a day in london with bristol cars
As a discrete producer of the finest hand-built luxury cars that has served its loyal clients for over 70 years, Bristol Cars is well known to the cognoscenti, despite having never been promoted to the general public. It is a company that has never courted publicity, nor wanted to attract celebrity. Instead, it has focussed quietly on building machines of the highest possible quality for its discerning, yet subtle clients.
Steeped in history, innovation, tradition, myth and legend, the company has been making iconic cars since the 1940’s – but what is it about the Bristol Cars story that has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many drivers and enthusiasts over the years and why has the brand remained so strong?
This story begins in the air in 1910, with the founding of the Bristol Aeroplane Company by Sir George White. This family owned company was to rapidly become one of Britain’s largest and most successful aeroplane manufacturers and by 1944, it was employing more than 70,000 men and women. With the insight typical of a successful businessman, Sir George knew that the end of the war was imminent and that when it came, of the Bristol Aeroplane Company by Sir George White.
This family owned company was to rapidly become one of Britain’s largest and most successful aeroplane manufacturers and by 1944, it was employing more than 70,000 men and women. With the insight typical of a successful businessman, Sir George knew that the end of the war was imminent and that when it came, it proved to be an immediate success. Other models soon followed in rapid succession, based on the proven formula of aerodynamic bodywork made from lightweight aluminium, powered by developments of the company’s highly successful 6 cylinder engine.
Two door saloons were the typical body style offered, however by the 1950’s the company was also offering a sporting short wheelbase coupe, the 404, and a four door touring saloon, the 405.
The next bold step for the company was the adoption of the V8 engine in 1961. The launch of the 407 saloon, powered by a smooth and free rewing 5.2 litre Chrysler engine was also the first Bristol to have an automatic gearbox. Another instant success, this model was praised for its rapid performance, smooth and quiet engine and of course, its ability as a sports saloon. This blend of high performance, comfort, practicality and an understated style became the hallmarks of a company that has continued to make hand built cars to this day without ever losing its integrity as a manufacturer of the bespoke.
It was with this in mind that we spent a day exploring some of London’s exclusive and historic areas in two of Bristol’s most iconic models of the last 70 years, to see why these two cars deserve their reputation as a “gentleman’s express.” With the morning breaking crisp and clear over London, the 1955 Bristol 404 coupe looks dazzling as it sits in the sun, its exhaust
burbling a rhythmic beat as the engine warms at idle. An amazingly shapely car, the sunlight catches on its deep green paintwork and reflects off the sharply creased fins that sit so neatly at the rear. Parked on Jermyn Street, the traditional home of gentleman’s clothing in London, the Bristol looks very much at home surrounded by the symbols of elegance; framed by handmade shirts, bespoke hats and even luxury umbrellas, this handsome coupe fits right in with the subtle surroundings of the private members’ clubs of Mayfair. In a city in which modern Mercedes, Ferraris, and even Bugatti’s are a regular sight, this understated car stands out through its rarity.
After a scan of the morning papers over a strong coffee, it is time to move off. The doors shut with a precise “clack” and with the surprisingly deeply sprung seats adjusted for maximum comfort, there is just time to notice the elegant dashboard before, with a chirp from tyres, we are off, pulling briskly into the morning traffic.
The engine pulls keenly and the slim, nimble car proves itself to be as easy to drive in a city as a car of half its age, helped in part by the ingenuity of the Bristol gearbox. Precise in its action, the 404 enjoys a freewheel in its tall first gear, allowing the driver to coast along in stop-start London traffic, with no rewing or use of the clutch pedal needed.
As the revs build, the straight six engine really comes alive and its musical exhaust notes bounce off the passing buildings, this soon rises to a sonorous howl as the traffic thins and we skim towards Buckingham Palace. The passing guardsmen on horseback turn to watch the progress of the little green Bristol as we motor on to the Kensington showroom.
Waiting for us under the iconic premises that has been trading in the same location since the early 1960’s, is a 1976 Bristol 411 Series 5, freshly restored and subtly enhanced for modern driving by the team of specialists at Bristol Cars Services. Menacing yet elegant in a midnight blue, this saloon appears at first glance to be an graceful classic car. However, the beefy AP Racing brakes behind the delicate alloy wheels and its purposeful stance on modern Pirelli tyres, hint that this might have more performance than meets the eye.
By the 1970’s Bristol had earned a solid reputation for building cars for keen drivers and the 411 was the fastest four seater saloon of its day. With a near perfect 50 / 50 weight distribution, the bulk of which was kept low in the chassis by the designers, it went around corners just as rapidly as it dealt with motorways. Only the smallest fraction of this performance will be necessary today; as we sink back into the cream leather, surrounded by deeply polished walnut veneers and enjoy the silent ventilation of the air-conditioning, the opulence is clear.
The 6.6 litre Chrysler V8 engine is both smooth and strong, gliding us towards the Connaught Hotel and then back into the heart of Mayfair, this time to Saville Row. This famous, yet small street is the home to the world’s greatest tailors, drawing clients from across the globe to its deeply traditional premises, all in search of the bespoke. The comparison to the Bristol is an easy one.
With the range of upgrades now offered by the Bristol Cars Services team, it allows modern drivers of classic Bristols the chance to specify a car that is unique to their tastes and built to their exacting specifications. It is a car that is fast, luxurious and elegant without being ostentatious, an attractive proposition to many.
The discrete satellite navigation, parking sensors and a quality surround-sound stereo system in this car certainly makes it a very easy car to enjoy today in a crowded capital city. As the evening draws in, we hand this fabulous car back to the waiting Bristol Cars team, at the pre-agreed meeting point outside a buzzing Chelsea brasserie.
The young and well-healed crowd of Londoners are immediately fascinated by the arrival of such a car and as we slip away into the night, we are left in no doubt that with such a noble history to draw from and such interest resurfacing around the brand, Bristol Cars is well placed for the launch of its new model, showrooms and it is indeed ready for the next chapter of its story; long may it continue to flourish.
With thanks to Bristol Cars Limited for the kind use of their vehicles.
