1977 BRISTOL 603

‘One of the most exclusive cars in the world, beautifully finished to the standard of Rolls Royce’

This was the heading in the ‘Motor Week’ magazine dated September 1978.

This car was 33% more expensive in 1978 than the Aston Martin V8 and in today’s money this car would be £160,000 – today its yours for a mere £34,000

It was a marmite car in its day due to its exclusivity and price and there were rivals brands available for less. But these were more common production line cars that if you lived in West London you’d see a few about. Not this car. Rare, very rare and niche for those that appreciate exclusivity and standing out in a crowd. That said film stars weren’t the only buyers as it found popularity with barristers and Judge’s - people who knew their stuff.

If you found any Bristol examples for sale, they would usually be in a moderate condition and we wouldn’t entertain them. However, this example is stand out. It has had low ownership, matching numbers, engine and bodywork restorations and some very conscientious custodians who have maintained this car to an exceptional standard. From the bodywork, the wonderful interior, to the engine bay this car presents exceptionally well.

The interior is a standout feature as this looks almost new and sitting in the car is an experience. 40 years in the trade and looking at the dashboard, nothing is familiar and everything great – I love it.

We confirm that the paintwork is excellent though we damaged an edge opening the oddly positioned battery compartment whilst jump starting the car but this is an easy fix.

The wheels incredibly are original fitment from the HQ and have been prepared so well and fitted with good tyres.

This S model has the reliable Chrysler 5900 V8 producing well over 200 bhp and capable of delivering 140mph. Although this car is not about speed, rather its about being you and being different. It will draw huge attention as the general public will not know what it is, which you either like or in time might not.

We have some nice documentation with the car which includes some original factory booklets with unique identity and some booklets on how it all works including mechanical and electrical. There are also some early road tests including a magazine and cuttings, and all paperwork is neatly presented in its file.

There is a detail handwritten note confirming the vehicles maintenance, rebuild and servicing history which is from 2003 right through to 2018. Since this time, it has been kept in warm storage until it was PX with us against a 1960’s Ford Consul – yes, he has gone older.

Prior, the Bristol has had a huge amount of work carried out to it where included in these works, a re-work of the engine was carried out which we are informed was circa £15000 in 2008. At some point the car has had modern Edelbrock performance cylinder heads and carburettor fitted to improve performance and reliability. In the last few years, the car had a restoration which is incredibly documented in a hardback A4 book supplied by a specialist vehicle restoration company which is a wonderfully visual history to own. Interested parties should request pictures from this book.

Today the car is at its all time best and is ready to be enjoyed.

If you are an independent minded person who strives magnificent finish, subtlety, solidity and of course exclusivity then few cars match the Bristol. In relation to the huge cost creating this piece of art the asking price – equal to a Ford capri, is value.