To add some current photos of the cars Claude mentions in his post:
Flickr: stevesparkesnyc's Photostream
I was fortunate to acquire the 410 and 405dh from Claude, who was typically magnificent in both transactions(thank you). They are both in the USA, and the 410 recently covered 190 miles on a brisk November day without missing a beat. Lovely. It is also sporting the single side strip that Barrie mentions in his post. I wonder how many others had that instead of the more usual twin strips?
The Brigand in the pictures was my first Bristol and was originally a Britannia, albeit with Brigand wheels and headlights from new. The factory completed the upgrade to full Brigand spec for me, with turbo, drainpipe exhaust, new bonnet etc. This positive engagement with the factory (and service center) was the beginning of a slippery but very enjoyable slope that ultimately led to the 410 and 405 restorations. They all have stories..
Happy motoring!