Bristol Cars is one of those boutique British brands that is well beyond its heyday in the '50s and '60s; see also Peerless or Sunbeam. But what makes Bristol different is that it's still around today. Despite some financial hiccups in 2011, the company is showing that British stiff upper lip and claims that it has two new models on the way in the coming years.
One of them, which it simply calls Project Pinnacle (teased above), is set to launch some time in 2015. It's Bristol's first new vehicle in over a decade, and the Pinnacle celebrates the brand's 70th anniversary. Unfortunately, the business isn't really giving any hints about the model at the moment. "We believe that the automotive landscape is changing, particularly in the premium and luxury sector. The definitions of luxury are changing," said Bristol General Manager Julian Ramshaw in its announcement.
All we know is what we can glean from this teaser image, which shows a very retro design. Just check out those buckles on the hood. We just have to wait and find out what this old brand has up its sleeve.
There're even fewer details about the other vehicle, if that's possible. The company calls it the "Bristol Range-Extended Electric grand tourer" in the release and promises that it's using electric technology from Frazer-Nash Research, another blast-from-the-past name.
Of course, having a new car is worthless without a place to sell it, and Bristol is refurbishing its old showroom on the Kensington High Street in London and also has a restoration and service center in Brentford, West London. Scroll down to read the old automaker's full announcement, including its new merchandise range.
One of them, which it simply calls Project Pinnacle (teased above), is set to launch some time in 2015. It's Bristol's first new vehicle in over a decade, and the Pinnacle celebrates the brand's 70th anniversary. Unfortunately, the business isn't really giving any hints about the model at the moment. "We believe that the automotive landscape is changing, particularly in the premium and luxury sector. The definitions of luxury are changing," said Bristol General Manager Julian Ramshaw in its announcement.
All we know is what we can glean from this teaser image, which shows a very retro design. Just check out those buckles on the hood. We just have to wait and find out what this old brand has up its sleeve.
There're even fewer details about the other vehicle, if that's possible. The company calls it the "Bristol Range-Extended Electric grand tourer" in the release and promises that it's using electric technology from Frazer-Nash Research, another blast-from-the-past name.
Of course, having a new car is worthless without a place to sell it, and Bristol is refurbishing its old showroom on the Kensington High Street in London and also has a restoration and service center in Brentford, West London. Scroll down to read the old automaker's full announcement, including its new merchandise range.
BRISTOL CARS ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN NEW PRODUCTS AND LONDON FACILITIES AT 2014 CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE
05/09/14
First new Bristol car in more than a decade announced today
70th anniversary Project Pinnacle car set for launch in 2015
Exclusive new Bristol merchandise range launched
Several million pounds of investment in landmark Kensington High Street showroom and new Parts, Service and Restoration centre in West London
Future Range-Extended Electric vehicle plans confirmed
London, England, 5 September 2014 – Iconic British carmaker, Bristol Cars, announces significant new investments today at the Concours of Elegance held at Hampton Court Palace, London.
The first new Bristol car since 2003 will be launched at the Kensington High Street showroom in 2015 in the shape of an all-new 70th anniversary model, codenamed Project Pinnacle. An anniversary celebration, Project Pinnacle is a reference to Bristol Cars' rich and exciting heritage, executed as a modern take on the best of British craftsmanship and engineered to excite as a high performance Bristol car.
Since the company was bought in 2011, millions of pounds have been invested in the business to re-establish its place as an iconic British carmaker for the connoisseur motorist, with craftsmanship, design, performance and unique character at its heart. A specialist new Parts, Service and Restoration facility in Brentford, West London was opened this year and has quickly established itself as the leading Bristol centre in the world with hundreds of cherished examples of the marque already passing through the workshop.
Plans are also underway to refurbish the landmark Bristol showroom at 368 Kensington High Street with further investment made across the street at number 375 for an additional showroom. From summer 2015, Bristol Cars will occupy both sides of Kensington High Street with a selection of meticulously restored cars for sale on the north side and new vehicles and a modern company ethos displayed on the other side of the street.
The company also confirms today that development work is underway on an all-new flagship Bristol Range-Extended Electric grand tourer. Frazer-Nash Research's technology will underpin the Range-Extended Electric powertrain of this new design from Bristol Cars. More information will be released on this product as development progresses.
A new Bristol Luxury merchandise range including clothing, model cars, bureau items, accessories by Paul Smith and much more was also launched at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance.
Speaking on behalf of Bristol Cars at the Concours of Elegance, Sir George White said: "2015 will mark Bristol Cars' 70th year, and these announcements underline today's very exciting times at the company. Project Pinnacle signifies the re-birth of the brand with a design and character respectful of the company's rich heritage in Great Britain – in aviation, commercial and luxury automotive – delivered with a modern approach to performance and comfort. This car, along with the investments in Kensington and Brentford, not to mention the advanced development of an all-new super-luxury grand tourer, all make for a very bright and promising future for this company that I hold so dear."
Bristol Cars' General Manager, Julian Ramshaw, added: "Today's announcements signify that we are nearing the completion of 'Bristol is Reborn' – phase 1. Investments in our new products and facilities spearhead our modern philosophy for the Bristol marque. We believe that the automotive landscape is changing, particularly in the premium and luxury sector. The definitions of luxury are changing. People's expectations are changing. And Bristol Cars is changing too. This is just the start, and there is a lot more to come from us."
The 2014 Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace is the third such automotive gathering in London, which, since the first event in 2012, has set a new global benchmark for classic car concours events; winning a number of prestigious awards and accolades. It is unique in the fact that the setting changes from year to year but with the consistent theme of always being held on the lawns of a Royal palace. Only the highest calibre of cars are invited to the Concours of Elegance, with the rarest cars in the world, from all over the world, painstakingly selected by the Concours' team of respected and authoritative experts. The Concours of Elegance 2014 takes place at Hampton Court Palace from the 5th to 7th of September.
About Bristol Cars
Bristol Cars has been manufacturing luxury cars since 1945. In 2011, the original Bristol Cars Limited company and Bristol Cars Services Limited were bought out of administration and established as subsidiaries of newly-formed Bristol Automotive Group, headquartered in Surrey, England as part of the Kamkorp group of companies.
Frazer-Nash Research Limited, also part of the Kamkorp group of companies, develops proprietary, best-in-class, fully integrated, highly optimised and energy efficient electric and range-extended electric drivetrains and technologies, and is a technology provider for Bristol Cars.
The company operates the landmark Bristol Cars showroom in London's Kensington High Street and the world's leading approved Bristol Parts, Service and Restoration centre in Brentford, West London. The company also has sales and service arrangements with a network of specialist centres around the world.
05/09/14
First new Bristol car in more than a decade announced today
70th anniversary Project Pinnacle car set for launch in 2015
Exclusive new Bristol merchandise range launched
Several million pounds of investment in landmark Kensington High Street showroom and new Parts, Service and Restoration centre in West London
Future Range-Extended Electric vehicle plans confirmed
London, England, 5 September 2014 – Iconic British carmaker, Bristol Cars, announces significant new investments today at the Concours of Elegance held at Hampton Court Palace, London.
The first new Bristol car since 2003 will be launched at the Kensington High Street showroom in 2015 in the shape of an all-new 70th anniversary model, codenamed Project Pinnacle. An anniversary celebration, Project Pinnacle is a reference to Bristol Cars' rich and exciting heritage, executed as a modern take on the best of British craftsmanship and engineered to excite as a high performance Bristol car.
Since the company was bought in 2011, millions of pounds have been invested in the business to re-establish its place as an iconic British carmaker for the connoisseur motorist, with craftsmanship, design, performance and unique character at its heart. A specialist new Parts, Service and Restoration facility in Brentford, West London was opened this year and has quickly established itself as the leading Bristol centre in the world with hundreds of cherished examples of the marque already passing through the workshop.
Plans are also underway to refurbish the landmark Bristol showroom at 368 Kensington High Street with further investment made across the street at number 375 for an additional showroom. From summer 2015, Bristol Cars will occupy both sides of Kensington High Street with a selection of meticulously restored cars for sale on the north side and new vehicles and a modern company ethos displayed on the other side of the street.
The company also confirms today that development work is underway on an all-new flagship Bristol Range-Extended Electric grand tourer. Frazer-Nash Research's technology will underpin the Range-Extended Electric powertrain of this new design from Bristol Cars. More information will be released on this product as development progresses.
A new Bristol Luxury merchandise range including clothing, model cars, bureau items, accessories by Paul Smith and much more was also launched at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance.
Speaking on behalf of Bristol Cars at the Concours of Elegance, Sir George White said: "2015 will mark Bristol Cars' 70th year, and these announcements underline today's very exciting times at the company. Project Pinnacle signifies the re-birth of the brand with a design and character respectful of the company's rich heritage in Great Britain – in aviation, commercial and luxury automotive – delivered with a modern approach to performance and comfort. This car, along with the investments in Kensington and Brentford, not to mention the advanced development of an all-new super-luxury grand tourer, all make for a very bright and promising future for this company that I hold so dear."
Bristol Cars' General Manager, Julian Ramshaw, added: "Today's announcements signify that we are nearing the completion of 'Bristol is Reborn' – phase 1. Investments in our new products and facilities spearhead our modern philosophy for the Bristol marque. We believe that the automotive landscape is changing, particularly in the premium and luxury sector. The definitions of luxury are changing. People's expectations are changing. And Bristol Cars is changing too. This is just the start, and there is a lot more to come from us."
The 2014 Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace is the third such automotive gathering in London, which, since the first event in 2012, has set a new global benchmark for classic car concours events; winning a number of prestigious awards and accolades. It is unique in the fact that the setting changes from year to year but with the consistent theme of always being held on the lawns of a Royal palace. Only the highest calibre of cars are invited to the Concours of Elegance, with the rarest cars in the world, from all over the world, painstakingly selected by the Concours' team of respected and authoritative experts. The Concours of Elegance 2014 takes place at Hampton Court Palace from the 5th to 7th of September.
About Bristol Cars
Bristol Cars has been manufacturing luxury cars since 1945. In 2011, the original Bristol Cars Limited company and Bristol Cars Services Limited were bought out of administration and established as subsidiaries of newly-formed Bristol Automotive Group, headquartered in Surrey, England as part of the Kamkorp group of companies.
Frazer-Nash Research Limited, also part of the Kamkorp group of companies, develops proprietary, best-in-class, fully integrated, highly optimised and energy efficient electric and range-extended electric drivetrains and technologies, and is a technology provider for Bristol Cars.
The company operates the landmark Bristol Cars showroom in London's Kensington High Street and the world's leading approved Bristol Parts, Service and Restoration centre in Brentford, West London. The company also has sales and service arrangements with a network of specialist centres around the world.
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