Based in Bristol (obviously), Bristol Cars produced some absolute corkers in their day, so we’re taking a look back down memory lane at some of their greats.
Bristol Cars was a British manufacturer of luxury cars that was founded in 1945, in Filton, Bristol. The company had its roots in the Bristol Aeroplane Company, which had been involved in the aviation industry (strangely) since the early 20th century. After World War II, the company shifted its focus to producing cars, and voilà, Bristol Cars was born.
Bristol 400
The first car produced by Bristol Cars was the 400, which was introduced in 1947. The 400 was a luxurious four-seater coupe that was powered by a 2.0 litre six-cylinder engine. The car was designed to appeal to a select group of wealthy buyers who wanted a car that was both exclusive and understated.
The 400’s engine was based on a design by BMW. It was mated to a four on the floor manual gearbox and produced 85 horsepower. The car was capable of reaching a top speed of around 90 mph, which was damn impressive for the time.
Over the years, Bristol Cars continued to produce a range of luxury cars, including sports cars, coupes, and saloons. Many of these cars were hand-built, and each one was designed to be unique and tailored to the individual needs of the buyer. Bristol’s were often used by members of the Royal Family and other high-profile individuals.
Bristol 405
Built from 1954 to 1958. the 405 was the successor to the 404 and was designed to be a more refined and luxurious drop top.
The Bristol 405 was powered by a six pot that was capable of only around 125 horsepower. It had a top speed of 100 mph and could reach the 60 dash in under 14 seconds. The car featured a four-speed manual gearbox and was rear-wheel drive.
The Bristol 405 was produced in limited numbers, with only around 308 cars built in total. Which is surprising because it is bloody good looking! Has a slight air of Porsche 356 and Ferrari 250, don’t you think?
Bristol 603
The Bristol 603 was produced from 1976 to 1982. It was the successor to the Bristol 411 and was designed to be a more modern and refined vehicle.
The Bristol 603 was powered by a wheezy 5.9 litre V8 engine that only produced up to 170 horsepower on a very good day. It had a top speed of 120 mph and would complete 0 to 60 mph in just over 10 seconds. The car featured a three-speed automatic gearbox but was saved by being rear-wheel drive.
With quintessential ’70s design language, the 603 looked vaguely similar to a Capri of the time, but thankfully featured something that the Capri missed out on, the V8.
The Bristol 603 was again, produced in limited numbers, with only around 77 cars built in total.
Bristol Blenheim
The Bristol Blenheim was a luxury GT car that was produced from 1995 to 2011. It was named after Blenheim Palace, which is an old country house in Oxford and the birthplace of some bloke called Winston Churchill.
Available in several different variations, including a two-seater convertible, a four seater saloon, and a five seater estate. The car was powered by a range of engines over the years, including a 5.2 litre V8 and a 6.0 litre V8. The most powerful version put out 354 horsepower and 540Nm of torque, allowing it to reach a top speed of 155 mph and reach 60 in a not-so-shabby 5.7 seconds.
The Blenheim had a uniquely beautiful design. With a classic, timeless look, a long bonnet, short overhangs and a distinctive front grille. It does resemble that of a Bentley Brooklands, which is never a bad thing.
Bristol Fighter
The Bristol Fighter was a certified rocketship (ask NASA, they’ll confirm) that was produced by the firm from 2004 to 2011. It was introduced as a successor to the Blenheim. Designed to be one of the fastest and most exclusive sports cars in the world, apparently.
The Bristol Fighter was powered by a 8.0 litre V10 that produced 525 bhp and 712 Nm of torque – enough to pull an entire village. The car topped out at 210 mph and could decimate the 0 to 60 mph run in just 3.9 seconds. Thankfully, you could only buy this car with a 6-speed, good old fashioned manual.
One of the defining features of the Bristol Fighter was its design. The car had a slippery aerodynamic body, with a long bonnet, aggressive stance, and gloriously impractical gullwing doors . The interior of the car was also fairly luxurious, with leather, wood and a range of high-tech features and accessories for the time.
The Bristol Fighter was produced in extremely limited numbers, with only around 15 to 20 cars built per year. Each car was hand-built to order, and could be customised to the prospective owners specifications. The exclusivity and performance of the Fighter made it a favourite among collectors and aficionados. Many considering it to be one of the most desirable sports cars of its era, and the best car Bristol have ever produced.
Where are they now?
Despite its reputation for producing exceptional cars, Bristol Cars struggled to remain profitable in the increasingly competitive luxury car sector. The company went through several changes in ownership and management over the years. In 2011, the company was acquired by Kamkorp Autokraft, a British engineering firm. However, in 2020, Bristol Cars ceased production and entered into administration.
Today, Bristol’s are considered to be ultra rare and collectible, with many enthusiasts and collectors seeking out these wonderfully alternative vehicles. Despite its relatively short history, they left a lasting legacy, one that is firmly remembered by those of their era.
Maybe we’ll see the reinvention of them soon, because that would bloody lovely.