Launched in 1976, Bristol's Type 603 models represented the company's first major redesign since the 406 of the late '50s.

Gone was the classic three-box profile of the past, replaced by a considerably more streamlined shape.

Among the many benefits was an increase in head, leg and shoulder room - more than for any Bristol before it.

The newcomer was initially offered with a 5.9 litre, V8 or a mildly more frugal 5.2 litre unit.

By the time the S2 version was introduced, however, the smaller engine was dropped.

Coincident changes included the headlamp clusters being housed in a new grille.

1982 saw the advent of the S3 variant and the adoption, for the first time, of names from Bristol's glorious aviation history - the Britannia moniker was attributed to the standard model in the range and the Brigand label attached to the quicker version equipped with Rotomaster turbocharger.

Easily distinguished from its sibling by the power bulge over the turbocharger, the Brigand was capable ...