Bristol Owners Club : NEWS

NEWS

page revised 3rd June 1998

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GRASPING GOVERNMENT
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has indicated his intent, of continuing to pursue the Classic Car movement... For following hard on the heels of his abolition of the right to Classic Vehicle status - so sensibly considered and bestowed in a rolling fashion by the previous government - in its second trench of cuts the 'so called' new labour government, has indicated that the status of Tax Exempt Duty now renamed 'Historic Vehicle Exempt Class' will now ALSO be reviewed this year - with the likely certainty (say Civil Servants who always seem to be "in the know") of termination.
Along with their lack of support of derogation for the continued production of Unleaded Petrol - and this despite hard evidence to the fact that though there are now many many more cars now on the roads, pollution from cars in particular has actually been substantially reduced over the last five years.
You certainly wouldn't think it to listen to the apocryphal tales eminating from the new house of 'Irn Bru'. There will be much more on the subject as the Historic Vehicle Clubs are clearly now faced with a Government which has decided to try to drive restored and preserved cars off the road. Classic Car Magazines are already picking this one up, as it looks as though the efforts of the past years to continue to preserve such visible evidence of heritage count for nought.
The new "HIGHLAND MALTS" Rally
This first Annual event was well subscribed 80+ cars turning out on day 1 of this 7 day excursion around the Malt Distilleries of Scotland, and covering a great deal of country - including a visit to the Isle of Skye, via the somewhat contentious new Toll road bridge now linking it with the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh.
The varied competitors and cars both international and local included a Team of Bristol cars coerced - OK well led then - by Alexa Scott-Plummer in her very early Type 400 nicknamed "Lettice", with Navigator Sue Shoosmith. Michael Waller was in his very well ventilated Type 401 (originally prepared for the Paris to Peking Rally) and ably crewed by Navigator Spencer Lane-Jones, and finally bringing up the rear a co-opted Navigator David Tozer was with Jean Gorjat in his Type 401, reported by Jean with a grin of delight on day 2, "to be running like a Swiss watch".
The 400 was also in the Scottish Team entry weakly branded the "Bravehearts" along with the Scimitar of Chris Tomlinson and Heather Reeves(Nav.) and the Jaguar 3.8 Mk2 of Laurence and June Granger(Nav.). Finally with crew Sue, the 400 conveyed the only all Ladies Team entry. The event was won by the TR2 entry. The Bristol 400 netted the Silver Medal finishing 2nd. overall, Alexa and Sue of course also were pleased to accept the Ladies Team prize, whilst the 'Bravehearts Trio' of Scottish cars entered took the National Team First prize. So presents of excellent Scottish Glassware and equally fine Spirits were liberally doled out in abundance. A surprise personal bonus to Alexa was her driving of "Lettice" unbeaten for accuracy in the time trial of 4 laps held at the Knockhill Race Track. So an unexpected personal best was achieved. Michael Waller missed the Bronze Medal position placing by a whisker - a technical infringement - which was honourably declared just, and thus that crew missed out on the third substantial award.
Of the three Bristols entered the toll of damages were varied, an Oil leak and a puncture on the 400, a broken exhaust hanger and dented pride "in the Swiss qualities" of the Gorjat car, whilst during the Rally Michael Waller's car was reported of a broken fan belt on one stage - but sadly contrived to hole a Piston only just after completing the event! What rotten luck they had.
Actually one more BOC member was entered in the Rally though it was only disclosed later, and that was Anatoly Arutunoff from Tulsa-Oklahoma-USA in his massive Cunningham C3 complete with what appeared to be Cowhide covered seats.
Many of the entrants were reported to be ready to take part again next year. Clearly this intended Annual Rally got off to a very good start.
50th Birthday Celebration Tour by BRONZ
It is reported that the BRONZ Bash in New Zealand was fully subscribed and was attended by representatives of the BOC Dick Dixon and family in his 603 and Andrew Blow and Susan in a 411s4 kindly loaned for the occasion. Andrew commented that fuel consumption was averaged out at 13 m.p.g. - but since fuel in NZ is half the price of the UK equivalent - this really meant 26 m.p.g. in price.
Isn't it strange how the facts are represented according to the end view :)) Nevertheless all reported it was an absolutely splendid Fortnight... and some of the group continued on for ANOTHER Week and a half according to Registrar Lane Smytheman. They sure demonstrated they meant what they said - when they indicated they were really going to push the Boat out celebrating their Fiftieth Anniversary! Congratulations too from the BOC.. We hope it will be reported and illustrated in the Bulletin.
New VED Discs
Arising from the last Budget it has been announced that Pre-1973 vehicles will now be given a Historic Vehicle Duty Exempt Disc instead of an Exempted Duty disc.
It is clear this will not now roll on as the previous government decreed... but it is not clear if the New Labour Government is using this as a means of eliminating this class of Exempted Tax Vehicles in the future, or if a colossal mistake had been made engendering the use of older cars to the dissatisfaction of the Car Industry and a 'loss of easy revenue' to the Chancellor.
What is clear is that the Common Market aspires to provide consumers with goods at the same price throughout the EEC... there is clearly some way to go before the rest of Europe catches up with our inflated prices and no indication whatsoever that any UK Government will 'bite the bullet', and force both manufacturers and retailers to trim their profits in order to provide UK customers with items at the European 'mean price level. Advice and guidance is currently being sought of the British Federation of Historic Vehicle Clubs.
NEW BRISTOL
The promised Bristol Blenheim 2 was unveiled on the 14th.January 1998. As a temporary measure details and Specification can be viewed on a new page from this link to - The Bristol BLENHEIM 2. The page has also been incorporated into the tour. Further details will be announced when they are made available. Photographs are awaited, and will be included as soon as is practicable to deploy them. Enjoy this taster and watch the press. Members who were present admit they could not fault the level of development from its predecessor. That augers well for its continued success as the latest model in this long and meritorious line. Bristol Cars Ltd. have also improved their own Web Site and if you wish to view it from here you have just passed a direct link to it. At long last it is worthy of a mention. It is not large but it is well presented and to the point.
BOC - CHAIRMAN's DINNER
Which took place on the 28th.November 1997 a little earlier than in previous years, was again held at the Royal Automobile Club, London.
It was a great success with close to 60 people attending. This was a significant increase on the previous year, and clearly this now established footnote to the year's activities is gaining popularity.
BOC - ANNUAL RALLY and CONCOURSE D'ELÉGANCE
Held on 7th. September 1997 at Brooklands
It is reported that this venue was extremely well attended and more detail of this and the Flying display will be given in Bulletins.
If you have pictures or stories... can you please send them to the Bulletin Editor by mail -
Address/contact data to be found in back of current Bulletin -
or by E-mail direct to Bulletin Editor; Graeme Browne
All contributions will be gratefully received.
BOC - NORWEGIAN EXPEDITION
Dates: 8th. to 16th. June 1997
This was your chance to see this wonderful scenic country, in a guided tour, stopping at good overnight accommodation en route.
The tour called first at Oslo(for a shopping opportunity), then moved onto Lillehammer(visiting site of Winter Olympics/veteran car museum), next stop was Geiranger(to see the Fjords), onto Fjærland(visiting the Glacier Museum), on to Voss(including a short ferry trip), finally arriving at Bergen(for a visit Viking Ship museum/shopping)
The tour was completed by 14 Bristol cars from the UK and was such a success another jaunt may be arranged for 1999. On arrival at Newcastle some members were interviewed and their cars photographed by a Japanese Automotive Magazine fo an article to be published later this year. Congratulations go to Trygve Krogsæter for a wonderful idea and superb organization. See Bulletin for pictures and reports.
CAR STOLEN
Type 409, Chassis number 409-7331, Body Colour Silver, was reported by a loss assessor. UK registration DHD 149D . See also note below next item.
CAR STOLEN
Type 410, Chassis number 410-7404, Body Colour Blue, was stolen in London during Summer 96. UK registration RPL 675F.
Engine type and number (now correctly identified thanks to the assistance of Bristol Cars Ltd.) 318-9-21A ; note suffix is A not K.
N.B. Any owners or traders offered 409 or 410 parts or a car without proper documentation, should carefully check vehicle or parts number details. If either of these cars are advertised or seen anywhere, please report details/location to the Police and to any club official.
NEW STYLE VEHICLE DOCUMENTATION.
DVLA at Swansea in cooperation with the Club Registrar and the Manufacturers have now completed their pilot study based upon Bristol Cars and as a result have set up a section to deal with the revisions of V5 documents to hereon correctly state Make and Type number as well as the full chassis number including series version etc..
If you wish to take advantage of this development, you will need to send your V5 with a covering letter, stating that it is returned for correction and replacement to : VCS/MSU/DGFW, Ref/BRISTOL, DVLC, SWANSEA, SA6 7JL. WALES.
MoT certificates are not affected, and Road Fund Taxation Discs will be altered as required on due renewal.
Please Note : This only applies to cars registered in the United Kingdom.
This treatment of vehicle documentation will now be expanded to cover the products of other low volume manufacturers in the 'UK' and help in the development of newer documentation to be adopted for the start of the next millenium.

MEDIA REFERENCE

Classic Cars Magazine - on pages 98-102 in the July 1998 edition
Included a storey and photos under the heading of "Admirable Eccentric", Brian May and provided a potted history of his time as a purveyor of Bristol Parts and Cars over the last thirty years.
It is reported that the Telegraph Motoring Section also covered this event but of that I have no further details.
Classic Cars Magazine - on page 14 in the July 1998 edition
Included a half page colour plate of Alexa Scott-Plummer and her Navigator Sue Shoosmith competing in Alexa's Type 400 in the first of what is to be an annual "Classic Malts Rally".
It also named the overall winners...
What it did not report however - was that this car and team on their first of this type of event -
1. Won the Silver Medallion for being Second overall,
2. Won the Ladies Team prize,
3. Won with two other entrants the National Team prize awarded to the Scottish Team,
4. and Alexa had a personal best time achieved on the timed 4 Lap track event at Knockhill Race Track. Upon which she has competed previously.
The Sunday Post Newspaper of 24th May 1998
Carried a picture of the Manager of Heart of Midlothian Football Club holding up the newly won League Championship Cup whilst seated on the wing of his cherished Bristol 401.
BBC Television - UK CHANNEL 2 at 2220-2230hrs. on Thursday 14th May 1998
Screened a short program in the series called "The History of a Motor Car" - being the life passage of the Bristol Type 400 (UK registration MAP 364). Which in its time has passed through Brian May's hands four times and into an earlier owners hands twice. Its several other owners changes of appearance were covered and finally its resurrection after a hopelessly foolish attempt at a destructive rebuild by a previous owner - Now restored after just six months hard work by its current owner and his friend Brian. It made an interesting story and one with a happy ending. The earlier and now current owner finally stating that the car was going to be kept in good order providing a permanent reminder of his youth every time he drives it, clearly now it is in good hands.
Week-End version of the Telegraph Newspaper Motoring section, 25/26th April edition
The Royal Forest of Dean Section now Annual Treasure Hunt held the previous Week-end was well attended and covered by this paper with some good Photographs presented in a half page feature.
PRACTICAL CLASSICS magazine January edition released in Mid-December had a 6 page article about The company its products a report of a test drive in a Britannia and many other items. There was even a note of our web site.
The "european car magazine" (note: all in lower case, it is as it is printed on cover) edtn. published in Jan98
Has an illustrated article by Matt Stone on Bristol Cars and there is a supplementary illustrated sidebar article about the 407 Zagato.
CLASSIC CARS magazine issue 290, Nov97, p.64/5
Includes the Bristol 411 as one of its selection of 50 great cars to buy for under £10,000.
There are colour illustrations of the front¾, rear¾, of a 411 cornering at speed, plus a brief history of the V-8 cars and also a picture of the sample car's dashboard.
The SUB-CONTRACTOR a monthly Trade Newspaper in Sweden, edtn. of Aug97
Back page carried an article about Bristol Cars and their products, pictures of Blenheim with its real namesake and a picture of a Gold coloured 408. There were links for Club contact and to Bristol Cars Ltd..
RANDOM FILM PRODUCTIONS Ltd.
PAL format VHS Video entitled "Jaguar at Le Mans 1954/55" Running time 1 hour.
Includes some footage and separate comment of the Bristol Factory 450 Teams racing and winning their classes at both events.
Distribution is by DUKE VIDEO, PO Box 46, Isle of Man, IM99 1DD. UK.
Tel: 0-1624-623634
for USA system compatible Sales Tel: 08000-386-5375
or you could try other good motor memorabilia shops.
CLASSIC & SPORTSCAR magazine Jul97 edition vol.16 no.4
Letters inside back cover p.250
There is an interesting anecdotal humorous short story titled "Limitless Class". An extract from an interview with Clarissa Dickson in "Scotland on Sunday", dated April 20th..
PRACTICAL CLASSICS magazine edition of late Mar97 p.136/137
Contained an article about the 401 and 403 Bristol car Types referring to their viability as restoration projects and use as extremely practical classic cars. It included panels covering ; Spare Checkout, Expert Comment, Consumables, Club Contact, Spares Specialists, Spot the Rot, What to Pay, Specifications, as well as illustrations and some general comment.
CLASSIC CARS magazine Apr97 edition
A series of subjective tests covering cars selected from 4 decades of motoring the 50s to the 80s, by four of the regular contributors, is provided in a Special colour supplement titled "Best British Sports Saloon Ever"
p.20 The 70s section compares Bristol 411s3 with Ford Escort RS2000, Jaguar XJ6 4.2, Rover 3500S, and Triumph Dolomite Sprint. The Bristol is voted best.
p.39 A composite test of the winners of all sections from 50s to 80s against Ford Sierra Cosworth, Jaguar Mk2, and Jowett Javelin. The Bristol 411s3 was given third place overall. The Jowett Javelin was placed second, and the Mk2 Jaguar was placed first.
CLASSIC CARS magazine Mar97 edition
p.29 See letters. Why Col G B McLean NSW Australia settled for a Bristol 400!.
p.163 Driving our ads. Article of road test and assessment of a second hand 403.
CLASSIC & SPORTSCAR magazine Mar97 edition vol.15 no.12
p.137 There is a full page article featuring the specialist services offered by Spencer Lane-Jones from his premises in Wiltshire.
p.226 A snippet on the delivery of the latest specially prepared Blenheim produced apparently to order of Patsy Kensitt for her partner Noel Gallagher, a member of the pop group Oasis.
ESQUIRE magazine on sale at Newsagents from early in Feb97
Included a two page spread on the Bristol car with comments of Noel Gallagher and the specification on delivery of his new Bristol car. The article aptly titled "Patsys' Bristols".
WARWICK VIDEO At long last the FORUM TV Great Westerner program on Bristol Cars has been re released. It is in PAL format VHS only and lasts approx.30 minutes. The title is; "THE BRISTOL CAR (never more than three per week)", and the code is WV 0013.
This is a thoroughly professional collation of interviews, pictures and cars in action, including some shots of the Factory 450 Racing Team at the 1955 Le Mans 24 hour race.
The video is currently available from Chater and Scott, who are at 8, South Street, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 7BG. England, or you can Tel: 0181 5689750, or FAX: 0181 5698273, or you could try other good memorabilia merchandisers.
CLASSIC CARS magazine feature. It was reported earlier this year that another shoot was in the pipeline. This has now taken place - and the result ;
p.62-71 The comparison of a Bristol engined AC ACE with a number of other classic soft tops including a Bristol engined BMW 328 can be viewed in the December 96 edition of Classic Cars, which was on sale circa 7th November 1996.
Filming of the BBC television programme "TOP GEAR" commemorative Bristol insert was cancelled. Top Gear's office was asked for a comment on the decision. They did not reply.
It is presumed that the crashing on take off of the Bristol Freighter at Heathrow airport did not help matters as amongst other items it had been arranged to use it in the program.
DAILY TELEGRAPH Newspaper (motoring section) edition of Saturday 21 September 96 page C 5 contained an illustrated feature by Philip Porter celebrating the Marque, its enthusiasts and Anthony Crook. There are good pictures included, taken at Silverstone; albeit they are printed as monochrome studies.
CLASSIC & SPORTSCAR magazine May 96 edition - contained an article to recognize the 50th year of production by the company, featuring many Club Members with their cars.
Cars tested were - a 400, 403, 404, 405, 406, two 410's, 411s3, and a Beaufighter. Many illustrations were presented to accompany the reports.
TOP GEAR magazine May 96 edition - marked the 50th anniversary of production with several separate articles, including an interview with Tony Crook, a road test of a 402 by Quentin Willson, a visit with Brian May, and many illustrations in over eight pages.
AUTOMOBILE magazine March 96 edition - contained an article about a 401 - Good pictures and story.
WWW SITE DEVELOPMENT
Watch this page for detail of continuing development of the Bristol Web site, the Events page for notified National and International club activities.
Local activities will continue to be reported in the Newsletter and the Bulletin.
Eventually it is hoped to develop this NEWS section ; to include SALE and WANT items, PARTS availability, TECHNICAL data, MAINTENANCE tips from owners etc..
Please send any News "worthy" items E-mail to the BOC General Registrar

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