Bristols

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Bristols

STILL FLYING HIGH

Old Bristols make fine sporting classics with a touch of style. They can be as potent and hairy-chested as an Aston and are as crafted as any Rolls-Royce – yet can be bought for the price of a top notch TR6 or decent Healey. Bristols are an acquired taste that appeal to dustmen and Dukes alike. Oasis front man Liam Gallagher is a fan and owned one – even though he couldn’t actually drive at the time…

Some aficionados reckon that the 400 is slightly better to drive than the 401, with its sweeter handling. People either love the401-403’s slippery styling, while the 404 and 405 are lithe, attractive things boasting features like overdrive and front disc brakes to make these cars very usable on today’s roads. From the 407 onwards American V8s were used; final series 411s are the most wanted V8s due to their Aston-like pace. The 1976-launched 603, which replaced the 411, looks strange to modern eyes but are unlikely to go for much over £25,000.