Looks Familiar???

[Markus Berzborn]

Originally Posted by Kevin Howard

Frankly I don't see much similarity between the Sierra and the Bristol 412, except the V8 Chrysler power under the bonnet of both cars.

Nor do I.

It's just both angular seventies design.
Maybe the most extreme example of this style is the Aston Martin Lagonda designed by William Towns.

Regards,
Markus

[Peter.Kent]

According to Wikpedia the Lancia Beta Spider (LB Spider Zegato as in the
US of A) was designed by Pinnafarina but built by Zegato. Introduced 1973.
Look at the images, though. The targa roof arrangement is almost a clone
of the 412 (or vice versa) and then there is the flat bonnet line and
bluff nose. Find one from the rear and there is the same sort of boot line
and the identical rear light cluster (I`m just having an idicator light
lens replaced and it`s sourced from Lancia.) Did Zegato copy the cars he
was building ... or is Wikpedia wrong? P

[Markus Berzborn]

Well, isn't it more or less normal for small manufacturers to source items such as rear lights from mass produced vehicles.
At least, with marques such as Bristol and Monteverdi, this was often the case.
E.g., Bristol Brigand - Bedford Van
Monteverdi Safari - Peugeot 504 Break
later series Monteverdi 375 - Triumph TR 6

Regards,
Markus

[dave c]

I believe the bumpers on the 412/beaufighter also come from the spider.

Regards

Dave