Lot details Registration No: OYL285Y Chassis No: 6035207964192 Mot Expiry: May 2006
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 blue with light grey leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in fair (chassis, electrical equipment) to good (engine, transmission, interior trim, paintwork, bodywork) condition. In the current ownership since November 1996 when it was purchased from Bristol Cars Limited with "a recorded mileage of 37,895 and only two previous owners (apart from Bristol Cars)", it is said to have been manufacturer maintained from 1984 to 1988 (5,000 - 30,000 miles) and from 1996 to 1998 (38,000 to 56,000 miles). Seemingly little used between 1988 and 1996, the return to more active duty saw Bristol fit a new exhaust system, central locking and an electronic alarm (META M99T) in addition to repairing its petrol tank (125 litres) and fuel pump. However, since 1999 it "has been serviced at least annually by Manuel Querioz of Harlesowen, a Ferrari, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist". Treated to a respray and refurbished interior in 2002, it apparently benefited from a "carburettor overhaul" last year as well as replacement "spark control box, HT leads, distributor sensor, rotor arm / leads and ignition coil". Believed but not warranted to have covered 79,000 miles from new, it is offered for sale with all MOTs from 1988 to 2005 (except 1994, 1995), original manual, service sheets, Blaupunkt CD / Tuner, MOT certificate valid until 12th May 2006 and road tax until 31st October 2005.
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