Urgent - rescue mission for Bristol Cars Archives

[Stefan]

A group of us from the Bristol Owners Heritage Trust went to Bristol Cars at Windlesham last week for a socially distanced viewing of the sad remains of Bristol Cars Ltd., now in liquidation.

Our brief as a Registered Charity is to conserve and make available for education and research Heritage material related to the history of the marque. All our archives are accessible to all, free, in the City of Bristol Archives, together with our large collection of photos and literature, and Sir George White’s own memorabilia.

First priority: We will make a large offer by private treaty for the entire paper Archives - 12 Plan chests containing blueprints and designs for every model, plus a dozen filing cabinets with car history/despatch notes and correspondence from the 1940s onwards. An amazing opportunity to acquire and save this unique collection of paperwork being the history of Bristol Cars

Second priority: Should funds permit, we are interested in saving one or more wooden body bucks for display - these range from 401 to 412 . There is also a group of about 10 unique small models of prototypes which should be kept together. The Heritage Trust will not bid for the spares.

The Heritage Trust have saved up a significant sum just for this event over the last few years, since it became sadly obvious that the firm were going under. Estimates are difficult - for this paperwork is priceless yet valueless. The Liquidator has postulated "well over £50,000" for the Archives, and transport, cataloguing, digitising, conservation and interim storage will all add to our expenses.
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This is a significant and important, once in a lifetime opportunity ,to save the entire archives of this historic English car maker.

Please let me know if you would like to support us in the last chance to rescue, save and make publicly available the history and culture of Bristol Cars Ltd.

We are not asking for donations - yet. Please identify yourself to the Heritage Trust and the maximum you could donate should our present funds not suffice. Donations can be Giftaided. Volunteers will also be needed to help with transport, sorting and digital cataloguing.
Hope you can help!
Please contact us via our website bristolownersht.com (under the heading About Us)

Yours in Bristol.
Stefan Cembrowicz. Chair BOHT