[lansdownplace]

Hi Kevin, I think you need to look at the top notch 411 restorations and S6s to appreciate why the press at the time thought that Bristol had a seat at the very top of the build quality tree. Interestingly the cars from the 412 onwards are the most 'in house' of the V8s looking at Christopher Balfour's book as prior to that the coachwork and painting were outsourced from the early 60s.

The Jag E type is much aspired to, but all the owners I have met say it is a great way to enjoy the countryside, standing in it beside your e-type waiting for the AA. The Italian exotics are notorious for being temperamental. Bristols keep going.