Description

The Bristol 412, introduced in 1975, marked a distinctive departure from the marque’s traditional styling, embracing a more angular and contemporary look while preserving the core values of craftsmanship, exclusivity, and performance. It was the result of a design collaboration between Bristol Cars and Italian styling house Carrozzeria Zagato, resulting in a grand tourer that was both bold in appearance and practical in execution.

The most noticeable feature of the 412 was its angular, almost architectural bodywork, characterized by flat surfaces, a prominent beltline, and a squared-off roof profile. It featured a Targa-style removable roof panel over the front seats and a folding rear convertible section, offering a flexible open-air experience without compromising structural rigidity. The design, while polarizing, was forward-thinking and gave the car a distinct identity among British GTs of the period. Its generous glasshouse and high seating position provided excellent visibility, making it a surprisingly practical vehicle for everyday use.

Mechanically, the 412 was powered by a 6.6-litre Chrysler V8 engine in its early versions, later upgraded to a 5.9-litre unit for improved fuel efficiency and emissions compliance. Paired with a smooth automatic transmission, the powertrain delivered strong performance and relaxed cruising ability. The car retained Bristol’s emphasis on excellent road manners, with careful attention to suspension tuning and weight distribution, resulting in a composed and confident ride.

Inside, the 412 offered a spacious and luxuriously appointed cabin, with high-quality leather upholstery, wood accents, and bespoke detailing throughout. Unlike many sports cars of the era, it provided genuine room for four adults and ample luggage space, reinforcing its role as a true grand tourer rather than a pure sports car.

Production numbers were low, and each car was built to order, further enhancing the model’s exclusivity. The Bristol 412 remains one of the most unconventional and intriguing vehicles in the company’s history—a car that defied stylistic norms while remaining true to Bristol’s philosophy of combining performance, individuality, and craftsmanship in equal measure.