Someone once remarked that Bristol cars were not built to be driven, but to be experienced. This relatively short-lived British car manufacturer – an offshoot of the Bristol Aeroplane Company based in Filton – closed production in 2011, but the good news is that its assets were sold at auction and there are plans afoot to revive some of the models as limited editions.
While waiting for Bristol cars to be reborn, there are plenty of classic car enthusiasts out there who covet ownership of a genuine original Bristol, which have become rare and sought after distinctive vehicles.
Between the 1960s and 2011 when it closed down, Bristol Cars produced a line of models, each arriving without much fanfare, sporting some slight improvements and variations in shape on the previous version.
Collectible classic Bristol cars sought after today, originally fitted with Chrysler V8 engines, are:
What makes Bristol cars extra special is that they were hand-built in low volumes – no-one really knows how many were produced in total.
We’re pleased and proud to be specialists in restoring and customising classic Bristol cars. It’s a joy to be able to keep these beautiful examples of British motoring excellence on the road for their fortunate owners.
One of our favourite restorations in recent years was the rescue of “Sindy” – a 1977 Bristol 603 – who was tired and showing her age. After some treatment and a bit of modification from us on behalf of her owners, she ended up winning an award at the 2024 Bristol Owners Club Concours d’Elegance.
