Bristol

All the early models in the numerical sequence 400-405 were re-worked BMWs. Initially they were  2-litre models and continued through various changes until 1958, when the 406 was introduced. With the 406, the direction of future Bristol styling was established.

Also established was a tradition of quality possibly unmatched by any other Marque.  Being built by an former Aircraft manufacturer, the level of design detail is virtually unknown from any other marque. Have any other Marques ever swaged the wings to put thicker metal on to the top where mechanics may lean,  Bristol to this day revel in the fastidious attention to detail.  Customer choices  go down to such mundane aspects  as firmness of seat. 

Bristols had used their own version of the 2-litre BMW six, and this  was modified to 2.2 litres for the 406 model. 

Some 406s were bodied by Zagato, with an uprated 2.2 litre engine giving 130 bhp and are highly prized today. 

The following model, the 407, used a Chrysler 5.1 litre V8, establishing another trend for future Bristols, that of using large  American power plants. The next models all followed the normal numbering system, culminating in the early seventies with the 412.

Bristols have always a little  unusual, and with the definitive Bristol, the 411, this was certainly the case. The 411 had a number of unique features, such as run-flat Avon tyres.  Another unique Bristol feature was the spare wheel location in the car - between the front door and the left front wheel, under a sliding panel.

The 412 was again styled by Zagato and  was by no stretch of the imagination a good-looking car. Introduced in 1975, it proved to be surprisingly popular and the 411 which was produced in parallel  was soon replaced by the 603 in 1976 due to falling interest.  

The 603 introduced a new lineage, looking nothing like the 4nn Cars. Variations on these models were produced from 1976, including the Beaufighter and turbocharged Brigand models, and in 1993 a new Bristol was shown, the Blenheim. Still utilising Chrysler V8 power, the 603-based Blenheim II continues the bespoke traditions of the  Bristol marque into the new century.