Bristol 603E Two-door Saloon

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Bristol’s 603 of 1976 marked a new stylistic direction for the bespoke British builder. Taking over from the 411/412 Series, the new car sported sharper lines, cleaner surfaces and a generally more streamlined look.

Its alloy, hand-made body was still built onto a separate chassis, and the suspension (independent at the front) still used a live rear axle, but the model ensured the marque’s survival into the Eighties and, remarkably, was to form the basis of all subsequent models (Beaufighter, Brigand and Blenheim) before Bristol went into administration in 2011.

Being launched at a time of intermittent fuel crises, the 603 was offered in two guises; the S (Sport) and the E (Economy). Both used Chrysler V8 motive power driving the rear wheels through a virtually unburstable three-speed automatic gearbox, but whereas the S boasted 5.9-litres under its bonnet, the E ‘only’ put 5.2-litres at the driver’s disposal. The 145bhp E was still capable of a respectable 120mph and 0-60mph in around 10 seconds.

Although a little awkward looking to some, build quality was impeccable and Bristol always retained an intensely loyal following, which included the erudite motoring writer LJK Setright among its ranks.

The 1978 example on sale today is offered in metallic blue with black leather trim. The car retains its leather-bound instruction manual and blue V5 log book. It has been in the Stondon Motor Museum Collection since 1997 and shows a mileage reading of 19,156, though this cannot be warranted. Said to run well, it has not been on the road for many years and will need thorough recommissioning before use.

According to the DVLA, only two examples of the Bristol 603 remain road-registered. By anyone’s standards, this is a rare car, but one that is able to combine every day usability with almost legendary exclusivity. This one also comes with a rather nice 603 number plate...