Project VI ...you've never seen this

[Zorglub123]

After using the collective knowledge gathered here so many times, I though I would contribute back and show you an unusual build.

The car is British, it is from the 60s. I will let you try to guess what it is before show you everything. So, here goes:

From this:
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To this:
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[Zorglub123]

So this was the original car:

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[David Sloan]

cool !
i'm in for updates!

[andrewb70]

Very cool! That car is not big and will be a handful with the LS swap.

Looking forward to more updates!

Andrew

[shelteredchevelle]

Right hand drive and the speedometer shows mph, not kph. I think it's a Rover?

[gto406]

I am guessing the car is a Bristol?

[Toccoa]

I am guessing the car is a Bristol?

I think you’re right. Bristol 408. According to the internet, the round transmission select buttons mean it’s either a 1963 or 1964. Cool car.

[Zorglub123]

Yes! 1965 Bristol 408

Here’s the car prior to stripping

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[Motobrewmaster]

I am thoroughly digging this car already! Definitely keep up updated. That is cool and will be a fun handful to drive and enjoy too! Cheers, Brew

[Zorglub123]

Unfortunately I dont have a full photographic record of all the work, but will try to give you relevant highlights.

First order of business was to make the car left hand drive. I managed to source an original Bristol LHD steering box. These were made by ZF and are excellent with a good feel. Here’s the new steering column

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[Zorglub123]

Engine mounts were a challenge. In the end, I used Cadillac Escalade mounts welded to the chassis

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[gto406]

Yes! 1965 Bristol 408

Here’s the car prior to stripping

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Cool, my sister lives in the UK and I saw a similar model in London (had window roof pillars like the one tucked behind yours in the pic above). The car passed us and sounded nice. I realize your installing an LS but my recollection (friend in high school had a thing for Bristols - early 80’s) that Bristol Beaufighter (sp?) had a v8? That model looked brutish.

The cars reminded me of Jensen’s - perhaps they even came with big Mopar v8’s. Not available in the US or Canada. Not even certain they are still making Bristols?

I will be following your project very cool!!

Cheers,
Brian.

[Zorglub123]

The Bristol original engine was a Mopar 318 (Canadian version) with a few tweaks. I chose to go to a much more modern alternative, but could not find a Hemi engine that would work. The easy choice was an LS 376/480 with a 4L70E gearbox. It is great from a weight and location standpoint, effectively bringing the center of gravity much more towards the middle of the car and reducing weight on the front axle. The big issue was how to fit the alternator and AC compressor. I needed them to be as low as possible to clear the hood, but width became a problem. Solution for this was to craft “ears” in the engine compartment to fit everything.

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[KiwiStarChief]

Great project. I shall follow this with interest, as I'm right into engine transplants in oddball vehicles.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Nice - looks a little akin to an old Facel I worked on in the past... that 318 is the old polysphere - looks like a 4bbl intake on it? That intake is very valuable to the right person

[Zorglub123]

Work on the braking system :

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[David Sloan]

sweet !
nice upgrades.

[Zorglub123]

The Bristol has an aluminum body on top of a steel chassis. When I got the car, everything was coated in heavy tar...but supposedly rust free.

Well, not really !

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[Zorglub123]

18540818541618541518541418541318541218541118541018 5409185417Everything was stripped, and where needed redone