Bristol: The Inside Story

[Peter.Kent]

I have a Jaguar 4.2 E type series 1 1/2 parked in my garage at present and
I have been reading the Haynes "Definitive Guide. It's a mine of
information about the E type and it's not badly written. I don't know what
today's price is (mine is borrowed) but it looks cheaply produced and I
guess the cost is about the same as the proposed book on the Bristol.

When I say "cheaply produced" that is not a criticism. It does what it says
on the tin but is not a coffee table book has such., I am sure they have had
many sales. If the Bristol book is as good then "bring it on.
Now, you ask, what about this E type? A friend has bought it from a widow of
the original owner to get it out of her garage. I have been making it
roadworthy again (needed an MOT not having been driven for a couple of
years) and generally taking an interest. What a beautiful shape! (It's the
coupe (NOT 2+2)). Many criticise Bristol as having sketchy engineering
because it is such small-scale. Look under the skin of the Jag and all
manner of horrors are revealed. To drive? It's good for my biceps (no power
steering). The gearbox is a handful. Heavy clutch. Having to stop quickly
from 80 mph revealed the need for powerful legs muscles ... both feet
needed!. Straight-line oomph? Lovely noises and it keeps up with the traffic
but not as quick as the Bristol I think. Handling? Not tried on the limit
but the reputation is iffy. I'm not swapping it for the Bristol! Peter