Words in the July 2011 issue of Motor Sport

[Ronald G. Stephenson]

I have to agree with the previous comment, and a lot of modernization would help bring back the marque, but the investment would be substantial, and if the car were cobbled together with other people's components, it would be no better than other specialist offerings out there, lacking the uniqueness so necessary in the high-price category. A Brisol-looking body on say, a Chevrolet Corvette chassis would be a good start. All the high-tech, performance oriented drivetrain would eliminate all the development work, and the expense. Another option would be the Infinity (Nissan), rear drive platform on the G-35 and Q45. A gorgeous body and luxurious interior would top it off. This option could even bring the price down to a realistic level, thus reaching a larger market.
Set all that thinking aside, and stick to the old formula, and watch the marque languish until it disappears. Whatever happens, someone or some group will need to take a]hard look before taking the leap.

[Markus Berzborn]

This Andrew Frankel is really funny.

He describes what he expects from a modern Bristol and what he describes is exactly what Bristol has offered.

With the exception of this ridiculous Diesel proposition. Who needs a Diesel Bentley or RR?

Regards,
Markus

[Markus Berzborn]

Originally Posted by Ronald G. Stephenson

A Bristol-looking body on say, a Chevrolet Corvette chassis would be a good start.

Doesn't sound like a good idea at all to me.
Who needs such a car? Bristols haven't certainly been bought because of their looks.

Regards,
Markus

[TBC]

I think that if BCL had been purchased by a major manufacturer then the use of a 'family' platform, as VW did with Bentley, allows the release of a new model benefitting from a reduction in time and investment. FN does not, at first appearance, have access to such. I'm not sure, outside of the USA, where BCL do not sell cars, that a 'new' car based on a Corvette chassis would appeal.

[Ronald G. Stephenson]

Anyone with a business background will tell you that alternatives are the stuff that makes businesses survive or fail. To sit by, and bemoan the passing of what was, to some, an interesting throwback to earlier times will not help matters. Fresh and new ideas are needed, and if it takes a decade to put together a workable plan, so be it. Better to do the research before making a leap. The market is fickle, and there has to be a niche for this kind of product.
Sad to see this temporary stumble, but most had to realize that things could not go on the way they were. I still want a Bristol, and I plan on 'settling' on an older model. I think I have a lot of company.

[lord sward]

Anyone remember the Caterham 21?

[Ronald G. Stephenson]

Most certainly, and had the pleasure of watching them race. Then, like the Cobra, a lot of people got the same idea and started making reproductions of the car and offering it as a kit or a turn-key. Lots of fun, and they come on line from time to time with articles in the car magazines. Great ideas never seem to go out of style or lose their popularity. Does this mean that some of us should make Bristol 409 bodies out of fibreglass and offer several donor chasiss options. Intriguing, what? Now, all we need is someone to offer up their car to take moulds.

[Markus Berzborn]

Originally Posted by Ronald G. Stephenson

Does this mean that some of us should make Bristol 409 bodies out of fibreglass and offer several donor chasiss options. Intriguing, what?

No, not really intriguing.
Because it's to a large extent the separate chassis and the aluminium bodywork that defines a Bristol.

Regards,
Markus