Does anybody here own a Bristol?

[nickpan]

Hi All,

I’d be interested to see if there are any Bristol owners on here to see what their ownership experience has been like?

I’ve been on the look out for a more esoteric replacement for my E-Type and some of the earlier models (pre 60s when they were still using the modified BMW inline 6) look worthy of consideration.

Cheers

NP

[tog]

I've had a 410 for nearly 20 years. Obviously that's not a 2-litre, but there's a fair bit of commonality in many ways.

What do you want to know? I borrowed a 401 for a weekend a few years ago and couldn't believe what a sorted, modern car it felt like. It was mildly uprated (many are these days), with an overdrive. It felt smooth and powerful, easily cruising at 80ish on the dual carriageway. Handling and brakes all belied its 70 years of age. It's a very different car to an E-type, older and with less performance, but probably more comfort and civility. Properly maintained, they are very usable, reliable cars. I know of a couple of 405 dropheads that are pretty much daily drivers, one of which was driven around the world a few years ago. A group of cars had drove to Turkey in the autumn, almost to the Syrian border, with no serious problems and all made it there and back under their own power.

As with all old cars, and especially with ones built in such small numbers, individual examples of the same model will often drive very differently from each other by now, depending on their history, so if you want one make sure you look and drive at as many as you can. (Don't underestimate the cost of rebuilding a Bristol six-cylinder engine either so find one that is in good order, unless you want a project.)

Let me know if you want to come along to any club events to have a look around, we're by and large pretty welcoming. The best known dealer to really specialise in the early cars is SLJ-Hackett in Wiltshire, pretty helpful and happy to let people compare cars. (Disclosure - they are an occasional client of mine.)

[Glosphil]

As an apprentice at BAC (now British Aerospace) from 1965 to 1970 I spent 2 weeks in the Bristol Cars factory. The cars were practically hand built. Interesting test drive, as a passenger, in a newly built car along the Filton runway. During my time there 2 customers came to pick up their new cars.

Can't remember which model was being built then - 410?. Spare wheel, jack, etc. in one front wing & battery in the other?

[Some Gump]

Op, don't do it they're ste! My old man had one for a bit.

'66 409.
Getting it running after being sat for any length if time was a farce, it was addicted to Easystart.
When running, it did horrendous mpg, like laughably bad.
There was so much weight up.front that turning was like steering a boat.
I think the idea was that the "luxury" made up for it, only it wasn't that comfortable..

Imo, that car didn't have much of a redeeming feature!

[Ambleton]

I assume the timely manner of this thread coincides with this...

https://www.brightwells.com/timed-sale/5404

[tog]

Some Gump said:

Op, don't do it they're ste! My old man had one for a bit.

'66 409.
Getting it running after being sat for any length if time was a farce, it was addicted to Easystart.
When running, it did horrendous mpg, like laughably bad.
There was so much weight up.front that turning was like steering a boat.
I think the idea was that the "luxury" made up for it, only it wasn't that comfortable..

Imo, that car didn't have much of a redeeming feature!

As I said above, all cars (not just Bristols) as they age are defined by their histories - get one that has not been looked after and it will be painful. I trust my 410 to start first time every time, whether that is five minutes or five months after it was last started. I average about 17-18mpg, but I drive it like I stole it most of the time. Pottering by gently will give over 20mpg. And it's a 1960s 5-litre V8, so what do you expect? I would suspect it is comparable or better than many rivals of the time. Handling is generally considered to be pretty good, so not sure what was wrong with your dad's.

However, that's a V8, not the 2-litre the OP is after. A Bristol six cylinder should give mid-twenties mpg I think, so probably better than the OP's E-type (I am guessing at Jag fuel consumption, but don't imagine it's a car for frugal people.)

Glosphil said:

Can't remember which model was being built then - 410?. Spare wheel, jack, etc. in one front wing & battery in the other?

409 was 1965-67, 410 1967-69 and 411 was 1969 onwards. All standard cars from 404 onwards have the front wing bays.

[Turbobanana]

tog said:

Some Gump said:

Op, don't do it they're ste! My old man had one for a bit.

'66 409.
Getting it running after being sat for any length if time was a farce, it was addicted to Easystart.
When running, it did horrendous mpg, like laughably bad.
There was so much weight up.front that turning was like steering a boat.
I think the idea was that the "luxury" made up for it, only it wasn't that comfortable..

Imo, that car didn't have much of a redeeming feature!

As I said above, all cars (not just Bristols) as they age are defined by their histories - get one that has not been looked after and it will be painful. I trust my 410 to start first time every time, whether that is five minutes or five months after it was last started. I average about 17-18mpg, but I drive it like I stole it most of the time. Pottering by gently will give over 20mpg. And it's a 1960s 5-litre V8, so what do you expect? I would suspect it is comparable or better than many rivals of the time. Handling is generally considered to be pretty good, so not sure what was wrong with your dad's.

However, that's a V8, not the 2-litre the OP is after. A Bristol six cylinder should give mid-twenties mpg I think, so probably better than the OP's E-type (I am guessing at Jag fuel consumption, but don't imagine it's a car for frugal people.)

OP, while not an owner I am a fan and would suggest that tog's views are more realistic than Some Gump, whose dad presumably had something of a duffer. I have personally seen tog's car in the middle of France on a family holiday, so can confirm he uses it as intended.

Years ago my in-laws' neighbours had an immaculate 401 that they allowed my young son to sit in. It was absolutely beautiful and I think it was what influenced his love for old cars that continues to this day.

If you can afford it, get it bought!

[tog]

Turbobanana said:

I have personally seen tog's car in the middle of France on a family holiday, so can confirm he uses it as intended.

Ha, I'd forgotten that! We're off to Norway in it again this year.

[Turbobanana]

tog said:

Turbobanana said:

I have personally seen tog's car in the middle of France on a family holiday, so can confirm he uses it as intended.

Ha, I'd forgotten that! We're off to Norway in it again this year.

I've always dreamed of touring the coast of Norway in a classic 60s sports racer. I'd probably choose a Fjord GT40.

[Ambleton]

Turbobanana said:

I've always dreamed of touring the coast of Norway in a classic 60s sports racer. I'd probably choose a Fjord GT40.

[lowdrag]

You've got me considering either a CV8 (a car I've always loved), perhaps a Gilbern, or perhaps a 403 or 406 - nothing too modern. I have been considering selling my Lynx since anno domini is making it easy to get into and hard to get out. Hmm, perhaps a Gordon Keeble? Very special, and there's a beautiful one on Car & Classic.And for the first time in yonks I'd have a roof and a boot!

[spoodler]

I owned a 1975 411 V8 for a short while back in the '90s. Not my usual sort of thing, but I was in the right place at the right time. I absolutely loved it, definitely a sense of occasion even when just washing it, let alone starting it up and driving it! Most folk who saw it seemed to feel the same way about it.
I don't know about nowadays, but pretty much every part you could ever need seemed to be available, and for a lot less than you might expect. Years later, I owned a hot rod based on E-Type and Mk10 running gear and the price of spares was eye watering to someone like me.
I also found the owners to be a friendly bunch, despite my completely different background to many - whilst working nights printing dole cheques, I was invited to tea at a local stately home by the titled owner.
Sadly, I couldn't afford to keep mine, and sold it and bought my first Harley with the profit. It went on to win the club concours... something it would never have done in my ownership.
Definitely one of my better moves.
Best of luck.

As for the post above (Easystart etc.)... I once owned a knackered Porsche, it was slow, leaky and filled up with water, so they must all be like that...

[Turbobanana]

lowdrag said:

You've got me considering either a CV8 (a car I've always loved), perhaps a Gilbern, or perhaps a 403 or 406 - nothing too modern. I have been considering selling my Lynx since anno domini is making it easy to get into and hard to get out. Hmm, perhaps a Gordon Keeble? Very special, and there's a beautiful one on Car & Classic.And for the first time in yonks I'd have a roof and a boot!

Please do not buy a Gordon Keeble, lowdrag. Because one day I will win more than the £3 I won on last week's Euromillions and I will want to buy them all for myself.

[CanAm]

nickpan said:

Hi All,

I’d be interested to see if there are any Bristol owners on here to see what their ownership experience has been like?

Cheers

NP

Sadly, no. But I’d love a subtle restomod of a 401. With slightly wider ‘Dunlop’ competition wheels and no lower than 60 profile tyres, a modern 2 litre engine and perhaps a rich dark metallic red paint job. (a bit like this)

[105.4]

Turbobanana said:

tog said:

Turbobanana said:

I have personally seen tog's car in the middle of France on a family holiday, so can confirm he uses it as intended.

Ha, I'd forgotten that! We're off to Norway in it again this year.

I've always dreamed of touring the coast of Norway in a classic 60s sports racer. I'd probably choose a Fjord GT40.

Bravo

[105.4]

lowdrag said:

You've got me considering either a CV8 (a car I've always loved), perhaps a Gilbern, or perhaps a 403 or 406 - nothing too modern. I have been considering selling my Lynx since anno domini is making it easy to get into and hard to get out. Hmm, perhaps a Gordon Keeble? Very special, and there's a beautiful one on Car & Classic.And for the first time in yonks I'd have a roof and a boot!

I can picture you sitting very nicely in an Interceptor, or an Espada, or a Monteverdi perhaps?

As to the OP, if your heart is set on a Bristol, whilst they could be considered an acquired taste, personally, I love them.

Very left-field, kinda quirky, but oh-so cool.

It’s always better to regret the things we have done than regret the things we haven’t done.

[tog]

CanAm said:

Sadly, no. But I’d love a subtle restomod of a 401. With slightly wider ‘Dunlop’ competition wheels and no lower than 60 profile tyres, a modern 2 litre engine and perhaps a rich dark metallic red paint job. (a bit like this)

But the Bristol six is a highlight of the car! They are rebuilt for a reliable 130bhp these days I believe, and if you really want more then supercharging and fuel injection is possible.

[CanAm]

tog said:

CanAm said:

Sadly, no. But I’d love a subtle restomod of a 401. With slightly wider ‘Dunlop’ competition wheels and no lower than 60 profile tyres, a modern 2 litre engine and perhaps a rich dark metallic red paint job. (a bit like this)

But the Bristol six is a highlight of the car! They are rebuilt for a reliable 130bhp these days I believe, and if you really want more then supercharging and fuel injection is possible.

OK, you’ve talked me into it, as long as I can have fuel injection and electronic ignition. Are you ok with my wheels and tyres suggestion? (I’m thinking more restrained Singer than Chip Foose)

[lowdrag]

Turbobanana said:

Please do not buy a Gordon Keeble, lowdrag. Because one day I will win more than the £3 I won on last week's Euromillions and I will want to buy them all for myself.

Well, I'm sorry to tell you that I won the pools. Yes, my eight score draws came up and here is the proof:-



So, as you can see, I am well breeched and have written to the dealer to ask the price. I've also written to the club to get more information about the spares position etc. In the mean time, anyone want to buy an XKSS?

[Turbobanana]

lowdrag said:

Turbobanana said:

Please do not buy a Gordon Keeble, lowdrag. Because one day I will win more than the £3 I won on last week's Euromillions and I will want to buy them all for myself.

Well, I'm sorry to tell you that I won the pools. Yes, my eight score draws came up and here is the proof:-



So, as you can see, I am well breeched and have written to the dealer to ask the price. I've also written to the club to get more information about the spares position etc. In the mean time, anyone want to buy an XKSS?

In fairness £145 probably meant something in 1989.

I'll check down the back of the sofa and get back to you on the XKSS