1980 Bristol 603 Series II

Registration No: KHX 390W
Chassis No: 7947141
MOT: April 2026

• Later Series II example equipped with the larger, higher performance Chrysler 5.9-litre V8 engine as standard
• Fitted with numerous mechanical upgrades including an Edelbrock carburettor and inlet manifold, plus a front-to-back stainless steel exhaust and uprated cooling system
• A rare example – believed to be one of circa 65 603s built
• Benefits from several sympathetic upgrades which significantly enhance its usability in the modern age
• Current family ownership for the majority of its life (since 1989)
• Recently awarded best in show at the Trentham Gardens classic car show 2025

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 initially 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 constructed in aluminium belied its strong performance potential. With 172bhp and 270lb ft 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 boosted by twin servos. Equipped with automatic transmission, power-assisted steering and air conditioning as standard, it underwent a host of revisions and in 1978 became the Series 2 which was only available with a high performance version of the larger 5.9-litre powerplant. Distinguished by its new wheels and revised ventilation system, this updated version remained in production until 1982 before being replaced by the Britannia and Brigand, which were internally dubbed the S3.

Bristols have always been cars for the connoisseur – people with an eye for detail and an appreciation of quality, such as engineers and architects. Indeed, the late long-term owner of this car was a RIBA-qualified architect, and with characteristic sensitivity he implemented a programme of discreet but significant improvements across his ownership, which started in 1989.

Prior to that, the Bristol’s history is known since 31st October, 1988, when it was purchased from Bristol Cars by G. J. Spearling (or Spearing) of Prenton, Cheshire, at a price of £22,500, minus £6,000 in part-exchange for Mr. Spearling’s 1978 Bristol 412. At that stage, it had covered 65,530 miles. Mr. Spearling kept the car, then registered ‘WTP 435’, until November, 1989, when he agreed to sell it to the late owner after a period of correspondence. The architect very much had his heart set on the 603, which he bought to replace a TVR.

Believed to have covered fewer than 20,000 miles between 1988 and the present, the owner kept the Bristol in regular use, with a few spells on SORN, and became an enthusiastic member of the Bristol Owners’ Club. Indeed, he enjoyed fettling with the car, and among the numerous improvements he installed for reliability, convenience and safety were Mopar Performance electronic ignition, a Weiand inlet manifold and Edelbrock carburettor, rotary air-conditioning and evaporator, parking sensors, side-repeating indicators, a built-in satellite navigation system, daytime running lights, an alloy radiator and an alloy exhaust heat shield.

Perhaps one of the most sophisticated and useable examples of the 603, this handsome specimen is offered with a large history file including the current V5C, several invoices including some from Bristol Cars, a copy of the 1988 Bristol Cars sales invoice, MOT certificates dating back to 1989, plus copies of the 603 Instruction Manual, maintenance and servicing schedule and some technical and wiring diagrams. It is sold with an MOT with no advisories valid until April, 2026.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has recently undergone a registration number transfer and therefore is not sold with the number photographed. The vendor has installed a new set of registration plates to suit.

The vendor has added further information on 24/09/2024:

"Following eight years under a dry storage SORN, this Bristol 603 has undergone a comprehensive recommissioning in 2025 to ensure peak performance, safety, reliability and concours standard interior/exterior car detailing which culminated in a Best in Class and a Best in Show win at the prestigious Trentham Gardens Classic & Retro Show competing against 1000 other classics in September 2025.

Key works include:

• Fitted new engine start battery (size 72, 95Ah).

• Drained fuel system and replaced fuel filter.

• Stripped, cleaned, serviced, and fine-tuned Edelbrock 1604 carburettor.

• Installed new air filter.

• Replaced Champion spark plugs with NGK QC12YC.

• Flushed engine, replaced oil filter, and refilled with recommended zinc-based oil.

• Drained cooling system and refilled with fresh 50/50 ethylene glycol/distilled water mix, plus new radiator cap.

• Replaced automatic transmission fluid, filter, and sump pan gasket.

• Drained and refilled differential with SAE 90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil.

• Renewed front brake pads and front flexible hoses (Bristol-supplied parts).

• Full brake fluid change.

• Recharged air conditioning system.

• Greased all underbody nipples.

• Checked and set wheel alignment to 3mm toe-in.

• Replaced worn exhaust hangers.

• MOT passed with no advisories.

Major previous works carried out in 2012 (at 56,000 miles):

• Full Torqueflite automatic transmission overhaul with new torque converter. (Invoice included showing the work carried out)

• New front and rear Spax shock absorbers installed, along with new front road springs."

PLEASE NOTE ADDITIONALLY:

The speedometer appears to have been replaced previously as records in the history file show that the mileage indicated is lower than previously recorded.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430