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8 & 10 cyl Bristol cars Type 407 onwards - restoration, repair, maintenance etc

Newbie - Considering fulfilling a long ambition

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Old 08-02-10, 12:28 AM
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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.
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Old 08-02-10, 10:47 AM
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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
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Old 08-02-10, 05:00 PM
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Default Newbie - Considering fulfilling a long amition

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
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Old 08-02-10, 05:22 PM
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Hmmm - if I had the money, a 411 S6 for me. Modern mechanics with, to my eyes, the most handsome bodyshape.
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Old 09-02-10, 04:46 PM
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That could be an option jimfoz, but I do quite like the style of the Blenheim - it's a handsome car I think.

Brian
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Old 09-02-10, 06:56 PM
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Default Newbie - Considering fulfilling a long ambition

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
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Old 09-02-10, 04:39 PM
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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
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