Bristol’s long line of Chrysler V8-engined sports saloons began in 1961 with the launch of the 407, though in both styling and running gear the newcomer closely resembled the preceding six-cylinder 406.

The chassis was up-dated and the styling revised periodically throughout the 1960s, a process that culminated in the 411 of 1969.

After five series had been built the 411 was phased out as the 603 saloon and Zagato-styled 412 convertible came on stream in 1975/76; the latter making a clean break from the traditional Bristol look while retaining its predecessor’s chassis and Chrysler engine, though the latter was later downsized to from 6.6 to 5.9 litres.

  In 1980 Bristol abandoned its traditional numerical nomenclature with the launch of the Beaufighter, and succeeding models would likewise use names drawn from the company’s not inconsiderable aircraft manufacturing heritage.

A development of the 412, the Beaufighter used a turbo-charged version of the Chrysler V8, and while in Rol...