British enthusiast tackles troubled firm Bristol Cars – DRIVE

Bristol Cars is 76 years old, but half of that time is in a fever. Everything came to the conclusion that in 2011 the company was liquidated. Attempt revive the brand by the forces of the Kamkorp Group holding was not crowned with success and the unpleasant closing procedure had to be repeated in May 2020. Now the story has continued: the developer and fan of Bristol Jason Wharton has bought the intellectual property rights and equipment of the firm and hopes to gain access to the archive of the automaker, which is still up for sale. The British plans to revive two old models and create a completely new one. And to 2030 year the transition to electricity is planned!

The almost five-meter original Bristol 411 (Series 6) was made from 2009 to 2011. The car received a naturally aspirated V8 5.9 series Magnum, which was installed on Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango… But the British modified the motor, which increased the output to 400 forces and 530 N • m (it was 249 and 468, respectively). With such a charge, the 411 accelerated to a hundred in 6.4 s and developed 250 km / h.

From the dusty closet, so to speak, will get the two-seater Bristol Fighter and the four-seater 411 Series 6, which were produced between 2004 and 2011. However, during 2022 they will be modernized according to the restomod principle – using modern power units, suspension and brakes. For example, under the hood, both will have a V8 6.4 Hemi engine combined with an eight-speed “automatic”. Little is known about the new model. It will be released in 2025 and will be named Buccaneer, with a traditional Bristol design and a four-seat layout. Perhaps the rear-wheel drive sports car will receive a Chrysler power unit, but the information has not been officially confirmed.