Bristol Car Workshop Repair Manual

 The Bristol brand can be described as a modern oddity. Little-known and elitist, elusive but constant, small but still surprisingly powerful, the self-proclaimed last all-British carmaker shared some aspects of its genesis and development with other car manufacturers.

Bristol cars were the result of a 1945 post-war joint venture between the Bristol Aeroplane Company (BAC) and AFN Ltd., manufacturer of Frazer Nash cars. The end of World War II led to shortages of aircraft and ammunition, forcing many factories to close or convert their assembly lines to meet new demands. Stunned by the bombing and unscheduled delays of pre-war projects, many car manufacturers were very slow to “come to their senses”, unwittingly occupying other market niches.

The British manufacturer continued to draw inspiration from BMW models until 1961, when BMW's 6-cylinder engines were replaced by large Chrysler V8 engines. The changes weren't made because BMW's designs were becoming boring, but rather because of the growing need for larger engines that could speed up larger cars. Since then, all Bristol cars have been equipped with Chrysler engines, including late models such as the Blenheim and Fighter.

Although at birth it could easily be called a copycat, over time Bristol has created its own style with the release of a unique handcrafted branded aircraft. Bought by former racing driver Tony Crook in 1973, the company gained a new co-owner in 1997, Toby Silverton, who became sole owner of Bristol in 2001. Recent Bristol models, such as the Fighter, were much sportier than previous ones.

Bristol is the only car brand that promotes itself through direct contact with its customers. His cars are still handcrafted, taking four times as long to produce as a typical factory. By being loyal to a set of cherished values, among which are tradition and true quality, Bristol has managed to avoid any means of advertising. Well, almost everyone: they have just one single showroom in Kensigton (London).