Bristol 412 ........... Light touch paper and stand back
Discussion
Trommel said:
cardigankid said:
Look, I know that I should like it in principle, but to me it looks like a Bond Equipe. I just don't see the style. I see functional compromise masquerading as avant garde.
How does this aesthetic sensibility sit with your S Type Jag? 
.... you guy's are going off the mark!It's not whether Bristol is a desirable brand, marque, manufacturer etc - that is irrefutable! My point is that whether your myopia in a brand is subsumed in the proposition that because it is a Bristol that it's necessarily desirable and therein worthy of parting with ££££££.
I totally accept that, for example a V12 E type may be considered by some to be less "pure" than a 3.8 flat floor but with my ever expanding midriff caused by the genteel consumption of the finest Jameson, I may actually find a '74 V12 5.3 more appealling that a knee's up with a skinny tyred RS5 3.8....
Your teardrop, Ritmo, is to my eyes, pretty sublime; continuity of line, purity in shape, elegance in presentation with an underlying hint of what is to come; somewhat like the flash of a stocking top (my age I know! ..
)But this is exactly what I was referring to; what constitutes taste and perhaps even class?
Where is class bestowed and upon what criteria? - a brand? a name? just because it a recognised brand? Your tease regarding the S Type is actually spot on Cardingkid - the S Type, albeit a lovely car (fantastic to drive! esp V8 ) is so quiche that it's almost Disney, if that makes sense.
The 412 to my eye falls even further (farther?) from the mark (marque?) - I play of course!
Did the Carmargue hit the mark because of it's extravagence in price or because it elevated the bar in performance, comfort, dynamics and style?- I would suggest the 130 had it against the ropes in all but performance.
Coming back to tonight however, to my eyes the 412 was a failure; much like my childhood love- the Mk10 Jag, as time has passed. I recognise that it was somewhat bloated.......... and to the 412.... it was badge over style - sorry guy's!
Edited by Carsie on Saturday 30th October 23:14
[quote=Carsie]
Coming back to tonight however, to my eyes the 412 was a failure; much like my childhood love- the Mk10 Jag, as time has passed. I recognise that it was somewhat bloated.......... and to the 412.... it was badge over style - sorry guy's! quote]
I disagree completely. I had no preconceived idea about Bristol's being some kind of club for posh people when I first encountered one. In fact I wondered what my brother saw in the funny black car (a brigand)- then he floored it up a hill in front of me and left me with jaw dropped and a new found respect for his funny old car. I've always had a soft spot for a Q car and this seemed to fit the bill.
4 years later my husband spotted a black 412 under a tarpaulin in a garage near Salisbury, took some pictures and came home saying he'd like one. The 412 appealed immediately to me, I loved it from the start. I think it is an age thing. The 411 is for older owners - to love the 412 I think you have to be a child of the seventies, brought up with disco music, arctic rolls and platform shoes.
I genuinely believe it is beautiful, it's nothing to do with badge snobbery, the car is ridiculously cheap and fantastic fun. It gets driven regularly, lives out in all weathers and is a complete joy to own. I think the only thing I can see that perhaps links all the owners I have met is a somewhat individualistic character and a mischievous sense of fun.
Coming back to tonight however, to my eyes the 412 was a failure; much like my childhood love- the Mk10 Jag, as time has passed. I recognise that it was somewhat bloated.......... and to the 412.... it was badge over style - sorry guy's! quote]
I disagree completely. I had no preconceived idea about Bristol's being some kind of club for posh people when I first encountered one. In fact I wondered what my brother saw in the funny black car (a brigand)- then he floored it up a hill in front of me and left me with jaw dropped and a new found respect for his funny old car. I've always had a soft spot for a Q car and this seemed to fit the bill.
4 years later my husband spotted a black 412 under a tarpaulin in a garage near Salisbury, took some pictures and came home saying he'd like one. The 412 appealed immediately to me, I loved it from the start. I think it is an age thing. The 411 is for older owners - to love the 412 I think you have to be a child of the seventies, brought up with disco music, arctic rolls and platform shoes.
I genuinely believe it is beautiful, it's nothing to do with badge snobbery, the car is ridiculously cheap and fantastic fun. It gets driven regularly, lives out in all weathers and is a complete joy to own. I think the only thing I can see that perhaps links all the owners I have met is a somewhat individualistic character and a mischievous sense of fun.
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