Smooth Chrysler 360ci (5.9L) V8 plus Turbocharger with 3 speed Torqueflite transmission
Substantial renovation work recently completed with many £1000s spent
Now drives well with plenty of power and smooth ride
The Appeal
Named after Bristol’s World War II bomber aircraft the Beaufighter was launched in 1980. The Beaufighter was the fastest four seat convertible in the world and one of the first turbo charged cars of the 1980s. In typical Bristol fashion it avoided the ostentation of many of its similarly priced competitors. Offered from 1982 to 1993 it was based on the 412 model but with updated bodywork and upgraded engine and transmission.
The distinctive Zagato penned styling and unique roof options are like no other large convertible, with the Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible and Bentley Turbo being the likeliest competitors in period. In keeping with its aircraft heritage all body panels are aluminium and the car was hand-built at Filton, Bristol. Of just 20 Beaufighters produced just a handful had the desirable removable targa roof section which in itself is fitted with a removable sunroof. All Beaufighters had the convertible Coupe de Ville style folding rear roof which gives great flexibility of convertible cruising options.
It is powered by a Chrysler 5.9 litre V8, but the Beaufighter was also fitted with a Roto-Master turbo providing over 335 bhp, huge levels of torque, with 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 150mph. Positive and sensitive ZF power steering, all round adjustable Koni shock absorbers and up-rated suspension all provide the surprisingly stable handling, whilst at the same time accommodating four adults in supreme comfort.
Having spent time as a resident of Pau in southern France the Beaufighter found its way back to the UK in 2022. The seller purchased it in July and immediately set about the repairs necessary to get it dependable and roadworthy. A large amount of work was completed, particularly to the underside with chassis and sill repairs along with refurbishment of the mechanical side too. This resulted in some spectacular invoices, with work totalling over £16,500. Now fully MoTed and dependable, the Seller tells us the ride is superb on today’s roads, soaking up all the bumps and floating along with a deep murmur from the exhaust. Pressing the accelerator results in a tsunami of torque, the Bristol drops its tail and launches for the horizon!
Alas, he has another car nearing completion and has run out of garage space so has decided to part with the Bristol to concentrate on the new project.
History and Paperwork
Built in Filton, Bristol in 1984
First registered in February 1984
Purchased by the seller in July 2022
UK Registered, but spent some time in France on UK plates
V5c In Seller’s name
Sales receipt from March 2022 when seller purchased the Bristol
Letter from previous owner explains some earlier hisory
MoT valid to 9th May 2024
Invoices from past two years totalling more than £16,500
Lots of renovation work completed, particularly to underside
Welding and repairs to sills, inner wings, chassis and cross members
All cavities and underside waxoyled and undersealed
Refurbished brakes with machined discs, new pads and rebuilt calipers
Wheels refurbished with new tyres in May 2023
Interior wood beautifully refurbished July 2022
Lots of further remedial work completed at vast expense
Major work carried out by Autocar Repairs of London, Bristol specialists
Orginal Bristol 412 Instruction manual
Bristol Owner’s Club leather wallet
2 sets of keys
The Interior
Black leather interior with light grey carpets and new woodwork
Black leather seats with plenty of creasing
Some more substantial damage in places, particularly the driver’s seat
Light grey carpet with age stains and marks, but mostly intact condition
Removable targa roof (complete with pop up sunroof), fits well and easily removed to stow in boot
Dash woodwork completely refurbished in July 2022, near perfect condition
Aftermarket JVC CD/Radio in working order
Air conditioning needs re-gassing and the vendor tells us it's not been tested to see if it works
All switchgear and controls in aged but good condition
Superb and comprehensive array of instruments including Turbo boost gauge
Original 3 spoke Bristol steering wheel in nice condition with no cracks
Clean and impressively large boot with smart grey carpet
The Exterior
Bright red paintwork in good overall condition
All glass and lenses undamaged with no chips
Sung fitting removable targa roof, complete with pop up sunroof, attaches easily.
Fold down rear soft top over rear seats with sun damaged but intact rear screen
Refurbished wheels with new tyres
Straight bumpers with only minor age marks
Single exhaust with chrome tip
Correct Bristol badging and all trim in good condition
Age related marks, small stone chips and some paint bubbling on most panels –see photographs
The Mechanics
5,900cc turbocharged V8 with 345bhp
Bulletproof 3 speed Chrysler Torqueflite transmission
Structurally sound chassis with fresh Waxoyl and underseal
See photographs of underside to appreciate scale of work completed
Clean and tidy engine bay in nicely original condition
MoT valid to May 2024
Oil and filters changed less than 500 miles ago
Reported to start easily and stop well thanks to recent brake work
Starts easily and drives well with plenty of power and solid feel
Summary
This is definitely an example of one man’s pain that will become another man’s gain! The Beaufighter is a rare beast, and quite unique being an early example of a turbocharged car- and a V8 to boot! With all the big invoices already paid there remains only minor work remaining, and it can still be enjoyed whilst it’s done. Stylish, rare, powerful and dependable, we think this is a unique opportunity.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
