412 virtues

[TLF799R]

Ah, here we get to the knub of the matter - it is just my poor series 1 that is inferior!!!!

LOL

Philippa

Originally Posted by Kevin Howard

The point is Keith, beneath the skin the 412 is NOT different to the later 411's. The 411 S5 is not a predecessor to the 412. They were made at the same time and have the same, engine, transmission, suspension, wheels, tyres, diff and chassis, save for perhaps a couple of plates or box sections welded onto the chassis (to make up for the missing roof).

Only with the 412 S2 did things start to change.

I have yet to hear any rational argument as to why the 412 would handle better than the contemporary series 5 of the 411.

I concede that the 412 S2 may handle better than a *standard* 411 S5. Setright would only say "it is said to handle better", even though he himself had tested the 412 S2 for an article in an American car magazine.

I can see why the Beaufighter should handle better than a 411, because it is quite different to the original 412 (different engine, transmission, wheels, tyres and considerable chassis reinforcement). No doubt that's why Bristol gave it different name, because it was a different car.