Bristol 409

Bristol
Bristol 409
409
Production period:	1965-1967
Class :	Upper class
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engine : 5.2 liters (186 kW)
Length:	4915 mm
Width:	1727 mm
Height:	1500 mm
Wheelbase :	2900 mm
Empty weight :	1600 kg
Previous model	Bristol 408
successor	Bristol 410

The Bristol 409 was a two-door sedan produced by the British car manufacturer Bristol Cars between 1965 and 1967. The car was the successor to the Bristol 408 and largely corresponded to its concept. The 409 was not an entirely new design; it differed from its predecessor mainly in a number of technical details changes. With these modifications, Bristol responded to the criticism that had been expressed on the previous models and tried to adapt the construction to the wishes of its customers.

Model history

Externally, the body of the 408 remained almost unchanged; Only the shape of the radiator grille was slightly modified: Instead of the previous rectangular shape, it was now slightly trapezoidal and the corners of the grille were rounded.

The drive technology of the 409 corresponded to that of the 408 Mk.2 introduced in autumn 1964. New was Bristol the Alternator , which was lighter in weight. The previous Dunlop brakes were replaced in the 409 by more powerful parts from Girling. Further changes concerned the suspension, which was now set a little softer, and the noise insulation. An individually adjustable power steering, which had been developed by ZF in collaboration with Bristol, was installed in series from 1966. Overall, the Bristol 409 was noticeably lighter than the 408, which is particularly noticeable in the performance: It was a good 12 km / h faster than its predecessor and, according to the factory, reached a top speed of 212 km / h (132 mph).

Reception and dissemination

The car received a warm welcome from the British press. In general, it was described as a useful further development of an already high-quality vehicle. The external appearance was rated cautiously, but the performance and driving behavior were convincing. In a 1967 newspaper report, the Bristol was described as "not a very attractive car, but as long as you are in it it is great".

The Bristol 409 was priced at £ 4,849 when it was launched. About 80 copies had been made by autumn 1967. Its successor was the Bristol 410 .

literature

• Christopher Balfour: Bristol Cars. A very British story . 2009 (Haynes Publishing) ISBN 978-1-844254071 .
• Martin Buckley: Bristol Cream A complete guide to Bristol's 407 to 411 . In: Classic & Sports Car, issue 5/1986.
• RM Clarke: Bristol Cars: A Brooklands Portfolio: 132 Contemporary Articles Drawn from International Motoring Journals , UK 2001 (engl.)
• Bristol 409 : Presentation in Autocar , October 1965.
• LJK Setright : Not-so fashionable Bristol , in: Car , Sept. 1967.

Web links

Commons : Bristol 409  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Description of the Bristol 409 on the Bristol Owners Club website

Individual evidence

1. ^ Motor Car from October 23, 1965.
2. ^ Buckley: Bristol Cream. Classic & Sports car, issue 5/1986.
3. ^ Buckley: Bristol Cream. Classic & Sports car, issue 5/1986.
4. ↑ Overview of the innovations of the 409 at Balfour: Bristol Cars. P. 309.
5. ^ Autocar , October 22, 1965.
6. ↑ Cf. Car 9/1967: "not so fashionable; as long as you are inside it's splendid".