Thursday 11th January 2018

Bristol Blenheim: Spotted

A classic flying under the radar, or one for the air crash investigators?

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If you fancy a bespoke British sporting car of good pedigree and rich heritage but find an Aston too louche and a Bentley a bit common, take a look at this Bristol Blenheim. It's either a gentleman's luxury express or a handmade horror, depending on your point of view - and I'm aware that most of you will have clocked the lead image and already made up your mind on that one.

Don't dismiss it lightly, though: this Blenheim 3 is a 5.9-litre Chrysler V8-engined, 150mph, wood and leather-lined, aluminium-bodied four-seater of fighter-pilot class and supreme engineering logic. It's eccentric and, in parts, exquisite - it'll last forever, too. On that last point alone it's probably worth the £50k investment.

Indeed despite the decidedly hands-off PR approach the firm always employed, Bristol cars actually went through a brief period of popularity with a number of celebrities buying in - think Bono, Branson, Paul Smith and Liam Gallagher. On the whole, though, this is a car unlikely to appeal to the teenagers - its owners tend to be sober and discreet individuals and enthusiasts who prize the Bristol's anonymity.

On top of that, the firm went bust a few years ago, after a steady decline in which its expensive and quirky looking cars grew to feel so out of date that not even the most devoted aficionado would touch a new one with a bargepole. Recent attempts by its new owners to revive the brand with the enticing Bullet, and the promise of a new 200mph range-extender, may yet herald a new dawn.

But if time wasn't kind to Bristol, I urge you to be like Yeats and love the pilgrim soul and the sorrows of its changing face. It was once a firm known for its aircraft-industry standards of build and inspection, its engineering innovation and prowess and its beautifully detailed execution. Fully bespoke, too, like a good suit, so you could tailor the driving position or the dampers to your own specification - whatever you found wanting in your car could easily be set right.

This Blenheim 3 is nearing the end of a long line of understated and elegant V8 cars, stretching back to the 1960s, and felicitous details still abound. There's the low centre of gravity and ideal weight distribution, the tight turning circle and excellent steering. It seats four in leathery comfort, and has a huge boot. Its range is long, and its economy is boosted by a cruising gait of 70mph and just 1,700rpm.

Changed your mind yet? No, I thought maybe not.

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SPECIFICATION - BRISTOL BLENHEIM

Engine: 5,900cc, V8
Transmission: 4-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 400@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 410@3,500rpm
MPG: 16.6
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2002
Mileage: 14,000 miles
Price new: £141,995
Price now: £49,995

See the original advert here

Mark Pearson

[FerdiZ28]

Vauxhall Carlton rear lights? Ugly ungainly thing but strangely very appealing. Screams old money.

[FerdiZ28]

gigglebug said:

Definitely looks better in S configuration.

Rear 3/4 view it is actually quite a handsome beast. Not sure of measurements but I’d imagine it has presence, quirky and classy. Front is a face only a mother could love though.

Indeed, “let’s take the Bristol”

[FerdiZ28]

jwwbowe said:

Difficult to bemoan about everyone losing their imagination and buying German exotics when the UK was putting out stuff like this at that price! Personally I get it and would love one but I imagine I am in a minority. They did another model called the Fighter I think, that was very cool. Good luck to Bristol coming back, just try not make your core model look like a 100k Capri next time.

Frank, how much were these new?

[FerdiZ28]

jwwbowe said:

Difficult to bemoan about everyone losing their imagination and buying German exotics when the UK was putting out stuff like this at that price! Personally I get it and would love one but I imagine I am in a minority. They did another model called the Fighter I think, that was very cool. Good luck to Bristol coming back, just try not make your core model look like a 100k Capri next time.

Frank, how much were these new?

[FerdiZ28]

gigglebug said:

Definitely looks better in S configuration.

Rear 3/4 view it is actually quite a handsome beast. Not sure of measurements but I’d imagine it has presence, quirky and classy. Front is a face only a mother could love though.

Indeed, “let’s take the Bristol”