Bristol Type 603

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Bristol Type 603
Manufacturer:	Bristol Cars
Production:	1976 onwards
Predecessor:	Bristol 411
Body style:	2 door saloon
Engine:	5.2 or 5.9 Litre V-8
Transmission:	3 or 4 speed automatic
Length:	193 inches (4910 mm)
Width:	69 inches (1770 mm)
Height:	57 inches (1440 mm)

The Bristol Type 603 was launched in 1976 with the E and S types. The 2 door, 4 seat car went through a series of developments leading to the Blenheim, which is still in production (2006).

Variants include the Britannia its higher performance partner the Brigand (1982-1994), Blenheim (1994-1997), Blenheim 2 (1998-1999), Blenheim 3 (2000 onwards) models.

The V8 engine is made by Chrysler for Bristol and has a capacity of 5.9 litre (5.2 litre on the E model) and drives the rear wheels through a 3 speed automatic gearbox, 4 speed from the Blenheim 2. The 150 mph Brigand is fitted with a Rotomaster turbocharger. Suspension is independent at the front using coil springs while at the rear is a live axle and torsion bars with self levelling. Braking is by discs all round. The body is built with aluminium panels on a steel framework mounted on a separate steel chassis . Unusually, the spare wheel is mounted inside the front wing.