Bristol Blenheim Review
Bristol is one of Britain’s most venerated carmakers. For over thirty-five years, Brits “in the know” have considered the obscure automaker’s products to be the embodiment of English hand built quality and understated exclusivity. Unfortunately, motoring journalists need not apply. In fact, Bristol actively discourages any sort of publicity for its current cars. A test drive is “out of the question”.
It’s a story that involves some truly Dickensian characters: quick-witted, long-suffering mechanics labouring in dark garages; a short-tempered multi-millionaire who believes that anyone who can’t afford a Bristol is in no position to judge it; a motoring journalist whose florid prose poems to the marque are proof positive that love is blind.
“What are the two things that can be seen from outer space?” the owner asked rhetorically. “The Great Wall of China and the panel gaps of a Bristol.” True enough, despite the fact that this particular Blenheim had recently enjoyed a body-off restoration-- to eliminate rot. Which was discovered after the car’s paint had cracked (necessitating a total re-spray). Whereupon the owner’s mechanics addressed a veritable laundry list of mechanical ailments: inoperative air conditioning, “inappropriate” shock absorbers, a failed exhaust system, two blown window motors, axle whine, insufficient engine cooling and more.
This tragic tale of mechanical malfeasance was easily eclipsed by the horror lurking inside the Blenheim’s cabin. To call the combination of wood, cheap rocker switches, tiny mirror controls, gigantic air conditioner, fiddly Japanese stereo and seemingly random assortment of switches, buttons and knobs “unattractive” would be like calling a drag racer “quick off the mark”. The Blenheim’s interior is such a hideous concoction of styles and textures the snooty millionaire mentioned above felt compelled to redesign and rewire the entire dash.
Once underway, the much-repaired Blenheim handled better than you’d expect-- for a car whose chassis dates back to 1946. At the time, it must have been a revelation. By today’s standards, Group A rental cars offer better ride and road-holding. As for power, the 5.9-liter V8 felt decidedly reluctant.
Curb Weight: 3870 lbs.
Engine: V8
Engine Type: 5.9-liter
Horsepower: NA
Torque: NA
Drive type: RWD
0 to 60: 6.3 secs. [claimed]
60 to 0: NA
1/4 Mile: NA
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