Syd Lovesey, 92, Jeff Marsh and 4 others

[lansdownplace]

Originally Posted by Philip

Toby Silverton has resigned and the Blenheim has apparently finally been put out of its misery.

The Blenheim 4 one-off was the last of the line. Although it doesn't appear on the pre-owned section of the BCL website it is for sale in the showroom at the moment. I think the guide is £180k. I know it cost considerably more than that to build (almost double) and would be a fantastic buy for someone. When Aston Martin did a one off like that the customer was expected to pay the full economic cost. There is a lovely V8 (Virage type) with a glass panel in the roof that someone parted with over 500k for. The B4 is a bargain.

There was a piece on Points West last night on BBR with lots of Le Mans footage interspersed, not on iplayer but there is a BBC article here

BBC News - New venture reunites axed Bristol brand car restorers

Paul

[TBC]

rather puts to shame the opening statement on the BCL website regarding the "goodwill of Bristol Cars" and "Mindful of Bristol Cars’ rich heritage and our responsibility as custodians of the brand".

Maybe like Nikolai Smolensky has done with TVR, they, Kamkorp Autokraft, will move production to the continent.....

[TBC]

and I wonder what, if anything, Toby will do now, in relation to the cars he used to make?

[GREG]

I'm sure it's not the last we have heard of Toby Silverton in the Bristol Car world.

With his experience at Overfinch , Jet Spares International and Bristol Cars he is maybe working on a 4 wheel drive jet propelled series 6 411 Fighter :-)

I am disappointed with the lack of information from the new owners of Bristol Cars and speed of any development in organising parts sales and new production facilities. I am still confused about the thinking behind why they bought Bristol Cars. Apart from the tenuous Frazer Nash link, there seems to be little compatibility.

[TBC]

Originally Posted by GREG

I am still confused about the thinking behind why they bought Bristol Cars. Apart from the tenuous Frazer Nash link, there seems to be little compatibility.

It appears as if they valued the name above all else.....

[Philip]

Originally Posted by TBC

It appears as if they valued the name above all else.....

Did anyone seriously think otherwise?

[lansdownplace]

Bristol Cars Management

The content from a press release:

Kensington, 22nd November, 2011
Embargo: Immediate

It has been announced today that Toby Silverton, the Managing Director of
Bristol Cars, is stepping down in order to concentrate on his aviation
businesses.

William Chia, Director of Bristol Automotive Group and Group Director of
Operations of Frazer-Nash, said: "We would like to take this opportunity to
thank Toby for helping us during the crucial transition period since we became
guardians of the Bristol Cars marque in April and we're delighted that we will
still have access to his input should the need arise. This is an exciting
chapter in the company's history in which we are investing in the development of
new Bristol cars adopting Frazer-Nash's green technology as well as in the
Kensington showroom, which will continue to sell the best selection of cars from
Bristol's magnificent 65 year history."

Mr Silverton added: "I am profoundly optimistic about Bristol's future. The
next-generation technology, engineering resource and investment that Bristol now
has access to will ensure that the new cars live up to their high tech heritage.
I am looking forward to returning full-time to head up my interests in the
aviation industry and will be pleased to assist Bristol Cars in whatever way I
can."

The appointment of a new General Manager of Bristol Cars will be announced soon.
In the meantime, it is very much business as usual.

Ends...

[jimfoz]

Originally Posted by GREG

I'm sure it's not the last we have heard of Toby Silverton in the Bristol Car world.

With his experience at Overfinch , Jet Spares International and Bristol Cars he is maybe working on a 4 wheel drive jet propelled series 6 411 Fighter :-)

I am disappointed with the lack of information from the new owners of Bristol Cars and speed of any development in organising parts sales and new production facilities. I am still confused about the thinking behind why they bought Bristol Cars. Apart from the tenuous Frazer Nash link, there seems to be little compatibility.

It all seems very odd and the lack of info infuriates. Also why has Toby Silverton resigned suddenly? Perhaps he has devoted enough time to Bristol and wants to concentrate on his successful businesses for a change.... Perhaps he will will put his side of the story forward one day - we only have Tony Crook's side so far.