Bristol's hand-built 603 wasn't just about luxury — at motorway speed it could hit 22mpg, matching a Jaguar XJS despite its huge American V8.
Lead trim: 603E Chrysler 318 V8, 5,211 cc, E44 (150 bhp) · up to 225 hp
Bristol 603E / 603S / 603 S2603 · 1976–1982
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Bristol 603E / 603S / 603 S2 yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactBristol's hand-built 603 wasn't just about luxury — at motorway speed it could hit 22mpg, matching a Jaguar XJS despite its huge American V8.
The Bristol Type 603, launched in 1976 to replace the 411 alongside the Zagato-built 412, was the first major facelift since the 406 and a design that lasted until the marque's demise in 2011; chief designer Dudley Hobbs strove for a more spacious and aerodynamic car with flatter, easier-to-hammer panels: the classic three-box two-door saloon was replaced by a considerably more streamlined design with a much larger, more curved rear window and more head, leg and shoulder room than any previous Bristol. Because of the energy crisis it was offered in two versions: the 603E with the economy 5,211 cc V8 (E44, 150 bhp, 260 lb-ft) and the 603S with the 5.9-litre high-performance E58 unit (225 bhp, 280 lb-ft), both from Chrysler with the 411's transmission and suspension and a more luxurious cabin with electrically adjustable seats and air conditioning; fuel consumption improved to as much as 22 mpg (imp) at about 100 km/h against the 411's 17. As the energy crisis eased all Bristols, including the 412 series 2, received the high-performance 5.9-litre unit in the 603 S2 of early 1978 (with headlamp clusters set in a new grille), the 5.2-litre continuing in the 603E; the Owners Club lists 61 603s of both series and types. Length 4,910 mm (193 in), width 1,770 mm (70 in), height 1,440 mm (57 in).
Collectors Spotted in the Bristol 603 Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Bristol 603 yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
2 published trims in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 603E Chrysler 318 V8, 5,211 cc, E44 (150 bhp) | 1976–1982 | 5.2 L V8 | 150 hp | 260 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
| 603S / S2 Chrysler 360 V8, 5.9 L, E58 (225 bhp) | 1976–1982 | 5.9 L V8 | 225 hp | 280 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
The Brigand's turbo lifted it to a claimed 150 mph, but the number was gearing-limited, not engine-limited.
Bristol's hand-built 603 wasn't just about luxury — at motorway speed it could hit 22mpg, matching a Jaguar XJS despite its huge American V8.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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