[Claude]

If one looks at the evolution of Bristol style, one notes that it began by
imitating the BMW. Then with the 401-403, it took on a most elegant design,
with curved form resembling a snow drift after a hard-wind blizzard. The
404-405 emerged more matcho, taking on an aero snout, form-follow-function
that slowly grew more refined up to the 411 after the unfortunate low point
of the 408. Then shall we say, Mr. Crook's singular personality began to
become more pronounced, especially in shaping the nose, as the cars became
remarkably less beautiful. By 2003, Mr. Crook's singularity gave us, well,
how would I say this? Perhaps Mr. Bertolio's design accurately reflects Mr.
Crook's design ideas in his later years.

As with all companies whose owner looms large, customers must take the good
(the car) with the bad (some of its visual design aspects). The evolution of
the current Blenheim is a case in point where the company itself advertises
the "Blenheim 3 Frontal Restyle" which "transforms your cars look and adds
value". This can be attributed to a new owner, younger, with his finger on
the pulse of his customers. Bristol Cars is doing rather well with their
designs, in my opinion. Now, if they would come out with Bristol's answer to
the Tesla...

As Mr. Bertolio's car for Bristol's future, it seems to be a Bentley nose
grafted on an AC Bristol type rear, and a high dashboard as in a Piper
Archer. Since he asks for opinions, rather than praise... Mr. Bertolio, it
is not a winner. In feeling it resembles the 1949 Triumph 2000 that sought
to exude the elegance with its wide wings and ostentatious design features,
but ended up looking like a trollup with bad makeup and too much hair. I say
this with the utmost respect for your efforts, but before launching a new
career, perhaps a few years in apprenticeship to Pininfarina might be in
order.


Claude