Bristol Cars is putting the V10-engined Fighter back into production as the first step in a long-awaited comeback that is set to bring new models to the storied marque in the years to come.
With new owners at the helm, Bristol is ending 15 years of dormancy by resuming production of its final car 80 years on from the debut of its first, the 400.
The Fighter was launched in 2004 as a gullwing-doored luxury GT with an 8.0-litre V10 borrowed from the Dodge Viper and producing up to 600bhp. Production of the 210mph car continued in small numbers until 2011, when the company went into administration. Just 13 are thought to have been registered.
Now, in partnership with an unnamed UK manufacturer, Bristol Cars will build five more Fighters to original spec, using uncompleted chassis left over from the initial build run.
The five cars are not traditional continuations but rather will be sold via Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) and will wear a period-correct 2008 numberplate, reflecting the year in which they were technically 'built'. Left- and right-hand-drive models will be available.
The first car of Bristol's new era makes its debut at Salon Privé this week. That example will be black with a tan interior, but the four unbuilt cars can be finished according to the owners' specifications. No pricing has been given, but each will no doubt cost far more than the original car's £235,000 list price.
The company said: "Confirming these last five Fighter chassis and build slots exist, with one already completed, represents more than the revival of a model. It completes a programme left unfinished when manufacturing ended, reconnects Bristol Cars with a tangible part of its history and establishes the first chapter in the marque's return."
It adds that the completion of the Fighter production run will provide "a natural bridge between what Bristol was and what it intends to become".
Precise details of the company's plans after the Fighters have been finished remain unclear, but it emphasises that this is "the first step in Bristol's return, not the full extent of it".
Autocar understands further cars are possible, possibly including all-new additions rather than resurrections of past models. The firm promises it will stay true to the "individuality, engineering integrity and craftsmanship that have always defined the company".
Bristol's revival is being steered by new owner and director Paul King, working alongside chairman Richard Hackett. Hackett worked with former Bristol boss Tony Crook in the company's original guise and is said to be regarded as "a leading authority on the company's history, cars and loyal customer base". He also co-ran one of the world's leading Bristol dealers for the past decade.
