This Type introduced a radical change and a completely new body style designed, and also initially fabricated, by Carrozzeria Zagato of Milan, Italy.
Additional Type 412 series designated Type 412 s2, Type 412 USA, and Type 412 s3 also known as the "Beaufighter" were subsequently produced; these being wholly fabricated by Bristol Cars Ltd. in the UK.
The 412 s2 was the first developed variation fitted with a normally aspirated V-8 Chrysler engine of 5.899 litres, (or 360 cubic inches) with the Torqueflite 3 speed auto transmission.
The next of these variants the Type 412 USA, so described in period brochures, was apparently initially destined for export to the USA... but as far as is known to the club the plan was cancelled. Possibly due to changing and more prohibitive legislation, insurmountable to a small specialist niche company like Bristol Cars Ltd.. Only one Type 412 car has so far been traced in the North American Continent and this is known to be a 412 USA. So it seems there is some credence to this hypothesis. Clearly the production lost to the USA was redesignated to be sold in European and other more accessible markets. Perhaps this explains the American style side flashers mounted on the 412 s3?...
The final series the Type 412 s3 production was also given the name of one of the original Bristol Aeroplane Company Ltd.'s products - the Bristol Beaufighter was powered by the same engine as the 412 s2 but with the addition of a Rotomaster turbo charger. The transmission was the Torqueflite 3 speed automatic but on this variant fitted with the 440 cu.inch engine's Torque converter and internal clutches, and finally a heavier Propeller Shaft to compensate for the additional torque being generated.
In 1984 a further special "Convertible"
version, though still designated as a Type 412 s3 was fabricated without a
mid position Roll Bar and is fitted with an electric hood. This development
was named after yet another of the Bristol Aeroplane Company Ltd. products -
the Bristol Beaufort.
Only one example of the
Beaufort has so far been confirmed to exist in the UK..
Type 412 - Convertible Saloon
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The body is identified immediately by the angular Zagato styling and the
central Roll Bar. Large rectangular headlamps. Cast Bristol Pegasus badge
mounted on the front grille. The 412 engine is a 6556cc. (400 ci.) Canadian
Chrysler V-8 induction aspirated unit fitted with the Torque Flite automatic
gearbox. The convertible versions have a manually operated folding rear hood
section; the top roof section being a removable "Targa" style panel. Windows
drop automatically about 25mm. to clear the roof when opening the doors. The
412 engine is induction aspirated.
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version
Note new multi coloured radiator badge replaces cast Pegasus. headlamps are
as the earlier 412. The 412 s2 engine is a 5899cc. (360ci.) Canadian Chrysler
V-8 induction aspirated unit fitted with the Torque Flite automatic gearbox.
Stainless Steel strip insert fitted in bumpers. Fuel filler cap is on the
top of the left rear wing. Headrests introduced on rear seats. Fitted with
an integral Roll Bar as the 412 also a feature fitted to the Beaufighter,
but additional fixed frames protect the top edge of electric windows. like
the 412, the 412 s2 is fitted with a removable fabric covered "Targa top"/
roof unit containing a sun roof insert. The roof unit was designed so that
when not fitted - it is storable in the Boot.
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One example has so far been identified.
One
other car pictured on the Jacket Sleeve of "Bristol - An Illustrated
History," written by Godfrey Oxley Sidey, has the same visible attributes as
the 412 USA, it bore Swiss Registration/License Plates when photographed.
This Type was always described as an export model of the 412 s2 5899cc.
(360ci.) Chrysler induction aspirated engine. Unlike the British version, it
was not supplied with a removable Hard Top. It was fitted with twinned
quadruple rectangular Headlamps. It had large lensed repeater, running and
flashing indicator lights on all four quarters, in addition to those on the
front and rear of the car purely to comply with American legislative
requirements, the engine was also fitted with a catalytic exhaust
system.
If anyone has any information on this model or pictures of an
actual example.
Please contact the General Registrar at the contact
address on the foot of this page.
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The Type 412 s3 engine is a fitted with a Rotomaster turbo charged 360 cubic
inch Canadian Chrysler V-8 unit fitted with the Torque Flite automatic
gearbox. The Bonnet has a raised central section to accommodate the Turbo
Charger. Beaufighters are fitted with a fixed fabric covered top roof unit,
incorporating a large sun roof. The sun roof and frame is removable as a
complete unit designed so that when not fitted - it is storable in the Boot.
As with the 412 s2 the rear roof section behind the integral Roll-over Bar
retracts and folds away manually. Headlamps are smaller twinned Quartz
Halogen rectangular units. Flank indicator repeater lights are often fitted
to both front and rear wings. These were illustrated as a standard feature
of the reported United States Export version which was also advertised as
the 412-USA. Standard tyres were 225-70 VR 15 Avons.
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Pegasus coloured badge on Black Grille. Narrower Stainless Steel strip
insert in black bumper. Fixed roll bar. The engines and transmissions of
/Beaufort versions are the same specification. The bonnet has a
raised central section to accommodate the Turbo charger. Unlike the 412
convertible, the Beaufort convertible is fitted with an electric hood. It
has a higher bodyline from the door B post position to the rear than the 412
s2 which gives additional body stiffening, compensating for the removal of
the fixed Roll Bar. The Roll Bar function being replaced by a larger and
stronger windscreen frame. The Fuel filler point is moved to top of right
rear wing to clear the gearing for the electric hood mechanism. There are
many other variations of detail in this version, which it is not felt
necessary to describe in this medium. Naturally more information is provided
in Club literature and contemporary technical reference sources.
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