cazalea[Seiko Moderator]
17082
Bristol - the obscure and unobtainable car you want but can't afford
Jul 02, 2019,09:48 AM
Built by an aircraft company, built like an aircraft, styled in an eccentric way, built for gentlemen, owned by eccentric wealthy gentlemen (moi?) - what's not to like?
I was fascinated by Bristols for years. But I had never seen one in the flesh (metal, alloy, 'glass?).
So while living in London I put on a suit and marched myself down to the Bristol showroom where I was greeted by Tony Crook himself -- what a name!
He sternly, off-handedly granted me a cold nod (having sussed me out in a heartbeat & decided I was not the type for a Bristol) and left me to wander through the few cars with not even a handshake, cup or water or brochure. Knowing myself to be an imposter anyway, I took it as intended and soon left, vowing never to own one which was no idle threat and not difficult to uphold as they are so very rare.
The cars are quirky - with the spare wheel behind one front wheel and the battery behind the other, they all have a long-nose proportion.
Even the Beaufighter (or Fighter) which has a bit of Triumph Stag look due to the odd top arrangement.
Having been powered for most of the last 40 years by Chrysler engines, it was logical that in the last waning years the company would go nuts and built a Viper-engined variant.
Overstuffed butterscotch interior
Overstuffed engine compartment
Graceful lines
But this is the profile that grabbed me first, made memorable by LJK Setright writing in CAR magazine.
READ MORE ABOUT BRISTOL HERE
LJK
The company was revived a few years ago and is now offering the Bristol Bullet for sale. Carbon fibre body, alloy chassis, engine by BMW, all for $300k. Maybe...
Cazalea