Bristol Blenheim 3S

Everythings Shipshape And Bristol Fashion On Kensington High Street. Bristols Blenheim 3S, Makes Aston Martin and Rolls Royce Look Mainstream. Andy Enright Reports

The Great British eccentric is a dwindling breed in a multi-ethnic, techno-savvy, increasingly Eurocentric nation. Though we can normally count on a decent contingent of loonies, flakes and barnpots come General Election time, even this last bastion of harmless idiosyncrasy has been hijacked by big business. For the final standard bearers of this endangered species, suitable wheels have never really been a problem. Theres a shop in Kensington that never fails to come up trumps

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

Its been 55 years since Bristols first car, the 400, was announced. In that time, Bristol Cars have changed a great deal, but the basic philosophy remains the same. Building a car that can transport four six-foot adults in effortless sporting luxury is the brief and though others may utilise a high technology approach, Bristol insists on a pragmatic tack that puts great store by common sense solutions that causes one to ponder why others hadnt thought of that before. Saab may never tire of referring to their aviation traditions, but the most likely reminder of this youll find in the back of a 9-3 Coupe is the likelihood of economy class syndrome on a long journey.

Not so in a Bristol, a car manufacturer whose history of aviation design is clearly visible in the Blenheim 3S. The brake servos, washer reservoirs, battery and fuses are housed in a lockable compartment on the drivers side wing, and hinging this upwards is like throwing a few trip switches on the flank of a Bristol Blenheim bomber seconds before pulling the chocks away. Weight distribution is equalised by mounting the spare wheel and jack on the other side.

"The Blenheim 3S is so relaxed that at a cruising speed of 70mph, the engine is turning over at a mere 1700rpm"

The Blenheim 3S differs from the standard Blenheim 3 in adopting a more resolutely sporting bias. Although the car will still appear a trifle ungainly to those not steeped in the tradition of Bristol Cars, it at least makes more than a passing nod to modernity. Most people will spot the S as a result of its 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, whilst the rear track has been widened by a full two inches to improve high speed stability. The lower part of the rear body is subtly flared to accommodate this swelling in girth and four low restriction exhausts peer out below a deep rear valance.

Four piston front brake calipers have been fitted to help the behemoth Bristol scrub off speed and the brake servo has been modified resulting in a livelier pedal feel. Enthusiastic drivers will also appreciate the 3S better body control in high-speed corners due to revised roll bar and dampers. Twin filler caps, one on each side of the body, allow owners to pull up at a pump and not have to drape a greasy tube over the lustrous paintwork which now includes six additional colours. Beneath the bonnet the enormous 5.

9-litre V8 remains, tuned for enormous low-end torque. The Blenheim 3S is so relaxed that at a cruising speed of 70mph the engine is turning over at a mere 1,700rpm. Despite the yester-tech appearance of the slightly lugubrious body shape, wind noise is almost zero, and tyre noise and engine noise hardly factor. Its not quite the sensory deprivation cell of a Lexus LS430 but its effortlessly relaxing.

Bristol dont publish horsepower figures, claiming that this creates an artificial emphasis on sacrificing engine response in the low and middle Ranges and youd have to concur with their belief that this is a true gentlemans method of travel, the tachometer rarely straying above 3,000rpm whilst the Torqueflite four speed gearbox lazily slurs between its ratios with barely a murmur. A redesigned inlet manifold, a ported cylinder head and an increase in the rev ceiling of 500rpm indicate the Blenheim 3S sporting intent. Such is the cars opulence it seems that 90% of it is constructed from walnut veneer, aluminium or leather and the rest is deep pile carpeting and chrome. The interior may not be a model of ergonomic efficiency, but then you wouldnt expect to find LCD wall displays and slush-moulded fittings in the RAC Club, and you wont find them here.

The flanks of the car are upright, freeing up width for rear seat passengers whilst the cars overall width is kept to a minimum. All Bristols have an incredible steering lock that allows them to be easily manoeuvred around city streets. At 4256mm long, the Blenheim 3S is significantly shorter than a Ford Focus saloon and its slimmer-hipped than a Mondeo. It does, however, weigh about as much as the far larger Audi A8, aluminium body panels notwithstanding.

Although the rigid body is reportedly very strong in a crash, youll want for airbags and anti-lock brakes. Although it does feel old-fashioned when you drop into the pleated leather drivers seat, you soon enjoy the uninterrupted view the skinny A-pillars afford, whilst the quality of the veneers, the leather and the overall fit and finish is generally beyond reproach. Still, youd expect that for the price youd pay for the Blenheim 3S. Some of you may want to sit down at this point, because the asking price for the Bristol is £152,456, but it does include delivery and number plates! Bristol take a no-nonsense approach to pricing, seeing how much the car costs to build and adding a nominal profit margin rather than building the car to fit a particular price.

This results in a no corners cut, no compromise method of manufacture. One suspects the Great British eccentric would have it no other way.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Bristol Blenheim 3S
PRICES: £152,456 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 20
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 150mph . 0-60mph 5.4s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 19mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: n/a
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 4256mm/1790mm/1441mm