Monday, December 2, 2024

Bristol - Same Basic Wheelbase 65 Years, 1946-2011

Bristol cars (Wikipedia entry here) were manufactured from 1946 (protoype) through 2011.  Most shared the same 114-inch (2896 mm) wheelbase even though there were a few body redesigns during that period.

This post presents side views of nearly all Bristol models based on that wheelbase.  Future posts might deal with other styling features.

Gallery

1949 Bristol 400 - Iconic Autioneers photo
The original Bristol's design was very mid-to-late 1930s.  The shape of the passenger compartment greenhouse is similar to that of many American coupés from that period.  So is the exposed running board.  The spare tire sits atop the trunk lid.

1951 Bristol 401 - car-for-sale photo
All that changed after Italian Carrozzeria Touring produced its classic design for Bristol that I discussed here.  When I think of Bristols, this is the design that usually comes to mind.

1955 Bristol 403 - Bonhams Auction photo
The next model retained the same design.

1957 Bristol 405 - car-for-sale photo
The 405s from 1954-1958 were unusual due to being four-door sedans (saloons) rather than coupés.  The wheelbase was the same as before, while the design was entirely new.  Behind the front wheel opening is a panel that opens upward, hinged at the fender chrome strip.  This feature, housing a spare tire (on the left side, battery access on the right side), was retained in subsequent models pictured below.

1960 Bristol 406 - Bonhams Auction photo
It seems that some of the frontal structure of the 405 was retained on the 406.  The design is the "three box" variety common until aerodynamic efficiency became important in the 1980s.

1961c. Bristol 407 - Factory photo
The main difference here is a longer chrome strip.

1963 Bristol 408 - Gallery Aaldering photo
New fender chrome strip design with a wider strip along the lower part of the side.

1969c. Bristol 410 - photo via Car and Classic
There was a Bristol 409 model, but it looked nearly the same as the 408.  This was the model seen in many episodes to the British television series "The Inspector Linley Mysteries."  Again, the main difference is the chrome trim.

1974 Bristol 411 Series 2 - car-for sale photo
Now the chrome is a wide strip aligned with the front and rear bumpers.  It's difficult to see here, but the hinge line of the spare tire panel is visible, not disguised.

1981 Bristol 603 Series 2 - car-for sale photo
1976 saw the introduction of a new design, yet again on the traditional wheelbase.  The passenger compartment greenhouse extends farther forward and the windshield rake is increased.  A slight slope to the rear contributes to a less-boxy appearance.  The tire panel hinge line adjoins the side sculpting.

1998 Bristol Blenheim - car-for sale photo
The rear is more boxy, adding a little more trunk space.

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