Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7305 Location: Derby

A no nonsense resume of a no nonsense car; the inimitable Bristol 403.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by5fRngcdGc

It will be interesting to see if CEO Jason Wharton's plans to return Bristol cars to the market this year come to fruition. He plans to operate as an upmarket coach builder out of Filton; the traditional home of Bristol Cars.

Presumably they will have their own take on an existing manufacturer's car...which would be ironic, as that is how they started.! Maybe it will be BMW again...who knows?

We will have to wait and see. It may all depend on the vexed issue of "intellectual property rights"; whatever they are.?

Rootes75 · Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 7:11 pm Post subject:

Odd move in the current climate if you ask me.
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Various Rootes Vehicles.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7305 Location: Derby

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4288 Location: South Cheshire

It's a case of ensuring that the heart doesn't overrule the head. Would the Bristol brand resonate enough with the target market?

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7305 Location: Derby

alastairq · Joined: 14 Oct 2016 Posts: 2146 Location: East Yorkshire

I've always loved Bristol cars...

But I also got the impression they were aimed at the tweed jacket brigade...rather than the plain ol' 'rich?'

I liked the fact they lacked the 'frill's of other makes, that folk have deemed to be much more important than simply being a 'carriage of refinement.'

For 'gentlefolk' rather than everybody?

A bit like owning an Indian motorcycle for 70 years, simply because it was good quality,and did exactly what was intended of it. [With care, of course]

Pretentious they were not [Bristols]..and indeed, there were rumours that Bristol cars were in fact, a bit 'particular' as to who they sold their products to...?

In other words, simply 'having the cash' wasn't a prerequisite...Neither was holding some sort of title?

If I were 'in the market'.....I would have one in preference to a Mercedes....or a VW bentley..for example.

Low key.....but then I'm no posh-arris....tweed jackets and Barbour gear not being my scene...[ I do however, have an ex-Swedish army winter coat...]
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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7305 Location: Derby

I think things have changed. Tony Crook could be a difficult character to do business with but these days I think it is more a case of having enough of the folding stuff rather than which school you went to.

I suppose I could always suggest that Sir George White was a distant relative???

I have a house in the Country (if not a Country House!)

The point about owning an old Bristol today surely is that the craftsmanship is appreciated for it's own sake.

I am sure I would make a suitable, if slightly nervous owner.

Very Happy

mikeC · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2026 8:49 am Post subject:

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7305 Location: Derby

Although I am not as keen on the post aerodyne cars, they were - and still are - a force to be reckoned with. Here is a video where the commentator tries to compare the 411 with a Silver Shadow...and while there may be comparisons to be had, I would have thought a Facel Vega - which also utilised the Chrysler drive train - would have been a more interesting contest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKEAsY7ydLg