"As probably the fastest front engined road car ever made the Bristol Fighter has already carved out a special niche in the Supercar world. The fact that it avoids the current fashion for being too wide, too heavy, and too complicated is a source of delight to owners." So says the latest press release from Bristol Cars.

The Company has announced two new variants of the exclusive two seater 'Fighter' that are intended to offer even greater performance and agility.

The 628/660* bhp (*Horsepower increases at high speed due to aerodynamic overpressure within the air intake system) ‘S’ variant (already announced last year) goes into production shortly.

A Company spokesman said, "The fact that the ‘S’ offers no major external clues as to its devastating extra performance will delight those who desire the ultimate in discretion".

For those wishing to have the best in handling to match the phenomenal power available there is the ‘R’ (road holding) package.

The ‘R’ is immediately recognisable by new 5-spoke alloy wheels fitted with 285/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 305/35 R 19 at the rear, "to improve responsiveness, ultimate traction and road holding". Adjustable spring bases lower the ride height by 10 mm, and special lightweight competition type springs are stiffer in rate, firmer anti-roll bars and revalved Bilstein dampers snub excess body movement. Changes to caster and camber sharpen steering feel and front tyre adhesion.

To provide room for wider rear wheels and tyres the dual 3" exhaust system is rerouted to emerge from the sills ahead of the rear wheels, providing an additional benefit in horsepower and reduced weight.

Customers who value ultimate performance with a small sacrifice in practicality may order the ‘C’ (competition) package, which can immediately be recognised by its lower stance (15 mm lower than standard) and its exposed competition style fuel fillers. Aerodynamic enhancements include fairings ahead of the front wheels and a vertical ‘fence’ at the rear of the car. These adjustments further reduce the wake area behind the car and increase the rear downforce. The co-efficient of drag is lowered to 0.255 (the lowest of any production car), and further improvements to acceleration and top speed, enhanced handling balance and stability at very high speeds are a welcome bonus.

The standard 525/550 bhp Fighter continues in production without changes at a base price of £195,000 + VAT. The 'S' variant's base price is £218,000 + VAT. ‘R’ (Additional price £16,125 + VAT) and ‘C’ (Additional price £16,800 + VAT) packages can be fitted singly or in any combination to the base vehicle or Fighter ‘S’.

Text- Classic Driver
Photos - Bristol Cars