Words in the July 2011 issue of Motor Sport

[browning l]

by Andrew Frankel, in his column, Road Cars

"Caterham is not the only small British manufacturer to be taken over since the last issue, but circumstances in which Bristol found itself under new management could scarcely have more different.
"Unlike Caterham, which is a thriving business ripe for expansion, Bristol was effectively moribund even before the receivers were called in. Now it has been sold to a company the name of another great marque from times gone by, Frazer Nash (sic), and time alone will tell what, if anything, will be made of it.
"The story of Bristol's decline is a difficult one to tell, not least because of its total aversion to letting the press test its cars. In 23 years I never managed it. But while some people with opinions worth listening to lauded them (Simon Draper and the late Leonard Setright to name but two) even an outside observer could see what little product existed was antiquated, expensive and a world removed from the massively funded, state-of-the-art machines bearing the Rolls-Royce and Bentley names.
"Their example suggests very clearly that what is required to breathe fresh air in to these brands is not just investment measurable in billions combined with an innate understanding of what a modern product from the marque should be, but also the technical expertise and equipment to make it happen. It is not clear if or how Frazer Nash will be able to do this.
“What should a modern Bristol be? To me, it should be the ultimate long-distance gentleman’s carriage: less ostentatious than a Rolls, less sporty than a Bentley, more discreet, timeless and longer-legged than both. It would need to do at least 500 miles between fills, doubling what you get from most similar cars, achieved by the fitment of a 120-litre fuel tank and a large capacity, seamlessly smooth, torque-laden V8 diesel engine of the type all the large German firms now make. For sales in the diesel-averse markets like the US and China, petrol-electric hybrid power would be a necessary compromise. It’s ‘three Rs’ would be ride, refinement, and range. And yes, it is a little hard to see right now.”

[Ronald G. Stephenson]

I have to agree with the previous comment, and a lot of modernization would help bring back the marque, but the investment would be substantial, and if the car were cobbled together with other people's components, it would be no better than other specialist offerings out there, lacking the uniqueness so necessary in the high-price category. A Brisol-looking body on say, a Chevrolet Corvette chassis would be a good start. All the high-tech, performance oriented drivetrain would eliminate all the development work, and the expense. Another option would be the Infinity (Nissan), rear drive platform on the G-35 and Q45. A gorgeous body and luxurious interior would top it off. This option could even bring the price down to a realistic level, thus reaching a larger market.
Set all that thinking aside, and stick to the old formula, and watch the marque languish until it disappears. Whatever happens, someone or some group will need to take a]hard look before taking the leap.

[Markus Berzborn]

This Andrew Frankel is really funny.

He describes what he expects from a modern Bristol and what he describes is exactly what Bristol has offered.

With the exception of this ridiculous Diesel proposition. Who needs a Diesel Bentley or RR?

Regards,
Markus

[Markus Berzborn]

Originally Posted by Ronald G. Stephenson

A Bristol-looking body on say, a Chevrolet Corvette chassis would be a good start.

Doesn't sound like a good idea at all to me.
Who needs such a car? Bristols haven't certainly been bought because of their looks.

Regards,
Markus

[TBC]

I think that if BCL had been purchased by a major manufacturer then the use of a 'family' platform, as VW did with Bentley, allows the release of a new model benefitting from a reduction in time and investment. FN does not, at first appearance, have access to such. I'm not sure, outside of the USA, where BCL do not sell cars, that a 'new' car based on a Corvette chassis would appeal.

[Ronald G. Stephenson]

Anyone with a business background will tell you that alternatives are the stuff that makes businesses survive or fail. To sit by, and bemoan the passing of what was, to some, an interesting throwback to earlier times will not help matters. Fresh and new ideas are needed, and if it takes a decade to put together a workable plan, so be it. Better to do the research before making a leap. The market is fickle, and there has to be a niche for this kind of product.
Sad to see this temporary stumble, but most had to realize that things could not go on the way they were. I still want a Bristol, and I plan on 'settling' on an older model. I think I have a lot of company.

[lord sward]

Anyone remember the Caterham 21?