Supercharged Bristol Special

[Sam410]

Originally Posted by Rubbond

"Bristol (BLMC)" - whatever that is

This was an error introduced, I understand, by DVLA when their records were computerised many years ago. I think that they did not understand the difference between the various manufacturers of Bristol cars, buses and trucks, and someone there thought that the car company had become part of the conglomerate that was the British Leyland Motor Company. As such many Bristol cars became incorrectly registered as Bristol (BLMC) instead of just Bristol.

If your car is so registered, you can if you wish return your V5 registration document to DVLA with a covering letter simply explaining that it is incorrect and they will issue a new form. There are instructions on the BOC website with details of where to write. I got a new V5 from Swansea a couple of years ago, so my 410 is now a happy Bristol again.

There is no pressing need to change it, as it makes little practical difference to anything, but it is wrong when it says Bristol (BLMC) instead of Bristol.

[Gloster]

Not sure about invalid insurance mentioned above in #4 as most garages have trade policies covering everything.

But if DVLA have not been informed of brand-new chassis and body then two linked issues arise.

It cannot retain the Bristol saloon's registration under DVLA's points system.

It cannot retain Bristol saloon's nil-VED status.

DVLA site gives very clear guide :-

"Vehicles that have been rebuilt using a mix of new or used parts.
In order to retain the original registration mark:
cars and car-derived vans must use:
The original unmodified chassis or unaltered bodyshell (i.e. body and chassis as one unit - monocoque); or a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original supported by evidence from the dealer or manufacturer (e.g. receipt).

And two other major components from the original vehicle - ie suspension (front & back); steering assembly; axles (both); transmission or engine."

[Nick Challacombe]

Rubbond is quite correct, the DVLA now admit to an error in thier records
and
carry out the change very quickly. I did this some 10 years ago and the new
registration
document came back with a couple of days plus the old one to retain history.

Nick

[entitledg]

Originally Posted by Sam410

This was an error introduced, I understand, by DVLA when their records were computerised many years ago... As such many Bristol cars became incorrectly registered as Bristol (BLMC) instead of just Bristol.
...

Right, and this mistake created a lot of confusions for the owners as well.

[Nick Challacombe]

It was very confusing for some poor souls, I met one bloke who had spent
years thinking he was driving a stretched Marina!

[GREG]

Maybe it's the Marina door handles that cause the confusion, especially on the Bristol Ital ( 412 ). A few people even confuse the Peogeot 407 !

[pasini s]

Hi Sam,


my 409 was actually listed, years ago, as a BMC. The previous owner wrote to
Swansea and they corrected the mistake.

As for this 'special', I do not think that it is so pretty. Surely it is not
so original, the shape isa bit of Lister, a bit of Lotus..... At least the
Speedster, though not pretty, is distinctive and looks like a proper
Bristol.

Ciao

Stefano

[412usa]

Like a lot of Bristol Cars the Speedster is prettier in the flesh, so to speak.

Peter

[Thor]

Yes, yes, my thoughts entirely, Bristols look much prettier in the flesh, etc., etc. How nice it might be to have a Roadster and a Speedster, as a sort of pair . . . . .

I have been perusing the Bristol Cars website (wondering how many cars to buy this month, etc.), and I am now confused about the Speedster and the Roadster. Is the Roadster the one with a proper screen and the Speedster the one with the 'Aero' Screen ?? Or is it the other way round ? or is there no longer an 'Aero' screen model ? in which case what defines Speedster and Roadster ?

I see TonyCrooksGhost is communing with us, although I think rumours of his demise may be somewhat exagerated. I wonder if this apparition is in any way related to Edward Clack ??

Thor.