The revival of Bristol Cars is gratifying news. The reborn Bristol is planning to sell five more of the hand-built two-seater Fighter models for close to a million a-piece, it’s been reported, before offering all-new and potentially fully electric models.

Bristols aren’t for everyone, of course. Just look at them. Squint and they could be handsome, but rarely beautiful, I think. A bit like a Habsburg prince, or indeed princess, something about their proportions is not quite right. But I love them. Always have done, ever since I saw Jeremy Clarkson being merciless about the Bristol Blenheim on Top Gear, back in the days when the programme still actually reviewed cars. 

Now I’ve left Today, I can finally say what I really think…

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And I’m not alone here. Even if the world’s least convincing farmer isn’t a fan, famously, Richard Branson, Liam Gallagher and Bono are or have been proud owners of Filton’s finest. Peters Sellers had one too and perhaps even Tina Turner if the internet is to be believed. And then there’s the fact that they were ludicrously expensive. 

Spun out of the old Bristol Aeroplane Company after the war, Bristol never made a lot of cars but that was never the point. What they did make was hailed for its commitment to excellence. Tony Crook, a former racing........

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