Blenheim (603 S4)
With the Blenheim, Bristol further refined the 603, in particular modernising the mechanicals of the car through the introduction of the multi-port fuel injection, Chrysler Magnum engine, which improved both performance and fuel consumption. Turbocharging was no longer available, but the Blenheim Series 1 was claimed to have similar levels of performance as the Brigand, although in reality, it was closer to the Britannia. The car also benefitted from the fitment of a four-speed overdrive lock-up automatic transmission, which greatly contributed to the improved fuel consumption.
There was a significant change in frontal and rear-end styling with the introduction of the Blenheim. The headlights were paired and mounted considerably inboard from the extreme front of the car. The bonnet was also modified with the fitting of gas struts to hold it up when open for the first time, and featured a fully rectangular hinge for the first time in Bristol's history. At the rear saw the abandonment of the vertically mounted Bedford tail-lights in favor of the split units from the Opel Senator B.
Since that time the Blenheim has gone through two additional series, the Bristol Blenheim Series 2, made from January 1998 to the end of 1999. Bristol also responded to complaints about lacking power and reworked the engine, which was increased by 50 horsepower and now produced approximately 275 hp at 4700 rpm.[4] The uplift in power provided the Blenheim 2 with performance similar to the Brigand. The front was reworked with larger headlamps and grille opening, accentuated by a single central chrome strip. The track was widened, while other modifications shrunk the rather large turning circle to 11.9 m.
The Blenheim 3 which went on sale in 2000 (shown in October 1999) and a much revised interior layout with completely new gear selector and improved instrumentation. Also, the engine saw significant improvements: higher compression along with reworked camshafts, heads, and a new engine management system gave what Bristol referred to as "significantly increased" power. Period publications estimate it to 360 hp. As of early 2002 there was also a sportier model with blacked out trim, called the Blenheim 3S. A new manifold and bigger valves, along with a reworked engine management system which allowed another 500 rpm of engine speed, meant that about 400 hp was now on tap. Bristol themselves declined to offer official power figures, as usual, but simply stated that the engine provided "muscular authority."[5] The suspension was firmed up and aluminium wheels were fitted. Four-pot brakes were included up front and the rear track was widened by 60 mm, which required the rear fenders to be reworked. At the rear end, four exhaust pipes were fitted.[5]
In the spring of 2009 Bristol finished one further example, referred to as the Blenheim 4S/G, at the request of a customer. This revived the 603 body, albeit with the taillights of a 2000-2004 Audi A4 Avant (B6), and with new doorhandles replacing the usual Vauxhall units. It is not immediately apparent, but every single body panel is changed, even the roof, as the roof gutters were replaced with more modern, integrated roof gulleys.[6] Series production seems to have been under consideration but the car remains a one-off.
