ANONYMOUS LUXURY; 1976 BRISTOL 411 SERIES 5.(News)

Byline: GEORGE P. BLUMBERG

NICELY UNDERSTATed, never underrated is the motto of Bristol Cars, now in its 62nd year of producing vehicles it describes as "Great Britain's most exclusive luxury car.

Exclusive, indeed. Bristol produces an estimated 100 costly cars annually, selling only factory-direct to a discerning group of buyers. Bristol Aeroplane Co. produced warplanes and engines through two world wars. Facing diminished aircraft demand yet with a full labor force in 1945, Bristol diversified into carmaking by building a version of prewar BMWs using the 326 chassis design and the 328 engine. The rear torsion-bar axle, box-section frame, twin-kidney grille and 2.0-liter six were hallmarks of Bristol's 1946 400 saloon.

Subsequent Bristol series were based on that chassis and engine, stretched to 2.2 liters with the Bristol 406 of 1958-61. Bristol then switched to Chrysler V8s with Torqueflite transmissions, starting with 1961's 407 model sporting a 313-cubic-inch unit, and has used various Chrysler engines since. The transverse-leaf front springs were replaced by coils on the 407 to suit its higher performance potential.

Traditionally, Bristols have been subdued designsmainly four-seater coupesmade with quality materials, aluminum bodies and aircraft tolerances, offering fast and silent travel with good roadholding and performance. Compared with "flashy Bentleys, Bristols remain almost anonymous, a well-kept secret.

True to Bristol's low-key tradition, the Fairfield County, Conn., owner ...