Upgrades
There are few things as satisfying as owning a Bristol long term and driving it far and often. To increase driver enjoyment many owners are treating their cars to the upgrades that Bristol's engineers have been developing. Popular at the moment are the high efficiency (HE) engines that offer improved performance and economy, the Anti-Wind Noise kits that reduce wind-noise by up to 70% and Precision Handling conversions that improve the cars out of all recognition in terms of straight line stability, cornering agility and ride comfort. Uprated wheels and tyres freshen the appearance of your car and offer further benefits to handling and ride.
On 6 cylinder cars, brake upgrades and overdrive conversions add greatly to the pleasure and confidence of using them in modern traffic conditions. Best of all, factory upgrades add to the resale value of the car when it comes time to sell whereas non-factory modifications tend to de-value cars. By periodically bringing the cars back and uprating them you get the pleasure of owning an improved and different feeling vehicle without having to go through the process of changing to another car. Best of all the factory upgrades are developed by the same people who develop our latest cars and are carried out to the highest original equipment standard so that reliability and trouble-free usage is ensured. Please feel free to chat to our service team about the options that are available when you bring your car for service (0208 560 3300) or to anyone in the Kensington showroom on 0207 603 5555. We would be delighted to advise those things which are available that may increase your motoring pleasure.
Appearance Upgrades
Tinted Windows
Subtly update and enhance your car's appearance. Cuts glare in strong sunshine and lowers interior temperature on sunny days to improve passenger comfort.
Applicability: All models
Electric Door Mirrors
Greatly improves driving safety in modern traffic. Stylish appearance and easy to adjust.
Applicability: 406 / 407 / 408 / 409 / 410 / 411 / 412
High Level Rear Brake Light
Fitted discreetly inside the rear window this modern upgrade provides extra protection in traffic.
Applicability: All models
Rear Fog Lamps
Provide modern levels of safety in low visibility with a pair of rear fog lamps. Discreetly fitted to blend in with your cars original styling.
Applicability: All models
Chromed Exhaust Tips
Enhance the appearance of your Bristol in a stylish but discreet manner.
Applicability: All models
Exterior Rechrome
Dull and pitted chrome work really lets down the appearance of any car. Replace it with new chrome to original factory standard to give your car a new lease of life.
Applicability: All models
Full Respray In Any Colour
Aluminium bodies are notoriously difficult to paint and nobody matches our factory's experience or finish. Using the same staff and materials that build today's new Bristols you can transform your car to look even better than it did when delivered new.
Applicability: All models
Wide Steel Wheels
Allow you to take full advantage of modern radial tyres. Enhances adhesion, handling precision and tyre life. Maintains original style but give a subtly more modern and sporting appearance.
Applicability: 400 / 401 / 402 / 403 / 404 / 405 / 406 / 407 / 408 / 409 / 410 / 411 / 412 / 603 / Britannia
Classic Alloy Wheels
Styled to resemble 1960's alloy wheels so that they compliment older style Bristols. Wider rims suit modern radial tyres for enhanced performance and tyre life.
Applicability: 400 / 401 / 402 / 403 / 404 / 405 / 406 / 407 / 408 / 409
Avon Safety Wheels
These are original wheels, inspected at the factory and refurbished, as fitted to late models 411s and 412s and early 603s.
6x15" - Authentic, original and rare.
Applicability: 410 / 411 / 412 / 603
Brigand Style Alloy Wheels
As fitted to Brigands and Beaufighters when new these are original wheels, inspected and refurbished at the factory. 7 X 15"
Applicability: 410 / 411 / 412 / 603 / Britannia / Brigand / Beaufighter / Blenheim 1
Blenheim Style Alloy Wheels
As fitted to Blenheim 2 and 3, but with correct offset for older models. 15 X 7"
Applicability: 410 / 411 / 412 / Britannia / Brigand / Beaufighter / Blenheim 1
Blenheim 3s Style Alloy Wheels
16 X 7" rims, 5 spoke sporting design.
Applicability: 412 / Beaufighter / Blenheim
Wider Track Rear Axle
Eliminates narrow-tracked appearance at rear making the car look far better proportioned and elegant as well as sporty. Widens track by more than 2 inches improving stability, adhesion and ride comfort.
Applicability: 412 / 603 / Britannia / Brigand / Beaufighter / Blenheim
Under Bonnet Appearance Upgrade
Bristol's V-8 engines are legendary in terms of power, smoothness and reliability. In appearance however they are simple and uncomplicated. For those who want something more impressive we offer a visual upgrade which includes chromed rocker covers and air cleaner lid.
Applicability: 411 / 412 / 603 / Britannia / Brigand / Beaufighter
Blenheim 3 Frontal Restyle
Converts an older Blenheim to the latest style. Reshaped wings, new grille, lights and spoiler transforms your cars look and adds value.
Applicability: Blenheim 1 and 2
Driving Upgrades
Precision Handling Conversion
Transforms the road behaviour of Classic Bristols. Makes steering more accurate and precise while improving straight line stability especially in side winds. Reduced roll angles for passenger comfort along with enhanced agility and road adhesion.
Highly recommended.
Applicability: All models
Adjustable Uprated Dampers
Allows you to choose a level of ride control to suit your personal taste. Based on Blenheim technology to give improved comfort and control for older cars.
Applicability: All models
Wide Track Rear Axle
Developed for the latest Blenheim models, provides a more stable footprint for improved ride and stability. Eliminates narrow tracked appearance.
Applicability: 603 / 412 / Beaufighter / Britannia / Brigand / Blenheim
Stage 1 Brake Upgrade
Ideal for modern road use. Gives firmer pedal, lighter pressures and improved bite.
Applicability: All models
Stage 2 Brake Upgrade
Designed for light competitive use, improves braking power, durability and fade resistance.
Applicability: All models
Choice Of Axle Ratios
Install a lower numerical ratio for improved acceleration and greater in - gear flexibility. A higher numerical ratio can offer greater fuel economy and more relaxed high speed cruising.
Applicability: All models
Unleaded Conversion
Avoid the risk of expensive damage to your engine from using today's unleaded fuels. In addition to immunity from valve seat recession our unleaded cylinder head conversions include valve seats reshaped promote improved flow giving noticeable performance and economy benefits.
Applicability: 400 / 401 / 402 / 403 / 404 / 405 / 406 / 407 / 408 / 409 / 410 / 411 / 412
Serviceable Used Engines
We are usually able to offer good used engines on a sale or exchange basis to replace your tired or expired unit.
Applicability: All models
Factory Overhauled Engines
Meticulously rebuilt to precise specifications these units are often smoother in operation and more responsive than when new. Bristol rebuilds display legendary durability and are thus exceptional value either purchased outright or on an exchange basis.
Applicability: All models
Factory New Engines
Put in long term storage during the production run, these engines are identical to those used when the cars were first built.
Applicability: 603 / Beaufughter / Britannia / Brigand
High Efficiency (HE) Engine Conversion
Ongoing development using todays technology allows us to achieve the seemingly impossible. We can upgrade your classic Bristol engine to give better torque and power yet still deliver improved fuel economy when the extra performance is not utilised. Absolutely no reduction in refinement is incurred.
Applicability: All models
High Output (S) Engine Conversion
For those who desire an increase in performance designed for fast road driving, this conversion provides an exciting boost in mid and high r.p.m. power substantially without diminishing torque or refinement at low revs. Standard fuel economy is maintained unless the extra power is used.
Applicability: All models
Competion (C) Engine Conversion
For owners wishing to use their cars in competition, the sky is the limit. Decide how fast your car needs to go and we will do the necessary engineering. Within your chosen parameters we will endeavour to build the most flexible and usable engines. Inevitably engines of this type may be less refined and use more fuel than a standard engine.
Applicability: All models
Enlarged Capacity Engines
Upgrade your 2 litre engine to a 2.2 litre and enjoy more muscular performance throughout the rev range. V8 and 6.3 engines can be upgraded to 6.6 litres or even a massive 7.2 litres to give that effortless, torquey performance that works so well in a large car with an automatic gearbox.
Applicability: 400 / 401 / 402 / 403 / 404 / 405 / 411 / 412
Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems
Eliminate worries about exhaust system deterioration especially on cars that are not used regularly and may suffer from acid accumulation. Maintains original appearance and function.
Applicability: All models
Stainless Steel Sports Exhaust System
Developed to reduce back pressure and enhance performance and economy. Adds a refined but sporting note to exhaust sound.
Applicability: All models
High Efficiency Carburettor
The four barrel carburettor used on V-8 Bristols is a reliable but complex instrument. After a couple of decades use it will have general wear throughout resulting in less efficient general running, starting etc. Replace your original with a brand new unit developed using today's technology to give optimum performance and reliability.
Applicability: 407 / 408 / 409 / 410 / 411 / 412 / 603 / Britannia
Replacement Radiators
When maintained to original factory specifications, overheating is never an issue for classic Bristols. However after 25 years an original radiator has reached the end of its life. Even if it is not leaking, its internal efficiency will be greatly reduced leading to overheating in stressful conditions. We can provide a replacement to original specifications or a lighter more efficient unit of the type used in modern Bristols, saving about 15lb in weight.
Applicability: All models
Underbonnet Appearance Upgrade
Simple and uncomplicated in appearance, Bristols V-8 engines provide legendry power, smoothness and reliability. For those who want a pleasing visual upgrade we offer a conversion which includes chromed rocker covers and air cleaner lid.
Applicability: 407 / 408 / 409 / 410 / 411 / Britannia.
Close Ratio Gearbox
An original factory option. Closes up the lower gear ratios, improves acceleration and makes the car more flexible in traffic.
Applicability: 400
Overdrive Assembly
One of the best improvements that can be made to six cylinder cars. Provides a high cruising ratio which greatly reduces mechanical noise and revs as well as improved fuel consumption .Can be combined with a lower axle ratio giving the best of both worlds, lower gearing around town to aid acceleration with a higher overdrive gear for easy motorway cruising.
Applicability: 400 / 401 / 402 / 403 / 404
High Efficency Automatic Gearbox
Replace your early style 3 speed transmission with a late style unit boasting a more efficient torque converter and a lock up clutch to prevent slippage and fuel wastage when cruising. Can be combined with a higher axle ratio to significantly improve economy.
Applicability: 407 / 408 / 409 / 410 / 411 / 412 / 603 / Britannia
4 Speed Automatic Gearbox
As used in the latest Blenheims. Efficient torque converter aids performance around town. Lock up clutch in 3rd and 4th gear enhances performance and economy. Massive 44% reduction in revs in 4th gear transforms motorway cruising.If used in conjunction with a lower axle ratio on older cars can give much better acceleration, cruising and fuel economy.
Applicability: 407 / 408 / 409 / 410 / 411 / 412 / 603 / Britannia
Upgraded Tyres
We can supply modern tyres with radial construction for all Bristols in the correct sizes and speed ratings. Not only will they last longer than the traditional designs but they offer improved straight line running, steering response and road holding. Even when carefully stored, tyres more than ten years old tend to harden, substantially reducing adhesion especially in wet conditions and are prone to cracking and delamination when driven at high speed. Old tyres should be retired for your safety.
Applicability: All models
Interior Upgrades
Factory Leather Re-trim In Any Colour
There are few thing's more impressive than a new leather interior fitted at the Bristol factory. Others have tried to duplicate our work but the end result never looks authentic nor offers the durability you would expect. A vast range of colours in specially chosen soft hides is available to transform your Bristol.
Applicability: All models
Personalised Wood Finish
As is the case with new Bristols, we can refinish your woodwork in a choice of woods, grains and colours. Should you desire, contrasting marquetry inlays can even be incorporated to your design at extra cost.
Applicability: All models
Hand Trimmed Wilton Carpets
Nothing transforms the interior of a classic Bristol more dramatically than hand sewn new carpets with beautiful leather edge binding in your choice of colours.
Applicability: All models
Protective Floor Mats With Bristol Logo
Styled and fitted to blend with the original carpets, these removable over carpets incorporate a stylish but discreet logo and can cover up tired originals at minimum cost or protect and extend the life of your tailored carpets.
Applicability: 411 / 412 / 603 / Britannia / Brigand / Blenheim
Concealed Rear Seat Cubby Boxes And Veneered Picnic Trays
This stylish enhancement closes the rear storage lockers to protect them from dirt and prying eyes while the lids when open provide a convenient tray for drinks or other items. Can be made lockable for additional security.
Applicability: 603 / Britannia / Brigand / Blenheim
Blenheim Style Sports Steering Wheel
Update and enhance your older Bristol with the much admired wheel used on current Blenheims. Thick leather rim and covered spokes with enamel and chrome centre cap. Smaller overall diameter improves driving position and steering feel.
Applicability: 411 / 412 / 603 / Britannia / Brigand / Beaufighter / Blenheim 1
Tilting Glass Sunroof
Stylish tinted glass panel tilts to expel hot air and transforms ventilation in warm weather. Creates a bright and airy interior feel even on dull days.
Applicability: 406 / 407 / 408 / 409 / 410 / 411 / 412 / 603 / Britannia / Brigand / Blenheim
Sliding Electric Sunroof
Neatly integrated metal sliding panel preserves the feel of a closed car in poor weather, but provides a large opening at the touch of a button when desired.
Applicability: 406 / 407 / 408 / 409 / 410 / 411 / 603 / Britannia / Brigand / Blenheim
Anti Wind Noise Conversion
Update the feel of your car at motorway speeds by banishing excessive and tiring wind noise. Reduces wind roar by up to 70%, transforming the experience of long distance driving. Highly recommended.
Applicability: 400 / 401 / 403 / 404 / 405 / 406 / 407 / 408 / 409 / 410 / 411
Heated Front Windscreen
A real boon in damp and wintry conditions, provides rapid defrosting and demisting to ensure clear vision
Applicability: 603 / Britannia / Brigand / Blenheim
Thermostatic Air Conditioning
A tremendous aid to passenger comfort, especially beneficial on models without fresh air vents. Rapidly dehumidifies and cools the interior to the drivers chosen setting.
Applicability: All V8 models
Upgraded Multi Speaker Stereo Systems
Unobtrusive speaker placements preserve a classic look, while creating warm rich sound. Many options to suit customer requirements.
Applicability: All models
Satellite Navigation Systems
Units can either be built in as part of the stereo system or be separate to allow use in other vehicles.
Applicability: All models