When the Type 603 was first unveiled it was available in
two versions, 603 S (Sports), or
603 E (Economy), both having the same body style, which was
once more designed in house. Four body styles have been offered since
these in three subsequent Series with certain mechanical and body
alterations at each stage of the development.
When the Type 603 s2 was introduced the alternate
performance specifications were dropped and the engine performance package
was standardized.
A new body treatment on the Type 603 s3 was once again to
offer a choice of two performance specifications and heralded the
introduction in the series of the two models being named after two more of
the Bristol Aeroplane Company products, these being - the "Bristol Britannia" (the economy model) and the "Bristol Brigand" (the sports version).
A fourth body style was introduced again reverting to one performance
specification though initially still plated as a 603S3, later
models were numbered as 603S4 and this is model was aptly named -
the "Bristol Blenheim".
In 1998 the latest gestation of the Blenheim was introduced to the
motoring press as "Bristol Blenheim 2", and it was
also announced that it would be available in both standard and high
performance state of tune.
( Full size image 47k jpg ) / next version
The body is easily seen to be markedly different to the Type 412.
( Full size image 87k jpg ) / move to next version
The vestigial headlamp clusters of the Type 411 s5 cloaked in a new
grille
( Full size image 72k jpg )
View of the rear shows the re arrangement of the light clusters
including the location of the new mirrored siamised rear fog and
reversing lamps mounted in a recessed panel of the Boot lid alongside
the rear number plate.
( Full size image 72k jpg )
Profile shows the cabin air extractor vent on rear wing flanks and also the
new wheel type adopted.
( Full size image 47k jpg )
View shows one
treatment of grille area. Units undecorated attached to body in this earlier
version.
( Full size image 35k jpg )
Another variation
of Grille treatment. Grille units painted out Black in this later
version.
( Full size image 65k jpg ) / move to next version
Britannia new look with compound light units and smaller radiator
grille
( Full size image 78k jpg )
Britannia from the rear showing the light clusters.
( Full size image 234k jpg ) / next version
Brigand with "Roz" from Britannia Airways in an early
publicity shot, but that is perhaps obvious, what is not so obvious,
is that this early car does not have the larger compound headlamp
units and has a larger radiator grille. Note new alloy wheels and
bulge in bonnet skin, also broad stainless steel strip insert in
bumpers.
( Full size image 104k jpg )
Brigand s2 - though the bonnet is not properly closed in this example - it
shows the bulge introduced in its profile to clear the Rotomaster
turbocharger. This later Brigand has more refined Bumpers with a narrower
bright strip trim and showing showing more black rubber than its
predecessor.
( Full size image 208k jpg )
The curved lower edge of the grille aperture of the new Blenheim emulates
the grille chrome trim used on the early 410 and the 411 s3 lighting
treatment is remembered in a return to the use of siamised driving lamps.
( Full size image 204k jpg )
Blenheim and its namesake side by side and ready for take off.
(Full size image 160k jpg )
Bristol Blenheim pauses for shelter beneath its namesakes' wing.
(Full size image 55k jpg )
The Blenheim takes its leave after another successful Bristol Club Annual Day
and Concours d'elégance in September 1996.
At its launch on 14th.January 1998, details of this newest derivation of the Type 603 Saloon were released, and have been incorporated on a new page which can be now viewed from the 'next page' tour link below.
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