Bristol Cars

Author
Discussion

Chris71

21,535 posts

241 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
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The Bristol saloons are one of those cars I feel I appreciate, but I'd never actually want to own. I suppose a large part of their appeal is their exclusivity - apart from those in the know, nobody would give you a second galnce in what appears to be a tarted-up Opel Monza. I completely see the appeal, but not for me I don't think...

The Fighter on the other hand (like the OP said) I'd definitely go for. The few reports that have actually come from those who've driven them suggest they're actually very good, as well as being stupidly powerful, very rare and British.

paulmurr

4,203 posts

211 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
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sniff petrol said:
HowMuchLonger said:
Apparently they have the stiffest bodyshell of any car - including the Mclaren F1.
It looks like a Mk2 Escort thats melted a bit confused

Trommel

18,988 posts

258 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
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paulmurr said:
It looks like a Mk2 Escort thats melted a bit confused
Don't like it? Don't buy it.

It really is that simple.

TIGA84

5,204 posts

230 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
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tog said:
TIGA84 said:
Or the sooner the weirdo MD pops off, maybe they'll become something worth talking about.
If you mean Tony Crook, the characterful boss of many years, he sold the company several years ago to new investors, but stayed on until earlier this year, since when he has parted company with the firm. They would only have been at FoS since the new guy took over I believe.

I have an old Bristol, and love it. It gets plenty of use, about 10k a year as a second car, and the only reason I don't have a new Blenheim on the drive is that I don't have the spare cash to get one... The Blenheim is not for everyone, but they have a ready market and the people who buy them are usually very happy. I wouldn't buy a whizz-bang supercar even if I had all the tea in China, but thankfully Bristol exist to provide an alternative.
Old Bristols, yes, no problem at all, great looking things a neighbour used to have a similar one to yourself in fact. (Love the Bitter by the way......), but its this new-build stuff that I think just doesnt work at all. It has no character and comes across as cheaply put together with no real thought. (The Bleinhem I'm on about, but the Fighter which I spoke to the representative from still suffers from the same lack of attention to detail in some important areas for it to be taken really seriously.)

Look at something like a Caterham, a specialist vehicle that hasnt changed design for the thick end of 40 years, but it still looks fresh, its still being developed and thought about, the attention to detail is there in current parts. Look at the winglets on the new 500 lightweight, just awesome, it still retains all of its original character and design, but remains up to date. I think Bristol lost their way through stubborness (is that even a word?) and the final product looks tired and ill thought out.

You see what I'm getting at? Show me its worth 150k and I'd have one, I love the idea of its heritage and exclusivity, but I'm not mad. The difference used to be you had to be eccentric to buy one, now you have to be mad. And I think thats a bad thing.

paulmurr

4,203 posts

211 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
quotequote all
Trommel said:
paulmurr said:
It looks like a Mk2 Escort thats melted a bit confused
Don't like it? Don't buy it.

It really is that simple.
jeez, was just giving my opinion. Next time I'll not bother rolleyes

Davey S2

13,075 posts

253 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
quotequote all
paulmurr said:
Trommel said:
paulmurr said:
It looks like a Mk2 Escort thats melted a bit confused
Don't like it? Don't buy it.

It really is that simple.
jeez, was just giving my opinion. Next time I'll not bother rolleyes
I dont get that comment either. This thread isnt titled 'Only post here if you love everything about Bristol Cars'.

Its inviting people to give their thoughts on the marque and the various cars thats all.

I can understand them and am glad the company exists but wouldnt buy one of their cars in a million years (Fighter included).

XB70

2,482 posts

195 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
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ewenm said:
XB70 said:
If their purpose is to waft oneself and a lady friend with luggage to the Continent, I put forward the CL500/S500 coupe from Mercedes Benz circa 1997 (just so all on a level playing field in terms of age). A fraction of the cost, all the performance (they go like stink), last of the tanks before DC went all penny pinching and exceptionally comfortable and quiet.
And ten-a-penny on the Autobahn. So many people berating Bristol cars and yet this is a British luxury car maker that seems to be surviving quite happily by doing its own thing - surely this is something to be celebrated, not derided? If you don't get it, fine, but surely any petrolhead appreciates the continued existence of Bristol Cars? I personally don't get the adulation many hold for BMW and Porsche, but appreciate the part they play in moving the game on for saloon and sports cars.
No, I very much 'get it' - I would drive anything from a Reliant to an Enzo and look forward to just experiencing it. Ditto a Bristol.

I should maybe clarify - I am 'berating' it not for what it is but rather what you get for what it is: for that price, the build quality, general features and so forth just don't tick the boxes.

Now, I agree that they certainly do for some people (as the continued existence of the company selling very few, very expensive cars) attests to but I am very curious as to the business model and how they remain in business noting the very very niche product that it is selling.

As for running off on a tangent with Bugatti, that is not the case at all. Yes, the general supercar crash saw a lot to do with it but I have been told that quite a few prospective customers were more than a bit *&^&^*^& off by the attitude and took their considerable bulging suitcases of moolah elsewhere.

Counterpoint is that if someone can choose to refuse to sell an expensive, niche (and I am sure all would agree, a very subjective product in terms of desire!!) for some 'personal' reason, they must be sitting on a very very secure business model!

Credit to where it is due but no way would I part with the money for what looks like an overgrown Capri.

Then, people say the same about the Germanic supertanker that I drive so to each their own.

Got to love the storage for the spare wheel though :-)

anonymous-user

53 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
quotequote all
Just thought I pipe up.

I've got 3 Bristols and do approx 12K miles a year in a 1974 411. It's an amazing car, still quick enough to keep up on the m6 toll road, v comfy place to sit, enjoys twisty bits, costs F' All to look after. On the negative side it drinks a SERIOUS amount of fuel.


I'm seriously tempted by the 411 s6, based on Blenheim running gear - I've driven a Blenheim, and whilst it definitely look a bit strange, it is genuinely good to drive, fast and v nimble due to ridiculously tight turning circle and narrow body- the complete antithesis of the latest German bahnstormer.

Not bad on the depreciation front either - providing you want another Bristol that is.

Each to their own!

cheers,
sw

Mark Benson

7,498 posts

268 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
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XB70 said:
As for running off on a tangent with Bugatti, that is not the case at all. Yes, the general supercar crash saw a lot to do with it but I have been told that quite a few prospective customers were more than a bit *&^&^*^& off by the attitude and took their considerable bulging suitcases of moolah elsewhere.

Counterpoint is that if someone can choose to refuse to sell an expensive, niche (and I am sure all would agree, a very subjective product in terms of desire!!) for some 'personal' reason, they must be sitting on a very very secure business model!
Bristol sells to the 'right' people, that is their business model and so for it's been succesful. Perhaps Bugatti tried to emulate that.

Those with bulging suitcases of cash aren't necessarily who the typical buyer of a Bristol want to associate with, only those who fit owner's idea of the 'right' sort of person. In an age where cash can buy you almost anythng, including stately homes and huge estates, I suspect the buyers of Bristols appreciate something that money alone can't buy.

And if that means Bristol sell enough cars to survive, then that's a good thing for a country whose car industry can only boast a small number of manufacturers.


Strawman

6,463 posts

206 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
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I like the idea of a company that is after customers who fit their product, not just anyone with the cash or credit to pay, I know Noel Gallagher had one so they can't be that picky hehe, (I think before he got a driving licence, don't know whether it was new or second hand though).
Similar attitude to Hermes the bag manufacturer, Oprah Winfrey (of the eponymous show and multi-billionaire) was in Paris and turned up to their store at closing time, she insisted they stay open so she could splurge some cash, they firmly but politely refused told her it was closing time and turfed her out, she then spent the next few weeks on her show sgging the company off and accusing them or racism (or so I read).

tog

4,517 posts

227 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
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Chris71 said:
what appears to be a tarted-up Opel Monza.
Funnily enough, my other car really is a tarted up Opel Monza...

vixen1700

22,669 posts

269 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
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Being from a working-class background, I thought I could never feel right in one. That's the image they give off.

But as I'm older now, I could imagine owning a nice old 409/410. They are lovely. smile

Glosphil

4,337 posts

233 months

Tuesday 20th May 2008
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During my apprenticeship with British Aircraft Corporation in the mid-1960s I spent 2 weeks working in Bristol Cars. Afer the body shells were delivered 'a little old man' spent as long as was necessary filling all the joints between the panels with solder and filing them down. All opening panels, bonnet, boot and doors were rehung to obtain even panel fits. The cars certainly left the factory with even panel fits. I remember one customer, when collecting his new car, bringing his own set of feeler gauges to check the panel gaps! He wasn't happy with the boot so it was corrected when he waited.

Gompo

4,396 posts

257 months

Wednesday 28th May 2008
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Sorry to bring this up again.

I am a Bristol fan, I would buy one IF I had the money - but there are quite a few other motors I'd pick first.

..Anyway, I think I spotted a 60's Bristol today in Hackney/Bethnell Green. The plate was something like '407*H'. Wasnt anyone from here was it?

Cheers, Greg.

DucatiGary

7,765 posts

224 months

Wednesday 28th May 2008
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ill admit, I really like them, dont really like the look of them, dont really like any specific part but i have been searching the classifieds recently for them and would love to have at least owned one.

sjp63

1,996 posts

271 months

Thursday 28th August 2008
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Freddie von Rost said:
Bristol cars are a little bit like old barbours. The right people know and "get it", and the people who do not are of little consequence in the scheme of things.

And yes, I would buy a 412 tomorrow if I owned an oilfield or two.
Spot on

Baby Huey

4,881 posts

198 months

Thursday 28th August 2008
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The Gallagher brothers are both big Bristol fans, and everyone knows what a pair of cocks they are.

Prof Beard

6,669 posts

226 months

Thursday 28th August 2008
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ELAN+2 said:
I think they are glorious and would have an early 411 with some later upgrades tomorrow, given half a chance.
I agree AND you can (from: http://www.bristolcars.co.uk/Used.htm):

"NEW. Bristol 411 S6, based on the renovated shell of a 1973 411 S3. Mechanically like a brand new Blenheim, but retains the classic 411 shape. Imagine buying a classic that has today's levels of performance, reliability and comfort. Your choice of exterior colour, leather, carpets, wood etc. Air conditioning, cruise control, central locking, and a 5.9- litre Blenheim 3 fuel injected engine with a 4 speed automatic gearbox all standard.
Perfection, complete with a new car warranty. £128,500 (inc vat)"


Sadly I don't have the money though...

Baby Huey

4,881 posts

198 months

Thursday 28th August 2008
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Knowing someone who hasd just bought a Morgan I can confirm that hand made does not equal good quality. Give me mass produced any day of the week.

thinfourth2

32,414 posts

203 months

Thursday 28th August 2008
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What not to like about a company that sayes this

"Bristol 411 Series 4. Peacock blue with black leather. Good original interior. Modern, more economical 5.9 litre V8 fitted by ourselves in 1987. "