Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1978 Bristol 603
Estimate
£12, 000 - £14, 000
Registration No: BWS 47S
Chassis No: 7932096
MOT: October 2025
5. 9 Litre V8 'Sports' guise example
Uprated with an Edelbrock carburettor, inlet manifold and cylinder heads
1 of an estimated 65 made
Recommissioned last year following a decade or so of dray storage
MOT'd but with aged cosmetics
Responsible since its 1946 inception for a succession of highly capable and individualistic grand tourers, Bristol has always remained aloof from the constraints of contemporary automotive fashion. Introduced in 1976, the 603 proved no exception. Available in either 5. 2 litre E (Economy) or 5. 9 litre S (Sports) guises, it was far more exclusive than its rivals from Bentley and Aston Martin. Something akin to a (Detroit) iron fist in a velvet glove, the 603's typically restrained two-door saloon bodywork belied its strong performance potential. With 172bhp and 270lbft of torque on tap from the larger of the two Chrysler supplied V8 engines, it was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7. 6 seconds and 135mph. Tempered by independent coil and wishbone front and torsion bar rear suspension, the 603 was easily reined in by powerful all round disc brakes Equipped with automatic transmission, power assisted steering and air conditioning as standard, it underwent a host of revisions in 1978 to become the Series 2 (including losing the smaller powerplant option). Distinguished by its new wheels and revised ventilation system, this updated version remained in production until 1982.
Finished in Navy Blue with Black leather upholstery, ‘BWS 47S’ is understood to have benefited from significant expenditure between 2000 and 2012 including the fitting of a new automatic gearbox, Edelbrock RPM inlet manifold, Edelbrock four-barrel carburettor and Edelbrock Performa cylinder heads plus attention to its brakes and suspension. Recommissioned last year following a decade or so in dry storage, the four-seater had its fuel system flushed, brake fluid changed and engine top-end overhauled. New components installed encompassed the battery, thermostat, air filter housing, rear brake servo, brake pads and two tyres etc. Believed but not warranted to have covered circa 114, 000 miles from new, the 603 subsequently passed a MOT test on October 8th 2024. Said to ‘run well’ but to be ‘showing its age cosmetically’, ‘BWS 47S’ represents a very affordable entry to the world of V8-powered Bristol ownership. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
