Tag Archives: 412

Clash Of The Eccentrics – Bristol 412 S1

In 1975 Bristol replaced it’s 411 model with the 603 featuring a completely new body, a second new car was scheduled to appear on Bristol’s Earle Court Motor Show stand in October 1975 however despite pre event publicity the targa topped 412 model featured today was not ready and so did not appear as promised in the press.

Bristol 412 S2, Pistonheads Sunday Service, BMW Plant, Cowley

The 412 has been described as a clash of automotive eccentrics by some commentators because the body was designed and built by no less an eccentric company than Carrozzeria Zagato wih whom Bristol’s Tony Crook had earlier worked as their UK Concessionaire and Importer. The distinctive head light clusters appear to have been sourced from the second generation Opel Commodore.

Bristol 412 S2, Pistonheads Sunday Service, BMW Plant, Cowley

The first Series 412’s were built with the 300 hp 6.6 litre / 400 cui Chrysler B series V8’s but the second series introduced in late 1977 were fitted with the smaller 5.9 litre / 361 cui Chrysler motor.

Bristol 412 S2, Pistonheads Sunday Service, BMW Plant, Cowley

Series 2 412’s have front suspension modifications as a result of the lighter motor, improved ventilation for the cabin and redesigned seats. From the date of first registration, March 1977, and engine size it would appear today’s car, seen at a Pistonheads Sunday Service meeting held at the BMW Plant in Cowley a couple of years ago, is a Series 1 412.

Bristol 412 S2, Pistonheads Sunday Service, BMW Plant, Cowley

Apparently when Tony Crook went to see the the prototype 412 at Zagato it featured an even bluffer front end and was some 18 foot long, before Tony intervened.

Bristol 412 S2, Pistonheads Sunday Service, BMW Plant, Cowley

The appearance of the 412 divides opinion like few others, as can be seen on this linked Pistonheads thread, one either gets Bristol ethos or one does not their is little middle ground.

Bristol 412 S2, Pistonheads Sunday Service, BMW Plant, Cowley

In 1982 the 412 was fitted with a turbocharger and slightly face lifted which included twinned headlight clusters and called the Beaufighter production of around 27 of these continued until 1993. It is thought just one export only fully convertible versions of the Beaufighter with an electric roof, known as the Beaufort were built along with two non turbocharged US spec 412 known as the 412USAs.

Bristol 412 S2, Pistonheads Sunday Service, BMW Plant, Cowley

It is thought 24 412 Series 1’s were built and 34 Series 2 412’s. Of the 88 Targa tops and one Convertible it is thought 76% are still extent.

Thanks for joining me on this ” Clash Of The Eccentrics” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I’ll be looking at something a little more agricultural. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Muscovite Service Barge – Moskvitch Scaldia 427

The Russian Moskvitch brand was launched with the construction of the Moscow Automotive Plant in 1929, after the cessation of hostilities in 1945 an entire Opel production line was imported from Brandenburg in Germany and production of the Moskvitch 400, based on the Opel Kadet, commenced in 1947.

Moskvich Scaldia 427, Race Retro

Between 1947 and 2002 there were four generations of of Moskvitch were built before the company was liquidated.

Moskvich Scaldia 427, Race Retro

The 1972 Scaldia 427, seen here at Race Retro and the Brooklands double Twelve, is a third generation Moskvitch which was in production from 1965 to 1986.

Moskvich Scaldia 427, Double Twelve Brooklands

The 427 Estate / Station Wagon was in production from 1969 to 1976 it’s saloon / sedan twin the 412 was produced from 1967 to 1975 and marketed as the “1500” in export markets.

Moskvich Scaldia 427, Race Retro

During the mid 1970’s when some British Production Car racing series were run in price classes the exceptionally cheap Moskvich saloon / sedan with it’s comparatively large motor, for it’s price did very well, particularly in the hands of Tony Lanfranci.

Moskvich Scaldia 427, Race Retro

Moskovich also vigorously promoted their brand to a global audience by participating in marathon rallies like the 1970 Daily Mirror World Cup Rally.

Moskvich Scaldia 427, Race Retro

Today’s featured car until recently looked like a daily driver, but it’s current owner has added some tribute decorations to make it look like a works team service barge, and competes with it in rallies dedicated to Cold War Soviet Bloc vehicles.

Moskvich Scaldia 427, Race Retro

While researching this blog I found this linked photo of what appears to be one of the 1970 World Cup Moskvitch’s decaying in a junkyard.

Thanks for joining me on this “Muscovite Service Barge” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you will join me for Ferrari Friday tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

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