Bristol's chief designer Dudley Hobbs strove to make the car more spacious and aerodynamic, while also using flatter body panels that would be easier to hammer.

The classic three-box two-door saloon was replaced by a considerably more streamlined design with a much larger and more curved rear window.

The reduction in fuel consumption was due to the use of the smaller engine and the new body being considerably more aerodynamic than the car it replaced.

As the energy crisis eased, all Bristols, including the 412 series 2, received the high performance version of the 5.9-litre Chrysler unit that was to be used for all subsequent editions of the car.

The Brigand could be distinguished from the Britannia by the bulge in the bonnet needed to accommodate the turbocharger, and also had alloy wheels as standard equipment.

Turbocharging was no longer available, but the Blenheim Series 1 was claimed to have similar levels of performance as the Brigand, although in reality, it was closer to the Britannia.

The car also benefitted from the fitment of a four-speed overdrive lock-up automatic transmission, which greatly contributed to the improved fuel consumption.

The Blenheim 3 which went on sale in 2000 (shown in October 1999) and a much revised interior layout with completely new gear selector and improved instrumentation.

Bristol themselves declined to offer official power figures, as usual, but simply stated that the engine provided "muscular authority.