Bristol Car Restoration

[Lax Power]

I've got a Bristol 411 that needs some TLC and I was wondering if anyone has used Brabazon Motors before? http://brabazonmotors.co.uk/

I've used other specialists in the past and been happy with them but these folks appear to be based in Bristol which is a lot nearer for me.

Any info on experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[benjj]

I'm afraid I can't help but just wanted to ask if you'd like to give me your car?

I look forward to hearing from you.

[lowdrag]

I reckon you'd be more advised to check with the Bristol Owner's Club for advice on who is and who isn't to be trusted. Have you visited these people and got a feel for the place? I usually find that my antennae pick up the vibes well enough.

[tog]

Brabazon Motors is run by Jeff Marsh, who used to work at the factory in Patchway before being made redundant when it closed last year. He has recruited most of the former factory employees and has started a new venture, with backing from a local Bristol owner. There's a BBC News story from the launch here. Originally to be called Bespoke Bristol Restorations, I think they changed the name to avoid running into problems with Bristol's new owners.

Drop in and see them, they're very friendly. I called in a couple of weeks ago to ask about rear seat belts for my 410, and got a detailed quote by email the next day. They are working on some spectacular projects that will definitely get some attention in the Bristol world when they're finished. Alternatively, Spencer Lane-Jones is not far away, down in Warminster, but if you're in Bristol then Brabazon are certainly more convenient, and they do seem to know what they're doing, seeing as they were building Bristols for decades.

[Lax Power]

Thanks for the responses. Spoke to them earlier today, they're very friendly and very clued up. I think we have a winner...

[vvt]

You may also wish to speak to Andrew Mitchell of Mitchell Motors Chicklade, Wiltshire. They won't salute you and call you 'Sir' but they do good work, know the cars and cut through the mystique and BS about Bristols perpetuated by other long term 'specialists'. Brabazon sound interesting - wonder what their labour rates are like. Must really do something with my 411S3 and get Ozymansias restored whilst I am still young enough to enjoy it! CU VVT

[tog]

Andrew Mitchell repaired my 410 after I lost an argument with an hgv. Excellent paint and bodywork skills, highly recommended.

[vvt]

tog said:

Andrew Mitchell repaired my 410 after I lost an argument with an hgv. Excellent paint and bodywork skills, highly recommended.

Tog, glad you agree - there are others not too far away who are heavy on the BS and do a natty line in saluting you when you drive away once they have releived you of a vast wodge of wonga but Andrew just quietly and competently does his thing as well if not better than anyone else. He is where my Bristol would go for remedial work.

[GadgeS3C]

There's a write up on Brabazon in this month's Classic & Sports Car - believe it said £55+VAT as hourly rate.

[Lax Power]

It would seem that we now have the oppourtunity judge for ourselves... Just spoken to Jeffrey Marsh (The workshop manager) and he says they're having an open day on the 10th of June from 11-3.

Think I'll pop along for a nose and see what the lie of the land is.

[Six Fiend]

Was it Jeff who appeared in a 411 in The Square one Sunday a couple of months ago? Somebody told me it was...

Like the idea of the open day, are owners of ickle Jags allowed?

[Lax Power]

In case anyone is interested you have to email Jeff at [e-mail] to register for their open day. Any cars welcome : )