Bristol Blenheim Saloon

Changes and Specifications presented by the Manufacturer
(Source: launch data)

• EXTERNAL APPEARANCE
  1. Extensive alterations to the Aluminum panels to accommodate four larger Gas Discharge Headlamps in sleeker and deeper front Grille
  2. Altered Wheel Arches
  3. New Kevlar material Spoilers
  4. New alloy Wheels
  5. Sleeker Rear Wing bodyline to further reduce drag
  6. Unobtrusive Door Handles
  7. New Mirrors
  8. Bristol badge on Bonnet
  9. No overall increased width of the car which is narrower than most cars in the luxury class to facilitate manoeuvrability in traffic
• ENGINE

  Further developed V8 with 4 Speed Automatic Gearbox which can be used manually, to provide even more increased torque smoothness and improved fuel consumption (around 30mpg at the legal limit). 70mph equals only 1700 rpm!

• Picture taken during course of construction

  CHASSIS
  1. The track width has been increased for even further improved handling.
  2. Turning circle reduced by nearly two feet
  3. New suspension dampers are now hand built using Formula 1 technology.
  4. As is usual Bristol practice, dampers are individually adjustable to compensate for wear and to suit driver's preference.
  5. Important chassis features retained: 6.50 inches deep separate safety platform; chassis is welded directly to the massive steel upper structure over which alloy panels are bonded.
  6. This aircraft-inspired structure is not only surprisingly light but stiffer in Beam and Torsional stress than most other cars.
  7. By locating all major masses entirely with the wheelbase, and as low as ground clearance permits, a remarkably low centre of gravity and polar moment of inertia is achieved; both figures in fact being lower than a number of mid engined Sports Cars!
  8. Increased use of Aluminum in the structure itself prevents any increase in weight over the outgoing Blenheim 1.
• INTERIOR
  1. Revised front seat frames and substructure to give more headroom and comfort, and enhanced support.
  2. Extra interior and under bonnet soundproofing
  3. New door and window sealing
  4. Unique position inside the Cabin for CD player if fitted. Gives increased security, ability to change discs from inside the car, and uncluttered boot space.
  5. New 14 inch dished Leather covered Steering Wheel.
  6. New, restyled instruments for increased legibility, with soft lighting.

Unique Bristol features retained on the BRISTOL BLENHEIM 2

• FRONT WING STORAGE

  Spare Wheel, Battery, Servos and Fuses are still housed in compartments in the Front Wings, features which contribute to good weight distribution, ease of wheel changing, and allow unimpeded use of an uncluttered luggage boot.

• CHASSIS

  Closed box section welded steel construction with three cross members, plus stiff floor pans, forming a very robust structure,affording great protective strength. Many Bristol owners have owed their lives to this structure. Few, if any, other cars have any chassis at all.

• Picture taken during course of construction

  ENGINE

  The engine is of eight cylinders in 90 degree V configuration. Capacity is 5900 cc (360 cu. in) Bore 101.6mm (4.00 in). Stroke 90.93mm (3.58ins).Equipped with sequential Multi-Port fuel injection which provides precise air to fuel ratios for all driving conditions.The engine control module is a pre-programmed dual microprocessor digital computer. It regulates ignition timing, air fuel ratio, emission control devices, charging system, speed control, air conditioning compressor clutch engagement and idle speed. The control module can adapt its programming to meet changing operating conditions. Manufactured to Bristol requirements by Chrysler, with whom we have had excellent relations since 1959.

• TRANSMISSION

  Automatic with torque converter, four forward gears and reverse. The fourth gear is controlled by a switch whereby it maybe selected automatically or put out of operation. When de-activated a warning light indicates this.

• SUSPENSION

  Front: Independent by wishbones of unequal length with coil springs, telescopic dampers, torsional anti-roll bar. Rear: Torsion bar springs with Watts linkage stabilization and telescopic dampers.Front and rear dampers are adjustable. Sealed Ball joints. Bonded rubber sleeves in mounting bushes for noise insulation.

• STEERING

  Power assisted recirculating ball type, 15.7:1 ratio.Sealed ball-joints. Energy absorbing steering column designed to collapse progressively as a safety measure. 14ins. steering wheel with hand stitched leather covering. Anti-theft steering column lock operated by ignition key.

• BRAKES

  Separate front and rear hydraulic systems operated by tandem master cylinder. Self adjusting servo-assisted Girling disc brakes on all wheels. Failure warning device connected to lamp on instrument panel. Hand Brake has separate calipers operating on rear discs. Warning lamp indicates "Handbrake ON" position and also checks failure of warning circuit function. Mechanical parking lock incorporated into transmission is operated by gear lever.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

  12 volt negative earth system. 71 amp/hr battery. High performance alternator charging system with electronic voltage control. The ignition system is electronic thus reducing maintenance and improving efficiency and reliability.

• INSTRUMENTS, WARNING LIGHTS

  Comprehensive range of instruments includes Speedometer (in mph and kph), Tachometer, Battery Voltmeter, Clock,gauges for Fuel, Water Temperature, and Oil Pressure. Warning lights for Headlamp Beam, Cooling Fans on manual operation, Low Fuel Level, Turn Indicators, Hazards Lights, Handbrake/fluid level, Rearguard Fog Lamps, and Fourth Gear inoperative light.

• HEATING, VENTILATING, AIR CONDITIONING

  Through flow and ventilating system provides fresh air at variable volume and temperature without necessity of opening windows. Air enters the car at the base of the windscreen and passes through the heater to foot wells or demist slots above Fascia. Ventilation is supplemented by swivel outlets on Fascia and side panels of foot wells. A comprehensive air conditioning system entirely dependent of the heating and ventilation is included in the specification.

• FUEL SYSTEM

  Tank mounted behind rear seat, protected from impact by strong steel structure. Metal bulkheads separate tank from Boot and car interior. Capacity 18Imp. gallons (82 litres) Low fuel warning light on Fascia.

• BODY

  Full four-seater saloon with welded steel structure of great strength, and Aluminium alloy panelling.Two wide doors hinged on front pillars have burst proof locks and a self locking system and are fitted with arm rests, which have red lights built into the end to serve as a warning to oncoming traffic when the door is open, as well as illuminating the access area to the car with white light,ashtrays, window lift switches and electrically operated windows.Individual front seats, adjustable electrically. Seats tip forward to allow easy access to rear. Removable head rests on front seats. Box forming centre armrest fully padded. Individual rear seats (with belts) accommodate two persons in comfort and have folding centre armrest, and have individual headrests removable when not required. On each wheel arch is a deep usable cubby hole. Protective padding above and below Fascia panel. Walnut veneer Fascia panel and instrument panel. Pile carpet with soundproof underlays, lockable glove box, pockets on rear of front seats, full width rear parcel shelf.Courtesy roof lights operated either by the doors or independent switches,four ashtrays, cigarette lighter, windscreen and rear screen in laminated plate glass. Door lights and quarter lights in toughened plate glass. Hinged rear quarter lights. Electrically heated rear screen. Spare wheel housed in unique compartment in left hand front wing. Similar compartment on right hand side houses battery, twin brake servos and fuse panel, giving large luggage boot, unencumbered by having no spare wheel in it and opened electrically.Underside of body undersealed. Inside of body selectively treated with anti-drumming material.

• LIGHTING

  Blenheim 2 has four large gas discharge Headlamp units employing latest technology.

• EXHAUST SYSTEM

  Twin stainless steel exhaust system fitted with two catalysts complying with all the latest regulations.

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