Bristol 412 ........... Light touch paper and stand back
Discussion
Now that 412 looks much better. I wouldn't turn that out of my garage.
I prefer the looks of the earlier Yank engined ones like the 411 you posted a picture of earlier. I remember as a kid we used to occasionally drive past their showroom and always looked out for the cars. I loved the quirky styling and the eminently sensible hiding the spare wheel in the front wing.
The earlier 405s are rather nice looking too, not so keen on the earlier 400s.
I prefer the looks of the earlier Yank engined ones like the 411 you posted a picture of earlier. I remember as a kid we used to occasionally drive past their showroom and always looked out for the cars. I loved the quirky styling and the eminently sensible hiding the spare wheel in the front wing.
The earlier 405s are rather nice looking too, not so keen on the earlier 400s.
I even like this 603, which I used to think looked terrible when I was younger.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C169195/
Sent my wife the link to the burgundy 412 and she absolutely hated it.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C169195/
Sent my wife the link to the burgundy 412 and she absolutely hated it.
cardigankid said:
along with the 'rare and special' Zagato Aston V8's, er, no.
Oh no, please save me.If they weren't bad enough to begin with. When I was looking for an Aston a few years ago I came across a white Zagato
But talking of odd angular Astons. Did I see the Bulldog up for sale recently.
I love the interior you posted Cubehead, I guess thats the grey car- yes? and I really like the 411 even though the Allegro headlamps don't do it any favours.
Apart from individual taste in form do you think what makes a car good looking is continuance of the line from front to rear? I remember reading recently that Sir William lyons always looked for "light line" when designing, hence as examples I guess the E Type and Lamborghini Muira have undeniable beauty.
If you look at the 411 that certainly has continuance of line indeed the interior dashboard has it (though not in the footwell or centre console) whereas in my opinion the 412 is a dis-jointed mis match of ill fitting panels with no fluidity; the bonnet could serve well as my breakfast table whilst the trailing edge looks like my patio steps.
I don't deny the character and individuality of the design just it's execution (sic)
Bristols, I like the understated looks of the 407-411 range. Love the traditional walnut and leather interior, love the simplicity of a Chrysler V8, love the space. The 412 doesn't look good in photos to my eye, but it may be an easy car to live with - top down motoring for four with a large boot. Sportier than a Bentley/Rolls, roomier than an Aston.
Trommel said:
How can you not like this?
Actually that one looks much better, but still not my cup of tea. Give me a standard V8 Vantage any day. I was lusting after a red X-Pack Volante with cream and red piping at Runnymead before I bought the XK. The Mrs hated it Back to the topic. Bristols.
davidspooner said:
I actually really like that- can imagine tootling down to the south of France, not too fast but briskly. Lovely!
I've always felt that that would be the sort of car you'd be cruising along gently in, just going faster than all the other people.
Trommel said:
a8hex said:
I've always felt that that would be the sort of car you'd be cruising along gently in, just going faster than all the other people.
That's my approach to it. Need a fourth gear though.I'm surprised by the comments about the limitations of the three-speed automatic transmission. The figures I've got for top gear in the Bristol 410 suggest that you get 25.5mph for every 1,000rpm in top; which doesn't sound like a screaming, under-geared ratio to me. But I'm still waiting for someone to lob me the keys to a Bristol and I don't know how the gearing feels on the road. Still, I understand you can fit a more modern transmission if you want (and can afford).
As for the 412, it is growing on me. I saw the silver car pictured earlier, and in the metal it is absolutely stunning. I'm not sure I'd have one, I think I'd rather have either an older 4xx series car or a 603 (unless the budget would stretch to a Brigand).
As for the 412, it is growing on me. I saw the silver car pictured earlier, and in the metal it is absolutely stunning. I'm not sure I'd have one, I think I'd rather have either an older 4xx series car or a 603 (unless the budget would stretch to a Brigand).
It's not a screamer certainly, and 25mph/1000rpm doesn't sound far from the truth. My speedo is not the most accurate thing in the world though (a bit bouncy), but the car sits happily at an indicated 4000rpm (what I think is about 80-90mph) without trouble. The point is though that the nature of a big V8 means you have so much torque that a higher ratio would not really hinder driveability on the motorway, but would increase economy and comfort. The three ratios it does have are very well suited to the car. It's quick off the line, has good overtaking oomph and is fine at fast A-road speeds, but it would be nicer to have a higher one on top. It is indeed possible to fit a modern 40mph/1000rpm box, but the 410 (and earlier I expect) has a chassis crossmember that needs moving so it is a bit more involved (and therefore expensive) than on the later cars.
tog said:
It's not a screamer certainly, and 25mph/1000rpm doesn't sound far from the truth. My speedo is not the most accurate thing in the world though (a bit bouncy), but the car sits happily at an indicated 4000rpm (what I think is about 80-90mph) without trouble. The point is though that the nature of a big V8 means you have so much torque that a higher ratio would not really hinder driveability on the motorway, but would increase economy and comfort. The three ratios it does have are very well suited to the car. It's quick off the line, has good overtaking oomph and is fine at fast A-road speeds, but it would be nicer to have a higher one on top. It is indeed possible to fit a modern 40mph/1000rpm box, but the 410 (and earlier I expect) has a chassis crossmember that needs moving so it is a bit more involved (and therefore expensive) than on the later cars.
Don't the more modern Bristols do something like 40MPH/1000.When the overdrive is working on my XK it does something like 30MPH/1000revs which is a good cruising speed. Without the OD it is closer to 23, which given the state of tune of the engine means high speed cruising happens when there is a huge amount of torque on tap so constant vigilance is needed on the speedo. Mind, its useful when numpties sit right on your tail and you want to pull away as soon as the traffic clears.
The four-speed has a fairly high 0.69 top gear. Whilst it's a common swap I think the weaker engines might benefit from a slightly lower axle gearing if you want progress without constant kickdown on the motorway. I think most need the crossmember cutting, not sure if it's moved or bolted on the later Blenheims.
With the three-speed and 2.88:1 mine does about 85 at 3k, a bit under 100 at 3.5k. For noise and economy my next one will have more than three gears.
With the three-speed and 2.88:1 mine does about 85 at 3k, a bit under 100 at 3.5k. For noise and economy my next one will have more than three gears.
Trommel said:
With the three-speed and 2.88:1 mine does about 85 at 3k, a bit under 100 at 3.5k.
Maybe I should get my speedo and tacho checked, as mine has the 2.88 as well and I find myself cruising at about 4k on the motorway, and though it doesn't feel like 100, it might be nice to know... 
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