New here, new owner of 412

[Miss P]

Just to say hello....

I have recently become the latest owner of a Bristol 412, a car that's been on my must-have list for many years!

Bristol cars are not a new thing for me (though this is the first I have owned)

Home from birth was Shepherds Bush and West Kensington.

Virtually every journey made from age zero to early thirties took me past the Bristol showroom. I lived 200 yds from there for several years.

In my book the 412 is the oddest of all sculptures I saw on display there. Partly due to timing (I was a young lad when it was first launched), partly the proportions and partly the mix of British and American (other journeys took me past Cliff Davis cars so I was a fan of American cars, especially Chrysler, from an early age too!)

Right now, I am very happy with the car. It's not in perfect order but it's not as bad as some I have heard about. It will get plenty of use but will not win any prizes at concours events.

I am hoping to keep this car for as long as I can, maintain it properly and improve its condition over time as mine deteriorates over the same time (No spring chicken now!)

Anyway, I love an excuse to drive miles from home to events and meet other enthusiasts so will keep my ear to the ground re suitable opportunities to give the 412 a run out.

Lastly, are these cars boys or girls or nothing? (He, she or it?)

Very best wishes to all


Miss P
(Who's a 'he' by the way, not a 'she' - it's a bad in-joke with my work, sorry)

[Claude]

Originally Posted by Miss P

Lastly, are these cars boys or girls or nothing? (He, she or it?)

Both depending on each ones personality (umm, carality?)

My 409 was the Duchess - a bit dowdy, old fashioned, plump, fond of the juice. My 410 (LHD) was Merlin, not sure why, he came with the name, but he took us to some amazing places (above the timberline on unpaved trails in the Pacific Northwest, grazing with elk). My current 411 is El Toro - hot, red-blooded, Persian carpets and leather from the Hercules film set, absurdly fast (when he gets out the garage which is far too infrequently because he never got around to becoming legal).

A 412 seems to me to be masculine in a posing Italian way... "Rocky" or "Frankie", perhaps?

Anyway, enjoy the adventure.

[Sam410]

There's a Brigand that's known as Mr Bridger.

[mjolner]

never sell a Bristol looking forwards to this week end RREC Stamford
BRISTOL owners club.

[mjolner]

As a prof fiddle player I name new cars by switching on Radio 3 BBC
whatever is on thats it.1970 jag xk 150 dhc "Don Juan"
Bristol 408 "Falstaff" a few more "La Follia"="Sir William Walton"(Daimler)
forgotten the rest! Anyone near Liverpool ihave garage with everything -
lift so get under and do a BIT OF CLEANING COME AND PLAY .

[Miss P]

Good morning and thank you for all the replies and suggestions!

The Zagato/Italian connection is a good place to start with 'Carality'.
Add in Mr Bridger and only one Italian Job comes to mind!
So, it's a 'he'. He can't be called Charlie as we already have one of those. Only one step away from that is Alfie. So, he's called Alfie!

On another tack, I wonder if RREC event is worth a visit? Has anyone here been before please? I would like to attend but it might not be the right event.
Do slightly scruffy Anglo-Italian oddballs mix well with Chinese Eyes where every lining has a Silver Cloud? Or do they end up lurking among the Shadows?
We wouldn't want to be a Phantom menace. (Back to the movie references again!)

MP

[livermoreb]

My 410 is definitely female and goes by the name of Brigitte - another film reference. One could say "And God Created Bristols".

Showing my age a bit there!