New Bristol 411s

[Bluebottle911]

As there seems to be some support for Bristol-focussed e-mails on this site . . .

Have you seen the article in this month's Octane about "new" Bristols 411s? Apparently you can now buy, from Bristol Cars, with a full manufacturer's warranty, "as new" 411s - while they are, of course restored original cars with modern upgrades, nevertheless they are to all intents and purposes new cars - 411s as they would be if they were in production today (except presumably for road tax & insurance purposes?).

I have always liked the look of the 411 more than any other Bristol and the one in the article looked gorgeous. I have to say that the idea of a new one from the Bristol factory is very appealing. There is only one snag - at £128,500 it is not cheap, but then any other new car of this calibre would probably cost around the same price.

[cardigankid]

Never driven a Bristol though I was once in their showroom for a look round. Now I know, I think, why people buy a Rolls or a Bentley, and I respect the effort that goes into a Bristol, but what exactly is so appealing about driving them given the huge cost? Never quite understood. Can someone who does know, explain?

[sjp63]

I have a 411 as my daily drive and whilst I toy with the idea of modernising it, I think that would spoil it somehow. Mine looks really smart but is definitely not concours so I can take it anywhere without worry. If I was spending over £100k on a Bristol I would get a Blenheim. BTW you have to drive one to appreciate it - the 411 was billed as the fastest full four seat car you could buy in 1969. 335 BHP and very smooth nearly 40 years later..