Bristol 412 ........... Light touch paper and stand back

[Carsie]

Ok!.... I don't really want to be controversial but maybe after being motivated to explore Bristols (noooooo....not those type! lol!) after my Hurricane Restoration visit, I thought I'd trawl Fleabay et al and see what's about.

Tonight.........I found this..... OMG!

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C154337/

What on earth was going on? It looks worse than a Quantum Kit car based on a Sierra or WHY.

Don't get me wrong, I remember seeing the 1975 Austin Princess' at launch and thinking how good they looked (actually....I still do! lol!) and I do recall lusting after a 350i which I subsequently bought but what in blinking heck's name is this abomination?.....

When I was growing up in the early '70's,(ahhh by heck lad!) a neighbour bought a brand new Bristol 411 and I always thought it a beautiful car, clearly a thoroughbred; it was finished in dusky gold and black leather - very nice, very classy.

At what point did wide lapels, even wider flares and sideburns descend into this travesty?

What do you think? - do you still think it cuts it or is it just an overpriced kit car?

[snuffle]

Good evening my name is Snuffle and I think the Allegro estate is quite a nice shape

That Bristol however is damn awful.

[Google [bot]]

I think you're right that it's ugly, but I also think that's missing the point. It's an oddity, and for me that is a large part of the appeal. It doesn't conform to conventions in terms of style, eco-ness, handling, anything. It's purpose is to transport gentlemen in comfort and will be recognised very few except those in the know.

Expensive? For what it is on paper, yes, I'd agree, but the appeal of these brutes is from the heart not the head.

ETA: When new I couldn't imagine anyone forking out (a substantial amount) for one, but as a 20-something year old classic - fantastic.

Edited by Google [bot] on Tuesday 19th October 23:39

[Carsie]

"I think you're right that it's ugly, but I also think that's missing the point. It's an oddity, and for me that is a large part of the appeal."

Thats the point I'm making, it's not that it "doesn't conform to conventions in terms of style, eco-ness, handling, anything." - for sure thats where individuality, personal preference and taste come in.

"It's purpose is to transport gentlemen in comfort and will be recognised very few except those in the know."

Isn't this a case of The King Has No Clothes?.... and yes I'm playing to be controversal - at what point does marketing over substance crumble? Have you seen a Jag coupe, even portrayed in BL garish lavender? c'mon wake up!

http://www.carandclassic.com/car/C175219/#

"Expensive? For what it is on paper, yes, I'd agree, but the appeal of these brutes is from the heart not the head."

I absolutely love Jag but never in a month of Sunday's could you say (until recently) that it was a better built car than a Merc and a Merc leaves me stone cold (500E excepted)

"ETA: When new I couldn't imagine anyone forking out (a substantial amount) for one, but as a 20-something year old classic - fantastic."

....oh shudder!

It reminds me of years ago when trying to value a brand on a balance sheet - just look at it from behind....would you.... ? (spend all that money?... !)

Isn't it wonderful that we're all different eh?

[Google [bot]]

Carsie said:

Isn't it wonderful that we're all different eh?

Yep.

[Carsie]

[jonnylayze]

Google [bot] said:

I think you're right that it's ugly, but I also think that's missing the point. It's an oddity, and for me that is a large part of the appeal. It doesn't conform to conventions in terms of style, eco-ness, handling, anything. It's purpose is to transport gentlemen in comfort and will be recognised very few except those in the know.

Expensive? For what it is on paper, yes, I'd agree, but the appeal of these brutes is from the heart not the head.

ETA: When new I couldn't imagine anyone forking out (a substantial amount) for one, but as a 20-something year old classic - fantastic.

Edited by Google [bot] on Tuesday 19th October 23:39

I love it for all these reasons - would I want to own one? Possibly, but I am very pleased that people do and that Bristols are still being made.

[sunbeam_alpine]

My first thought when I saw the front picture was "The Sweeney".

I was on a ferry on Sunday afternoon (coming back from the Sunday Service), and there was an incredibly fat woman on the boat. I swear she made the boat move when she got up. I could help but surreptitiously stare at her for half the crossing. Once you got past the shock, she had some surprising features - she had a very pretty face, very dainty hands. She was chatting with a travelling companion and was very well spoken, and their conversation ranged over various topics. It completely blew my first impression of "fat chav" away.

The reason for the above waffle is that I think that the Bristol is a bit like that woman. My first reaction was "aaagh - my eyes!", but I kept looking at the car, and ended up liking it.

[Google [bot]]

Excellent couple of posts above. Don't forget too the monstrosity continued right through until the latest in Brigand and Beaufighter guises to the late 80s+. Still ugly and yet still desirable.

[djt100]

It looks like a odd mk4 cortina, but i Like it

[RetroCosworth]

Shame I don't have a £12K kitty, I would nab that

[M3John]

I actually quite like that.

[tog]

It's an unusual looking car certainly, but a good 412 is fantastic to drive and a very practical car to use and live with – any number of combinations of hard and soft top that you could want. Much better proportioned in the flesh than in photos.


Bristol 412 S2 Zagato, by Lansdownplace, from Wikimedia Commons

[Bristol 412 S1]

It's really interesting how blinkered people can be when first looking at this fabulous zagato designed car. The first comment you usually hear is that it is a big square box - look at it properly and you will find that it is no where near straight or square. It is actually one of the most aerodynamic cars of its time.

Spend some time with it and it will weave its spell. Whether you are gliding down the motorway or cruising round town it is a real pleasure to drive.So if you get the chance take a test drive you may just get bitten by the 412 bug.

The white car first spotted is a rough example that has been very neglected and the price asked is in fantasy land. However the cost of a great 412 has now risen to £45k from just £15k a few years ago. This reflects the increased interest in this great classic. The metallic grey car you have found is a stunner - fully factory restored and a delight to see.

Amazingly of 103 cars produced only about 6 are deceased - 95% still running! - not a bad record for a 30 year old car.

[Trommel]

They're great. Just sort the rear ride height (easy with the torsion bars), 25mm bolt-on spacers on the back and the stance will improve immeasurably.

Still having thoughts about one turned into a closed coupe.

[mph]

Bristol 412 S1 said:

It's really interesting how blinkered people can be when first looking at this fabulous zagato designed car. The first comment you usually hear is that it is a big square box - look at it properly and you will find that it is no where near straight or square. It is actually one of the most aerodynamic cars of its time.

Beauty is ...etc. I love Bristols and intend to own one some day. I admire the engineering quality and the company's single-minded approach to car design.

IMHO the only reason they are such good value is purely because, almost without exception, they are not particularly good looking.

[cubehead]

Always difficult appraising an older very tired car. Later Bristols don't photograph well and are surprisingly good in the flesh. They are angle sensitive though and the best view is from the inside looking out

[Gompo]

I remember seeing my first a couple of years ago in Dulwich. I knew what it was from a distance and wasnt disappointed when I got closer. They may be understated somewhat to those not in the know, and I can easily understand how they can be considered ugly.. but as others have said, that's more of their appeal.

[vixen1700]

Never really 'got' Bristols and always imagined that they were too 'upper class' to suit my humble working class upbringing, but as I've got older there I've developed far more of an appreciation for them.




Maybe a nice '70s 411 like this when I get to my mid 50s in ten years time and can't get in and out of a TVR anymore.

Edited to add:

This 412 has got to be worth 15K of anybody's money: I'd love it

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C118622/

Edited by vixen1700 on Thursday 21st October 22:30

[vixen1700]

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C125629/

Another beauty here, now you can't say you don't like this!

Edited by vixen1700 on Friday 22 October 11:28