March 7, 2011

BRISTOL CARS .... THE END OF THE ROAD!

Bristol Cars, the British motoring institution, has just gone into administration...
For a generation, its cars were the embodiment of high-powered, handcrafted Britishness.

To own a Bristol Car was to drive a "Gentleman's Express", a luxury vehicle for the discerning wealthy who wouldn't be seen in anything quite as dreadfully bling as a Rolls-Royce or Bentley!
Now, though, Bristol Cars, the last wholly-owned British-owned car maker, with its manufacturing base in er, Bristol, has been placed in administration. In the firm's heyday, it was making around 200 cars a year with a waiting list of 18 months. Production, all by hand, is said to have dwindled to just 20 vehicles a year with the company increasingly reliant on servicing old cars.

The current models on offer (above) at its sole showroom, on High Street Kensington, West London, range in style from the Fighter – top speed more than 200mph, 0 to 60mph in less than four seconds – to the Blenheim, which offers "authoritative performance, elegant understatement and imperturbable stability at speed". Priced between £150,00 and £250,000 with recent customers including Bono, Liam Gallagher and Sir Richard Branson.

WHICH IS THE MOST EXCITING CAR YOU’VE EVER DRIVEN? OR … WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE?
Do tell me. And Happy Ruby Tuesday/Rednesday! And do visit other Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries).
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

26 comments:

tania said...

Love that second Bristol...!

Michelle said...

Still love my first car - a red mini!

Holly said...

Hadn't heard of these before-so exclusive! :-)

 gmirage said...

truly luxurious! The red color adds elegance to these babies!

-Gizelle

Jan said...

Love my first car too. :D

Mike said...

Superb design...pity about the cost though!

anemonen said...

Lovely red car!!

Liz said...

I like the first one. :) Happy Ruby Tuesday.

My RUBY link.

Unknown said...

So sad to hear that another great company is going under. I don't drive (anymore) and only ever had a Toyota (back when i did drive). Hubbs has a lovely mercedes though and it is a dream to ride in. So comfy.
*kisses* HH

Fashion Momma said...

Beautiful cars!

I played too. Mine are here and here.

Ralph said...

'Gentlemen’s Express' is so apt...I think of the fine leather hides and beautiful wood inside. The ones I really like were form the 1960s with the big Chrysler V-8 engines.

The other one with the American V-8 that is great is the Jensen Interceptor. The best blend of the UK and America...

Fast and stylish should always be the hallmark of an English gentleman, right?

Kim, USA said...

Love to drive the red one. Looks cool these too cars.
Ruby Tuesday

Pondside said...

Red is the best colour for a car, in my opinion!....I'll take two at that price.

Rechie said...

i wonder when can I have a car..cool subject for ruby!

mine is here

bichonpawz said...

As much as I love my FieroGT, I'd really love a Lamborghini!! In purple no less!!

Draffin Bears said...

Happy Ruby Tuesday, to you dear Nora and Lola,

Both beautiful cars and I suppose it is a sign of the times with the price.
Thanks for sharing the post.

Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Wow! the car of a new generation...
already a follower, just visiting.
clavs

Yoshi said...

Both are nice and hard to decide but I would choose the red one.

Lesley said...

Imagine looking down your nose at a Bentley!
But that red one is a beauty.

★Carol★ said...

I would love to tool around in that red one! Unfortunately I don't think I've ever driven an exciting car, but if I could, I'd like to get behind the wheel of a vintage muscle car, like a Challenger, Chevelle or a Barracuda!
Happy REDnesday,
Carol

LV said...

That ed one is something else. No doubt, it is a rich man's car.

SueLovesCherries said...

I'm surprised that I haven't heard of the Bristol - I watch Top Gear religiously! I hate to see car companies go out of business, or merge with other ones.

Candace said...

I love the red one so much!

Unknown said...

Interesting car! My favorite has always been the Mercedes 450 SL Coupe I drove for a boss back in the early 70s. My job required me to drive one of the company cars. With a choice of huge cadillacs, medium sedans, and the Mercedes, I always took the Mercedes when I could. I STILL have such fun memories of that sweet car. :) Thanks for the delightful reminder.

Gen said...

I like red car hehe. Happy Rednesday. I played too.

Mine is here

Marta said...

The most exciting car I've ever driven... a red Ferrari !!! Sure !!! Hope you like my FIRST Rednesday.
XOXO form Spain :O)