Bristol revises the Blenheim

Gents club car gets mild tweaks

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 19 April 2005 / Loading comments

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."