1854
Sir George White Bt is born in Kingsdown Bristol
1870
George becomes Company Secretary of the Bristol Tramways Company
1885 George becomes Managing Director of the Tramways Company 1908 The Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company begins to manufacturer busses alongside the tramways 1908
The world’s first powered flight takes place, by the Wright brothers
1909 Sir George sets up the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company with brother Samuel and son Stanley 1910
The first plane produced by the company, the Bristol Boxkite, takes off for the first time
1914
At the outbreak of WW1, the Bristol Scout racing plane becomes a huge help to the war effort as a military tool. Over 400 are ordered by the MOD, and they became known as the “Bullet”
1939
By the outbreak of WWII, the Bristol Aeroplane Company is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer
1945
As WWII ended, Sir George White begins to explore the idea of using the Aeroplane Company to manufacture a high quality passenger car. The Car Division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company was born
1947-1949 Bristol Cars was formed when the Bristol Aeroplane Company joined forces with the Frazer Nash parent company, AFN. The 400 was the fruit of this marriage with BMW, Frazer Nash and Bristol – using the BMW 328 racing engine combined with Frazer Nash engineering and the Aeroplane aerodynamic prowess and build quality
1949 – 1955
402
The handsome styling of the 401 was the result of extensive work with wind tunnel testing. An ultra-low drag coefficient was the result. Fitted with countless examples of high technology from the aeroplane company, and a development of the Bristol 2 litre engine, these all aluminium cars were an instant success around the globe
1949 – 1953
404
401 / 403
400
History of Bristol Cars
1953 – 1955
Only 22 of these drop head coupes were made, based on the 401 styling and 400 running gear
A short chassis married to an exclusively styled two door coupe body, the 404 was known as “the Gentleman’s Express.” Lightweight, aerodynamic and stylish, it was a radical departure in terms of styling for the company, powered by the free revving Bristol 2 lire engine
405 406
1958 – 1961
A long wheelbase development of the 404 Coupe, this handsome saloon is the only four door vehicle ever produced by the company
This sports saloon was the first to use a new style of bodywork that would endure for the next 15 years, it was also the last to use the six cylinder engine, now displacing 2.2 litres and tuned for torque
1961 – 1969 The end of the Aeroplane Company ownership saw the introduction of American sourced V8s for these sports saloons. Still hand made in aluminium, high tech lightweight, these sports saloons were the fastest of their era
1969 – 1976 Considered by many to be the zenith of the V8 Saloons, this final development from the 407 was the fastest saloon of its day, effortlessly achieving more than 145 mph with passengers and luggage, thanks to its 6.6 litre V8 engine
1975-1980 Designed by Zagato, this new introduction to the range featured both a targa panel, and a convertible roof. Fast, practical and with space for 4 adults and luggage, the 412 and later turbo charged “Beaufighter” have become icons of their time
1976 – 1982 This elegant fastback saloon sat alongside the open topped 412 as the main stay of Bristol production in the late 70’s. Highly aerodynamic, and with ample room for passengers despite its rakish looks, this coupe became known as the “Britannia” when it received a face lift in 1982
1982 – 1990 The Brigand was produced in response to the end of the oil crisis, and the desire for power. With a highly turbo charged 5.9 litre V8, this saloon was blisteringly rapid, and was a true supercar of its era
1990 – 2010
The Fighter
The final development of the Britannia body style, the Blenheim introduced a raft of updates, engines, gearboxes and suspension changes to the cars, which kept them at the forefront of sporting luxury and comfort. The final cars were offered with a choice of Petrol or LPG engines, and were famed for their original styling and involving driving experience
2004 – 2011
Bullet
Blenheim Brigand
603
412
411 407/408 409/410
1954 – 1956
2017
The Fighter was a true supercar of its time. This two seater GT car lightweight, highly aerodynamic in shape, and thanks to its 8 litre V10 engine, and 200 MPH top speed, it was amongst the fastest cars of its time. Only 14 were built, and sold to collectors across the world, the Fighter is a highly sought after collectors car
Bristol Cars was founded by of one of the world’s greatest aeroplane manufacturers; the engineering division was formed to create motorcars that were exquisite in quality. The cars were designed to be unconstrained in their innovation, highly refined in style and exceptional in their performance. These key qualities were upheld in the legendary models that followed, they are still honoured by the company to this day. BULLET is Bristol Cars’ celebration of 70 years of sophisticated luxury motoring and a confident reemergence into the global marketplace, in line with the core values of our founding father. BULLET resonates with the visual language of the most iconic models of our past, whilst embracing future technologies.
Exterior Design Drawing heavily upon the prototype “Bullet� speedster, the wings, front grill and bonnet intake of the BULLET are all visual clues to our roots as an aeroplane manufacturer. The bold and confident design captures attention without the need for ostentation; it is very much a Bristol for the modern age. As befitting of our aerospace heritage, Bristol models traditionally were manufactured from aluminium. As aerospace has moved on, so too has Bristol Cars. Much like the newest aircraft, the body of BULLET is manufactured from bespoke carbon fibre composites to achieve high strength, rigidity and a low weight. Where metals are used, high-grade aluminium is preferred; only the roll-hoop structure is manufactured from high strength steel. Designed to reference the highlights of a heritage steeped in innovation, the traditionally aerodynamic contours are blended with a modern twist. Deep swage lines sit against the smooth and flowing forms of the car. From every angle, a visual tension is to be found; BULLET embodies a sophistication that is captured by the aesthetic drama it creates.
Celebrating 70Years
Interior Design
BULLET’s instrument binnacle references classic Bristol’s of the past,
taking inspiration from the 404, 405, and original Bullet. The dashboard panelling is offered in a classic wood; a modern herringbone carbon-fibre weave; or for ultimate refinement, a unique hand-laid unidirectional carbon-fibre weave. The sports seating is contoured for support and comfort over long distances, and hand trimmed in the finest British hides.
Technology BULLET is well suited to meet the requirements of the modern age with the
very latest in infotainment technology. A capacitive 7� LCD multi touch infotainment screen embedded in the dashboard provides such conveniences as digital radio and smartphone connectivity: a Bristol BULLET smartphone application easily connects supported devices via both Bluetooth and WiFi. Audio playback over WiFi permits a supremely high quality audio experience. Screen-mirroring from supported smartphone devices allows the use of preferred navigation applications and playback of streaming audio. Finally, a concierge button will connect the client immediately to Bristol Car’s headquarters in Kensington, London.
“Dependability and Power”
Powertrain At the heart of BULLET beats Hercules: a powerful, naturally aspirated V8. Hercules, named after the legendary Bristol Hercules 14-cylinder, 1300hp radial engine which powered aircraft such as the Bristol Beaufighter, has a lot to live up to. The 4.8L power plant, manufactured by BMW and finished by Bristol, is an appropriately refined engine for BULLET’s position as an anniversary celebration. Developing 370 BHP with a superb 490 Nm of torque available, the engine is mated to a choice of superb gearboxes. Both the 6 speed manual, and 6 speed automatic (with sequential sports shift function) allow the driver full control of the vehicle. Whether cutting a dash through Kensington, or savouring the Amalfi coast, there is always plentiful power on tap for the energetic driver, with abundant torque and ample refinement to enable smooth, easy cruising.
Specifications
Weight: Kerb Weight: 1,100 kg Gross Vehicle Weight: 1,250 kg Performance: Top Speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph 0-62 mph: 3.8 Sec Subject to change, E&OE
Overall Height: 1200 mm
Overall Width: 1860 mm
Wheel Base: 2553 mm
Overall Length: 4200 mm
Engine: Configuration: V8 Peak Power: 275 kW / 370 bhp Maximum Torque: 490 Nm / 370 lb-ft Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres. Gearbox: 6 speed manual 6 Speed automatic, with sequential sports shift Wheels and Tyres: Alloy wheels: 19 X 8.5� Tyre Spec: Front 225/35R19 / Rear 245/35R19 Brakes: Front: 6-piston aluminium caliper, 348 x 32mm ventilated steel disc Rear: 2-piston aluminium caliper. 332 x 26mm ventilated steel disc Operation : ABS and EBD. Lighting: Front: LED headlamps with DRL and integrated indicator function Rear: LED rear lamps with integrated indicator function Interior Features: Heated Seats Heating / Air conditioning via directional air vents in lower dashboard Clock: a bespoke timepiece, centrally mounted to the dashboard USB phone charging point. Tonneau Cover: Mohair 2 piece full tonnueau cover, offered in a range of colours
368-370 Kensington High Street, London, W14 8NL, UK Telephone: 020 7603 5555 www.bristolcars.co.uk
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