United Kingdom · founded 1945
Bristol Model History
Secretive British maker of hand-built luxury GTs (1945–2011) — from BMW-derived straight-six saloons to Chrysler-V8 grand tourers and, finally, a Viper V10 supercar, all built in tiny numbers at Filton.
12 models
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Bristol models
12 models shown
400
Bristol's first car (1946–1950) — a post-war fusion of BMW 328 engine and BMW 326 chassis, introduced at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show.
Model history401
Bristol's most popular early model — 611 built — with a wind-tunnel-developed aluminium body by Carrozzeria Touring and 85 bhp from the evolved BMW-derived six.
Model history403
The most capable of the early six-cylinder Bristols (1953–1955) — 100 bhp, four-wheel disc brakes on test cars, and a 106 mph top speed.
Model history404
The short-wheelbase 'Businessman's Express' (1953–1955) — only 52 built, with the spare wheel stowed in the front wings and up to 125 bhp on offer.
Model history405
The only four-door Bristol saloon ever built (1954–1958) — 297 saloons and 43 drophead coupes, using a 105 bhp six.
Model history406
The final six-cylinder Bristol (1958–1961) — 181 built, with a bored-out 2.2-litre six and the first Bristol disc brakes.
Model history407
The first V8 Bristol (1961–1963) — a Chrysler 5.1-litre V8 and TorqueFlite automatic, establishing the formula every later Bristol would follow.
Model history411
The fastest classic Bristol (1969–1976) — a big-block 6.3-litre then 6.6-litre Chrysler V8 producing up to 335 bhp, approximately 143 mph, 287 built across five series.
Model history412 / Beaufighter
An angular Zagato-designed targa/convertible (1975–1993) — 287 built — later turbocharged and renamed Beaufighter.
Model history603 / Britannia / Brigand
The 1976 wedge-profile two-door saloon (1976–1993) — around 80 Type 603s then 31 Britannia / Brigand variants — that carried Bristol into the Blenheim era.
Model historyBlenheim
Bristol's long-running final saloon (1993–2011) — a turbocharged 5.9-litre Chrysler V8, 150 mph limited top speed, built until the company entered administration.
Model historyFighter
Bristol's only modern supercar (2004–2011) — a gullwing GT with a Dodge Viper-derived 8.0-litre V10, approximately 13 built.
Model history
Other makes
- Abarth
- AC
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