The external differences between some Bristol V8 models are
quite subtle. Here we summarize the features that enable you to tell one
from the other without needing to look under the bonnet!
Things to look for
Headlamps
407 has two round headlamps.
Types 408 to 411S2 have two 7" outer headlamps and two 5" recessed into
the grille.
Types 411 and 411S2 have two 7" outer headlamps and two 5" in chrome
surrounds standing proud of the grille.
Types 411S3 to 603S2 have two pairs of 7" headlamps.
Britannia and Brigand have rectangular headlamp units.
Blenheim has two pairs of small separate headlamps.
Bumpers
407 has fat chrome bumpers with overriders.
408 to 411 have traditional rounded chrome bumpers without overriders.
603 has narrow, squared bumpers (S2 without studs)
Britannia and Brigand have rubber bumpers with inlaid metal strip
Blenheim has bumpers incorporated into body
Rear Lamps
407 has separate rear lamp units for reverse, indicator and stop.
408 - 411S3 have oval rear lamp clusters.
411S4 - 603 have rectangular rear lamp clusters.
Rearguard fog lamp introduced on 411S5
Blenheim has wide rectangular wrap-round lamp clusters.
Exhausts
Types 407 - 411S2 have two tailpipes.
Types 411S3 - Britannia have two pairs of twin tailpipes.
Turbocharged models Brigand and Beaufighter have a single tailpipe.
Grille
407 grille is styled like an aircraft intake, with horizontal trim strip
with lower loop, surmounted by Pegasus badge
408 grille is squarish and horizontally slatted. Inner headlamps
recessed therein.
409 and 410 grilles are of trapezoid shape, wider at the top, horizontal
slats, inner headlamps recessed therein.
Smile-shaped trim strip to lower edge of grille aperture on early
410s
411 and 411S2 grilles are trapezoid, wider at the bottom, horizontal
slats, inner headlamps recessed therein.
411S3 and 411S4 grilles are rectangular with concentric rectangular
chrome grille.
411S5 grille is rectangular with concentric rectangular black grille.
603 grille is rectangular with three horizontally slatted square grille
inserts and a central colour enamel Bristol badge.
Blenheim 1 grille is shaped as a very elongated right-rotated "D"
bearing a central coloured enamel Bristol badge.
Blenheim 3 grille as Blenheim 1 but simple horizontal trim strip
Side Trim
Type 407 has a single full-length lateral trim strip
Types 408 and 409 have full-length upper strip and separate lower strip
running from apex of front wheel arch to 2/3 of the way across the
passenger door.
Type 410 has the top strip curving down to join the lower at the front,
and the lower curving up to join the lower at the rear.
Caution: many cars have modified trim.
Type 411 and 411S2: single trim strip
Type 411S3, S4 and S5: No trim strip
Types 603 and Britannia: bodywork ridge
Bonnet
Type 407 bonnet does not extend all the way to the front. There is a
central roundel on top of the air intake surround.
Types 408-410 have a central roundel at the front of the bonnet.
Brigand and Beaufighter have a rectangular bulge at the centre
rear of the bonnet to accommodate the turbocharger.
Central bonnet badge reintroduced after Blenheim 1