Some cars have truly fascinating histories – and this is one of them. It’s essentially a unique car – a 1977 Bristol Type 603 ‘Brigand’, it was the first factory prototype for the car that would replace the Bristol 411, using the same 440Ci Chrysler V8 engine as its predecessor, but boosted by the addition of a huge Rotomeister turbo.
It was a rapid and engaging GT, and this is the very car with which Bristol carried out all the engineering and development work before launching the new Brigand to its customers. It was owned initially by Bristol Cars before being sold to a regular customer - a lawyer in an upmarket part of London - who used it for many years, corresponding regularly with Bristol’s charismatic owner Tony Crook and Head of Service Brian Marelli, highlighting positive feedback about the car as well as the usual niggles you’d expect from a handmade performance car. It makes for fascinating reading.
This, then, is a car like no other. A genuine rarity, a true one-off, and presented in fabulous overall condition.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C
MOT, tax and emissions zone exempt
Typewritten owners’ manual
Fascinating history file presented in an A4 lever-arch binder
Correspondence between long-term owner and Bristol Cars Ltd
Numerous hand-written letters and service invoices
Selection of old MOT certificates
The Condition
Older restoration finished in metallic Peacock Blue
Superb paint finish
No notable dents or damage
Immaculate cabin with very smart hides
Refinished wood veneers
Incredible specification
The first thing you notice about the Brigand is its size – it’s huge – and while its looks are unusual, it’s certainly an imposing beast.
It’s in fabulous order, having clearly wanted for nothing in its life, despite covering over 100,000 miles. The panels are all straight and undamaged, there’s no visible corrosion and the paint finish is excellent, while the factory alloy wheels are also in fine order. It’s also quite good fun playing ‘Spot the Part’, as the Bristol’s hand-built nature meant components were often brought in from other manufacturers, Vauxhall door handles, Bedford CFs taillights and Ford Capri mirrors to name but a few.
Inside, the blue leather is in gorgeous condition and there are numerous advanced features – electric seats, electric windows, air conditioning and even a boost controller for the turbo. The wood panelling was renewed in the late 2010s and is in fine order, while entertainment comes courtesy of a 2000s Becker Monaco head unit.
Both of the Bristol trademark wing lockers open properly, one containing the battery and the other the spare wheel, while the car also has a full factory tool kit.
The Mechanics
5.9-litre V8
Three-speed auto
Rotomeister Turbo
Very well-maintained
172bhp, 150mph performance
Impeccably maintained throughout its life, the Bristol appears to be in fine mechanical order. It fires up instantly and sounds fantastic, holding a steady idle with good oil pressure and an even temperature.
With 172bhp from its turbocharged V8, it’s both lively and responsive – in its day, Autocar magazine achieved over 150mph in a standard Brigand, so it’s a viciously quick machine for its era, albeit one with an old-school separate chassis. Driving it quickly won’t be for the faint-hearted.
The vendor reports that the Bristol appears to be in great mechanical condition with no known or apparent issues, but is keen to impress that it has seen very little use in recent times and that the buyer is advised to give the car a proper going over before using it in anger.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
