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Bristol Blenheim III 5.9 i V8 (354 Hp)
Overall Rating
Bristol Blenheim:
The Bristol Blenheim is a British light bomber designed and built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, which was used extensively in the first two years of the Second World War, with examples still being used as trainers until the end of the war. Development began with the Type 142, a civil airliner, after a challenge from the newspaper proprietor Lord Rothermere to produce the fastest commercial aircraft in Europe. The Type 142 first flew in April 1935, and the Air Ministry ordered a bomber development as the Type 142M for the Royal Air Force....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Bristol Blenheim (III). With 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1740 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Bristol Blenheim III, being a low-volume, hand-built luxury vehicle, was not subjected to official Euro NCAP crash testing. Safety features are more traditional for its era, focusing on robust construction rather than modern active systems.
5.9 i V8 (354 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.9L Magnum V8 delivers strong, effortless acceleration, propelling the Blenheim III to 100 km/h in a respectable 5.4 seconds. It offers ample power for grand touring.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large naturally aspirated V8, fuel economy is poor, especially in urban conditions (18 l/100 km). Extra-urban consumption is more tolerable at 10 l/100 km.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exclusive and rare British hand-built luxury
- • Powerful and torquey American V8 engine
- • Superb long-distance cruising comfort
- • Distinctive, classic styling
- • High level of bespoke craftsmanship
Cons:
- • Very high purchase price and running costs
- • Poor fuel economy
- • Limited dealer network and specialist maintenance
- • Outdated safety features compared to contemporaries
- • Heavy depreciation for non-collectors
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1997 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Bristol |
| Model: | Blenheim |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 i V8 (354 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 354 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 60 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 500 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Magnum [Same engine] More details about the engine Magnum |
| Engine displacement: | 5898 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Cylinder Bore: | 101.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.93 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.9 kg/Hp, 203.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.5 kg/Nm, 287.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1740 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 540 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 82 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4825 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1765 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1440 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2900 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1450 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1460 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/70 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
If you could change one thing about the Bristol Blenheim, what would it be?