Newbie - Considering fulfilling a long ambition

[Aeroman]

I have been keen to own a Bristol for quite a few years, I've read all the books and now intend to go ahead and buy one. I am used to handbuilt cars and their foibles having owned a number of other hand-built cars, I currently have a Morgan AeroMax, as well as another Morgan and some tin-tops.

It has been interesting reading the various threads on this site, even if it surprised me to read some of the more ascerbic comments, I always thought that Bristol-folk would be total gentlemen/gentlewomen! Luckily, this seems to be the exception rather than the rule and it really is a super site.

Anyway, I think the way to go for me is to buy a second-hand Blenheim but I am really open to any advice re model's and who to buy from. I intend going up to the showroom when I am back in the UK, are there any other marque specialists that I should speak to?

I hope that I've not been controversial, as that is not my intention rather I am really just after some marque advice.

Brian

[lansdownplace]

Hi Brian, you might consider joining the owners club, where you will
find a real welcome.

I bought my first Bristol by hunting around but I have subsequently
bought directly from Bristol and I would strongly recommend it,
especially with their no quibble warranty. It really is no quibble!
Which is amazing to get on cars up to sixty years old. You might be
pleasantly surprised at the value for money and a visit to the
showroom is always a treat anyway.

They have some very nice Blenheims in stock at the moment, including
the first 3s which I have driven and it is a rocketship in A1 nick.

[browning l]

Dear Brian,
I wish you the best of luck in making your decisions...

I have to second lansdownplace's comment about BOC, AND about going to Kensington High Street, and to consider very, very seriously dealing with them.

It's what I did, with never a regret, about two years ago...and ended up bringing a '79 603 into the US. Had I been able to work it out, I would have preferred a newer model, but from our import rules, couldn't have done so.

You can see my car here in the albums, all work done by Bristol, after working with Toby Silverton of Bristol. Third album down: Bristols Seen and Owners Met, elaborated upon in BOC Bulletin #137. I can also send you the article if you'd like.

[Aeroman]

Many thanks to both of you for such prompt replies and that Kentucky Red really does look gorgeous and I look forward to reading more about it. I have applied to join the BOC and will certainly visit Kensington High Street when I am back in the UK in early March.

The 3S certainly looks the sort of car in which I would be interested, though I will be in a better position to buy a car in the second half of the year. I will keep you informed of my progress and thanks again, it was good to hear from you.

BR Brian

[julf]

Hi, Brian - small world, isn't it

After Morgans, you will find a S3 a very different car, I remember
complaining to Brian Marelli (of Bristol Car Services in Chiswick)
that the suspension of my Brigand was still a bit too soft to
my liking, and he responded "But, Sir, you came here in a Morgan.
After that, *anything* will feel soft!

Bristols do have their share of "They all do that, Sir", but
as long as you are willing to pay, the Chiswick team will sort
it out.

Julf

[jimfoz]

Hmmm - if I had the money, a 411 S6 for me. Modern mechanics with, to my eyes, the most handsome bodyshape.

[Aeroman]

Hi Julf,

Yes isn't it, I'd forgotten that you have a Bristol in your collection!

Don't forget that the suspension in the Aero range is much more forgiving than the original on the trads, and is certainly much more comfortable than the 911 that we have, so I'm sure we can coe to terms with the ride in a Bristol.

Thanks for the advice about Chiswick, it seems that a Kensington car is the way to go. I will make an appointment for early March and see how I get on. I look forward to joining the club of Bristol owners.

BR Brian

[Aeroman]

That could be an option jimfoz, but I do quite like the style of the Blenheim - it's a handsome car I think.

Brian

[lansdownplace]

A good used Blenheim from Bristol Cars direct is difficult to beat
as they mostly seem to have very very low milage and the
depreciation during ownership is negligible if present at all if you
maintain it well. The price seems to be dictated by condition not age.

The series six option is available on the earlier v8s, the 603s and
412s as well so you can have absolutely anything you want, You could
go the whole hog you could buy a Blenheim to drive whilst waiting
for your series 6 car, which a lot of people seem to do.

I bought a 412 factory restoration package (with donor car included)
when I went in to buy a Blenheim. Visiting Kensington is a bit like
being a kid in a sweet shop unfortunately!

Paul