Bristol revises the Blenheim
Gents club car gets mild tweaks
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 Bristol Blenheim 3 -- more gentleman's club than car |
Bristol has updated its 2005 Blenheim range, which now consists of three models. It describes them as:
- Blenheim 3 -- dignified express travel for four six-foot persons and their luggage.
- Blenheim 3G -- As above, fuelled on either petrol or LPG with seamless switching between them for economy.
- Blenheim 3S -- Like the 3 but with sporting performance, enhanced handling, roadholding and brakes. Torque to weight ratio is superior even to rivals with turbocharged engines, according to the normally taciturn car company, describing it as "the ultimate Q car."
Changes to all 3 and 3G models in 2005 are as follows:
- 225/60 x16 tyres (previously 215/70 x15).
- Five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels increase airflow across the brakes by 26 per cent.
- Two inches wider rear track
- Revised engine computer for enhanced smoothness and fuel economy.
- Larger four piston brake callipers and improved brake pads for longer life and better fade resistance.
- Uprated front springs for crisper handling.
- Revised dampers providing greater body control in fast driving with reduced small bump harshness around town.
- Rotary ventilation controls for more precise adjustment.
- Wood veneer door cappings and matching wood trim over air-conditioning console for more club-like interior feel.
The Bristol philosophy
Bristol also said that it was keen to emphasise that the philosophy behind its cars remains unchanged. It remains committed to a strict engineering based design philosophy, and its latest saloons "remain refreshingly free of fashionable but worthless gadgets. For example we do not fit a separate starter button. – we gave that up 46 years ago."
Bristol added that its cars do not contain:
- Harsh run-flat 40-ratio tyres.
- Unfathomable computerised command and control system.
- Massaging seats with computer controlled side bolsters.
- Disobedient computerised transmission.
It said it remains committed to the old-fashioned values of a starter key, comfortable and durable 60 series tyres that last, are cheap to replace and grip well in all weather conditions.
The cars include a full-sized spare wheel, while the traditional switches, labelled in English or the language of your choice can be repaired "cheaply and simply by any competent repair man."
Seats too are "of traditional design, beautifully shaped, hand trimmed and amongst the most comfortable ever fitted to a motorcar. Our transmission has reliable mechanical controls. If you select first gear at 40 mph that is what you will get until you, not a computer decide otherwise."
Bristol reckoned that demand for the Blenheim range has increased year by year because "enthusiasts relish the fact that the cars have genuine character, integrity and charm."
It's traditional white Anglo Saxon, public school, career in the the army retired colonel, member of a couple of gents clubs in London type people who buy these cars. They don't want remote this, or computer controlled that. That's why they employ butlers.
They cost so much because they are low volume. The owner does not need to worry about running costs, but they don't want to spend a fortune, and anyway my local village filling station does all my work that I need.
Tyre Smoke said:
It's traditional white Anglo Saxon, public school, career in the the army retired colonel, member of a couple of gents clubs in London type people who buy these cars. They don't want remote this, or computer controlled that. That's why they employ butlers.
exactly... spot on 
..it exudes a certain level of Class that even a RR doesn't achieve.
Matt
M@H said:
It's traditional white Anglo Saxon, public school, career in the the army retired colonel, member of a couple of gents clubs in London type people who buy these cars. They don't want remote this, or computer controlled that. That's why they employ butlers.
..it exudes a certain level of Class that even a RR doesn't achieve.
Matt
They are traditionally crafted British cars, with just the mildest hint of eccentricity about them. The don't conform, and they don't care that they don't conform… a bit like the big bruiser Aston's of old. Flawed, yet a genius lurks within.
If I had the money I'd have on ein my collection…
… why? Simply because I could. Messers 'H and Smoke, I will see you in the MCC pavillion at tea…
Whys old money, old money? answer cus their tight! hence cheap tyres and easily repaired switches
Whys it £100+? because its designed to still be running in the next 50yrs, built like a
house from 'real' materials My Fathers boss had a couple about 25yrs ago... why you ask? Aston Martins were just getting far too common!
>> Edited by mustard on Tuesday 19th April 13:00
www.bristolcars.co.uk/BristolFighter.htm
"Max power 628/660 bhp* at 5900 rpm. Max torque 580 lb.ft 3900 rpm. * Horsepower increases at high speed due to aerodynamic overpressure in inlet system "
>> Edited by M@H on Tuesday 19th April 13:13
M@H said:
And they are not stuck in the dark ages either
<a href="http://www.bristolcars.co.uk/BristolFighter.htm">www.bristolcars.co.uk/BristolFighter.htm</a>
"Max power 628/660 bhp* at 5900 rpm. Max torque 580 lb.ft 3900 rpm. * Horsepower increases at high speed due to aerodynamic overpressure in inlet system "
>> Edited by M@H on Tuesday 19th April 13:13
That's the Fighter S... a mere £256,150...
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