The story behind the Blenheim Speedster begins in the late 1950s. Most car manufacturers build and test secret prototypes that never reach the production stage. When each project ends they are scrapped which ensures they remain a secret indefinitely. A rare exception occurred when a senior member of staff at Bristol's Filton factory suggested the firm take a look at an abandoned car in a back room. Layers of dust and blankets hid an extraordinary streamlined 2-seater with prominent aerodynamic fins. Believed to have originated as a proposed replacement for the early 1950s Arnolt-Bristol roadster with a Bristol 2-litre engine, it was later tested with a Chrysler V-8 with an experimental fuel injection system. Though the resulting roadster was similar in concept to the later Ford-engined AC Cobra (which as the AC Ace had also featured Bristol's BMW-derived engine), Bristol considered it too "raw" for their gentleman clientele and instead concentrated on introducing the fast, yet dignified V-8 407 saloon series which created the foundation for a whole new generation of Bristols.
The prototype 2-seater survived as a mobile factory testbed for rebuilt engines and transmissions until being parked up some time in the '70s and forgotten. In the late 1990s it was fully restored by Bristol personnel who revealed it was originally known as "The Bullet", on account of its generous performance. The car has since delighted all who have driven it due to its combination of rousing performance, exotic appearance, balanced handling and surprising creature comforts.With the arrival of the Queen's Jubilee year and a general nostalgia for the 1950s, the factory decided to create an updated interpretation using modern Blenheim components just for the fun of it. The resulting vehicle surpassed all expectations. Bristol has therefore agreed to build a short run of 12-15 cars to be known as the Blenheim Speedster. Styling is a subtly enhanced version of the original while the interior is all new and conforms to usual sumptuous Bristol standards. The speedster benefits from weighing some 350 kg less than a Blenheim Saloon and has a special 30 gallon (36 US gal) fuel tank with twin race type fillers. This gives an intercontinental range to complement its huge and impeccably trimmed luggage boot (just the thing for a weekend trip to Italy! Bristol suggests). Performance is fully contemporary with 0-60 mph in around 5 seconds and a top speed approaching 160 mph.
Generously shod with 255 section tyres front and rear on 17" 5-spoke rims, the Speedster offers impressive grip and agility thanks to firmer (but still comfortable) suspension settings.The Speedster is on display at Bristol's Kensington showroom and orders can be taken immediately. Base price for the exclusive roadster is £ 127,000 (approx. $US 204,500), £ 149,225 including UK VAT.
SPECIFICATIONS |
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ENGINE |
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Layout: |
8 cylinders in Vee formation. |
Cubic capacity: |
5,900 cc |
Bore: |
101.6 mm (4.00 in). |
Stroke: |
90.93 mm (3.58 in). |
Compression ratio: |
9.25:1 |
Maximum torque: |
390 lb-ft |
Fuel system: |
Tuned runner aluminium plenum with multi port injection. |
Ignition system: |
Dual microprocessor sequential electronic ignition. |
DRIVETRAIN |
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Layout: |
Electronically controlled automatic with four forward speeds and reverse. |
Torque converter: |
Stall ratio 2.19:1 with computer controlled lock-up clutch. |
Final drive: |
2.88:1 (3.06 optional) |
Overall Gearing: |
40.72 mph/1000 rpm. (38.52 optional). |
SUSPENSION |
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Front: |
Unequal length wishbones with coil springs, adjustable telescopic dampers, torsional
anti-roll bar. |
Rear: |
Bristol 8-link axle with torsion springs, adjustable telescopic dampers. Limited slip
differential. |
STEERING |
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Layout: |
Power assisted recirculating ball. |
Safety: |
Energy absorbing column with offset joints and progressive collapse sections.
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Steering wheel: |
14" diameter, leather or wooden rim to choice. |
BRAKES |
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Front: |
Self adjusting discs with four piston callipers |
Rear: |
Self adjusting discs with two piston callipers. |
Handbrake: |
Mechanical linkage operating on rear discs. |
WHEELS |
8 x 17" Alloy 5-spoke |
TYRES |
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Front and Rear: |
255/55 x 17 |
Spare: |
Full sized spare located in front wing compartment. |
FUEL SYSTEM |
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Pump: |
Electric high pressure with external filter and regulator. |
Tank: |
165 liters (30 Imp. Gallons) |
Filler: |
Twin lockable aircraft type flush fillers on rear body. |
DIMENSIONS |
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Length: |
4.674 m (15' 4") |
Width: |
1.752 m (5' 9") |
Height: |
1.118 m (3' 8") |
Wheelbase: |
2.89 m (9' 6") |
Track front: |
1.422 m (4' 8") |
Track rear: |
1.435 m (4' 8 ½") |
Turning circle: |
11.912 m (39') |
Kerb weight: |
1,395 kg (3,125 lb) |
PERFORMANCE |
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Acceleration: |
0-60 mph in around 5 secs. |