JEL450 - Homepage for Bristol 2 litre engined cars


	Brian May and his Bristols Updated 10 April 2010 Brian May probably has more Bristols and more spares than the Bristol Car Company! A visit is an almost unbelievable experience because he has stuff that most of us will never see in a lifetime, even a de-activated WW2 incendiary bomb! I visited him recently and spotted several interesting projects as well an immaculate 603 and a Blenheim, both in good colours and needing homes. More interesting from my point of view were the two litre cars on offer, which included a part restored 401, a 403 needing more work and a 405DHC, also part restored, but perhaps most interesting of all is the 400 in the pictures. There are about 130 still in existence of which 20-30 are in tip top condition, they rarely come on the market and rebuilding a derelict example is extremely expensive. However apart from a respray and interior restoration, this car has been done and runs well, so represents a considerable saving over a total rebuild. Fifties cars are becoming increasing difficult to find, especially the more exotic examples, consequently prices are rising. The Bristol 400 is eligible for all the major post wars events, even the Classic Mille Miglia and if fitted with an overdrive will cruise in excess of 80 mph, so gives little away to moderns if used for long distances. Brian is asking £25,000 for this car which is far less than the best fetch now, so if you fancy a fascinating day out, this is a good car to go and see. There is also a very interesting 1 or 2 seat Bristol engined sports racing car called a Wingfield, which would offer similar performance to a Frazer Nash Le Mans replica or Cooper Bristol, but at a much more modest price. I can't remember it all, but I do recommend a visit. I think there was a Porsche and a Ferrari as well! You can contact Brian at Bristols@btinternet.com Previous article about Brian and his love of Bristols Brian May doesn’t have a website but probably does have the World’s largest collection of second hand Bristol’s and spare parts and what he doesn’t have he has made, so a visit to Peterbrook Road can be a life changing experience. Some Bristol’s are rare and historically important; they are eligible for major historical events and were vastly in advance of anything else made at the time, yet Brian has about 3 acres of them! Engines piled high, gearboxes in rows, derelict shells with stinging nettles growing through them, lorry bodies full of anything and everything you might think of and amongst all this some really special cars. Of the six Touring-bodied prototypes that Bristol had made and that eventually became the 401, the company dismantled one and Brian has three one of which is nearly ready to go back on the road. Those of you who are in the BOC will have seen his adverts but still may have no idea of the extent of his collection or what a remarkable experience visiting him is. He is hospitable and friendly and loves everything about Bristol’s and will happily show you around and give helpful advice that may even lose him a sale. He just wants to help. Brian bought his first car a 400 in 1966, it’s in one of the photos and since then he has collected vast quantities of anything and everything Bristol. At present he has about twenty-five cars in stock and these vary from ones needing major overhaul, to others that have been partly restored and just need finishing to good sound cars that are on the road and need enjoying. There are plenty more in a parlous state but I’m told people buy them to build specials though they wouldn’t make a recognisable Bristol again. Obviously stock is changing all the time but when I visited, there were good examples of most models for sale up to an including the Brigand and spares for almost anything. Brian no longer works on customers cars but he is old enough to retire, he spends some of his time singing and is in the process of rebuilding his house while his wife has transformed their garden so that the bits not occupied by Bristol’s are really quite beautiful. Brian even sold a Bristol to Ex President of the United States Jimmy Carter but even he had to phone for an appointment so don’t just turn up, ring first to make sure it’s convenient. I promise you that it will be a day to remember and that there just isn’t anywhere else you’ll see so many rare and exotic motorcars and the bits that go into them. Brian May 497 Peterbrook Road Shirley W. Mids. B90 1HZ 0121 430 3767 Email: Bristols@btinternet.com If Brian can't help you, and you are still looking for a Bristol or needing parts, as Bristol’s don’t get sold very often, you could try http://www.racecar.co.uk/andrewblow/contact.html or www.bristolcars.co.uk