New Directions For Bristol Design

[browning l]

That's a new producer for me. I just looked at that site; I am not impressed with the styling. The cars look almost as though several different designers each contributed their own favorite selections from other cars; the end result approaches being a styling mish-mash.

There are a few interesting touches, such as the instruments canted toward the driver, though, and so far as one can tell from the photos the level of finish appears well-done.

[TBC]

...subjectivity is a wonderful if you want to stimulate debate as all will have a view, as demonstrated with colourful regularity on this site.

To be objective is harder, especially if you are not the one actually making the decisions. So here is my stab at subjectivity....

Bristol cars is a tiny company with limited access to modern technology, as opposed to such companies as Aston Martin etc who have access to the technologies of a parent company.

The investment committed to develop the Fighter would indicate that as many components would be carried over including possibly the chassis, suspension and even drive train (the post production supply of parts that companies are required to guarantee will soon expire on the Blenheim power train).

The chassis would be extended to accommodate four occupants, seated at a less rakish angle, with the body work designed to include those touches made famous by Bristol including the spare wheel and battery/brake cylinders placed in the wings. The glass area of the body would be such as to allow the driver a similar panoramic view as in the Blenheim and of course doors that open in the traditional way.

The drive train could be retained if it is possible to have a dual-fuel facility (which would become a standard feature), the LPG tank/s would become an integrated feature as opposed to an add on.

The styling is in many ways dictated by the elements listed above, length, width, height, wheel base are all likely to be similar to the Blenheim as would be the weight. The fighter was styled, so we are told, to be primarily efficient rather than meet any current trend, something that Bristols are renown for, if for no other reason than the models will be in production for decades, as opposed to most mass producers who will re-style/replace their models every five years or so.

The fact that the Fighter doesn't follow fashion doesn't seem to have put buyers off, if anything those that have the means to purchase a vehicle in this price bracket value quality and individuality above current fads, or maybe it is that they can also afford to satisfy their craving for all things 'new' and 'modern' in the other purchases they make.

Bristol make much, as indeed they should, of their aviation roots and this would, for me, be the cue for the styling; aerodynamic but eschewing spoilers etc possibly containing styling features from the Fighter a precedent set with the 404 and 405.

[lansdownplace]

I saw a wiseman on the M4, I had no idea what it was bit it looked
fantastic storming past. They don't look so good on the web. Then
again many cars only look good from particular angles.

Naturally I am a fan of the 412. (probably because it is almost ugly
in the same way as Julia Roberts) but I also have a big soft spot for
the 603. I think it is the very fact that they strike out in a
different direction from conventional notions of what a car should
look like that appeals. They are marmite cars

Bristols are colour sensitive in the main, I am amazed at the
difference even a slight shade change can make. The current copper
beach, or Kentuky red of Lous 603 are really good colours, the latter
with chrome and the former without.

[Markus Berzborn]

Originally Posted by browning l

so far as one can tell from the photos the level of finish appears well-done.

Yes, the cars are very well made and have a loyal following in Germany. And maintenance is not really a problem, as there is modern BMW technology under the hood.
But in terms of character and general impression, Wiesmann is completely different from Bristol. While a Bristol is an understated and discreet car, Wiesmanns are vehicles that make people turn their heads - not just because of the flamboyant styling but also because of the rather noisy exhaust note.
So if you don't like people staring at you, a Wiesmann is not the right car.

Regards,
Markus

[Richard Levine]

Lansdown's last posting declared.........

"Naturally I am a fan of the 412. (probably because it is almost ugly
in the same way as Julia Roberts) "

Surely no straight guy could could have said such a thing!

Paul is a married family man; therefore someone else is posting under his name.

Should we report this to the Internet Police?

Dr L