double exhaust pipes sticking out conspicuously beneath the rear end plate of the car. These were to dummies. In fact, the exhaust gases were made ​​by a downwardly opening aperture was positioned approximately five inches from the end of the exhaust pipes. By this construction, it should be ensured that any escaping gases leaving no traces on the driver of the Bristol garage wall. The interior was classic. The style, ergonomics and good workmanship were unanimously praised in the press; use alone of British Leyland door handles has been the subject of criticism.

The drive system was only slightly modified. The 6.3 -liter Chrysler engine was retained, however, Bristol fell in terms of exhaust emissions and the consumption of the compression to a ratio of 9.5: 1 from (instead of, as hitherto, 10.1: 1). A reduction in engine performance and also the performance was associated.

Bristol 411 Mk 4

In the autumn of 1973 there appeared a newly revised model, the 411 Mk 4 This time the changes were mainly technical in nature. Bristol wanted to respond to the slightly degraded performance, which had arisen by the modifications in the Mk 3. To ensure the well-known athleticism again, the company management decided - as it had been the case with Jensen - for the use of a new, larger engine. However, you can not chose the 7.2 liter Chrysler engine, the countless thermal problems moved to at Jensen. Although said to have been equipped for experimental purposes with this engine is a 411; the choice was ultimately but in the smaller, lighter and similarly potent 6.6 liter Chrysler engine. With a compression ratio of only 8.2: 1, which enabled the use of regular gasoline, a power of 264 hp by European measurement method yielded. In order for the Mk reached 4 performance, which were returned to the level of 411 Mk 2. The same engine was in the 1974 featured Bristol used 412, a convertible security with bodywork by Zagato.

In his imagination, the selling price of the Bristol 411 Mk 4 amounted to 8,973 British pounds.

Bristol 411 Mk 5

In the summer of 1975, the last stage of the Bristol 411 was presented. The changes were only cosmetic. The toaster grill was now painted black. Some emblems are changed, and the car decreed standard with seat belts with retractors.

Best feature was the optionally available Avon tire safety, the control of the car also enabled with a defect at high speeds. The owner of Bristol Cars, Tony Crook, this demonstrated to representatives of the media during a test at an aerodrome by hand a Bristol 411 (albeit a converted Mk 4) at 230 km / h accelerated and then technical by a device a front tire brought to burst. Apart from a small lurch after the explosion set the car continued its journey price correctly.

The purchase price of a new car was in 1975 at 12,587 British pounds.

The Bristol 411 Mk 5 was the last Bristol- model whose body conceptually based on the now 15 -year-old Bristol 406. He was replaced in the fall of 1976 by ​​the Bristol 603 was a completely original design.

Bristol 411 Series 6

A special case is the factory as Bristol 411 Series 6 model a. For this generation cars are not cars, but to fully restored vehicles of previous batches. The first Bristol 411 Series 6 was completed in 2008. Later, other eight-cylinder models from Bristol were converted in this way. The vehicles were delivered with a new car warranty.

As part of the restoration, the used vehicles of the customers are completely disassembled and rebuilt using many new parts again. The chassis of the donor vehicle is also the basis of the newly constructed vehicle. While the design of the body remains the same, the technical components are largely changed. The vehicles have the drive and suspension technology of the current Bristol Blenheim 3, so that the driving performance, driveability, and the exhaust emissions are significantly improved. The vehicles are equipped with the current 5.9 -liter eight-cylinder engine; it can be used according to the customer the standard version or the heavily edited version of the Blenheim 3S, which delivers up to 400 hp according to factory specifications. The computer-controlled four-speed automatic Blenheim is adopted. Finally, the vehicles have a modern audio system, a satellite navigation system and an iPod connection.

Importance of 411 for the company

The 411 was an important car for Bristol Cars. With this model, the company succeeded in the difficult time of the first oil crisis to survive, which was also a difficult period for manufacturers of expensive luxury vehicles. While many providers similar -designed cars such as Iso Rivolta or Jensen failed due to the oil crisis and even Aston Martin fell into bankruptcy, to Bristol was over all these years constantly on the market. This was in addition to the convincing, convertible basic concept of the 411, especially the fact that the model attractive Bristol held through continuous modifications and customer incentives were regular to order new cars. In addition, the company has succeeded already to be more cost -supporting with low production numbers; so could - unlike the competition - excess capacity can be avoided. It is noteworthy that in Bristol this problematic phase even succeeded, with the 1974 featured Bristol to develop 412 a sister model, which intensified the interest in the brand again.

Competitors

Car classification Curb weight Bristol Type 603 Humber (car) Jensen Motors Bristol Type 603#Bristol Blenheim .28603 S4.29 AC Frua Studebaker Avanti Iso Lele Rolls-Royce Corniche Bristol 400 Bristol 401 Bristol 403 Bristol 404 and 405 Bristol 407 Bristol 408 Bristol 409 Bristol 450 Bristol Type 603#603S3 .28Britannia and Brigand.29 Bristol Fighter (automobile) Sports car Roadster (automobile)
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