Bristol 410 Adventures

Caught on Camera

2012-01-14T18:33:00.001Z

Motor Books have produced a DVD “Bristol Cars on Film” based on 2 16mmfilms shot by the late Ted Ashman, Chief Photographer of the Bristol AeroplaneCompany in the mid-1950s.

The first film follows a Bristol 403 travelling by road and BristolFreighter from London to Paris in 1954 to demonstrate how comfortable andpleasant such a journey could be. While the second film shows the Bristol teamat Le Mans in 1955 finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in their class.

As a bonus, footage of the Bristol Aeroplane Company’s Centenarycelebrations at Filton in September 2010 is included. This is also where thatyear’s Bristol Owners Club concours took place (with the largest ever assemblyof Bristol cars) and this too is featured on the DVD.

This is where I come in, or rather go out – literally. Forget theaerobatic display of the Airbus A380, spectacular as it is with the massiveaircraft seemingly hanging motionless in the air. The highlight for me is whenI’m captured on film leaving the site at the end of the day. Neil is in thedriver’s seat with Karen next to him, and Neil’s friend John Tanner is in theback. It was a great day that I previously wrote about on this blog, and withthe extra films this DVD is well worth looking out for.

It's going to be a cold, cold Christmas

2011-12-11T20:52:00.001Z

5 Bristol cars - a 407, a 409 and 3 410s were parkedin front of Ravenwood Hall near Bury St. Edmunds while 17 club members sat downfor a sumptuous lunch in the hotel’s restaurant. There was also a 401 and a 603in the car park making a record 7 cars turning up for the East Anglian section’sChristmas lunch.

The record attendance was in no small part due tothe excellent weather, which allowed the cars’ paintwork to stay shiny, andgave their ancient heaters a fighting chance at keeping their occupants warm.

The efficiency of our respective heating systems wasa popular topic of conversation with the conclusion that drivers of 50 yearsago were a much hardier bunch. Neil had blanked off part of my radiator to theextent that some warmth was discernable in the cabin with the temperature gaugereading a steady 75°Cwhen cruising on the A14. I like to run hotter than that so some moreexperimentation is going to be required to ensure that I’m running at my bestand Neil continues to take me out through the winter to stop me getting bored.

Winter running temperatures never used to be such aproblem until Neil fitted me with a new radiator core 2 years ago inpreparation for a trip to the south of France. However English winters, evenmild ones, are another matter entirely.

Banners at Battlesbridge

2011-11-01T21:04:00.000Z

The East Anglian section managed to muster two cars for theBattlesbridge Grand Motorbillia Day in September. I went along with Neil andwas joined by Gwynneth and John Hogger, and Gwynneth's aunt in their 401.

Neil decided that this was enough to constitute a club display so heerected the Owners Club banner.

Raising our profile with the banner must have worked because itattracted the attention of the judges who awarded 'Highly Commended' toGwynneth's splendid 401. She then had to take the car into the main ring whereit was in the running for best car in show.

Unfortunately it didn't scoop that prize but very well done for beingone of only half a dozen cars singled out from amongst a field of severalhundred.

The Lions go from Strength to Strength

2011-10-20T21:40:00.003+01:00

Colchester's Castle Park is designated Grade II on the register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. The gently sloping Lower Castle Park offers the perfect venue for fairs, festivals, open air concerts and displays and even has a section of the town's roman wall running through it.

This year's classic vehicle show which is organised by Colchester Lions was by all accounts the best so far. We spent the day parked beside a lovely pre-war MG which had been brought to the show by the original owner's son. Owned by his father since new, the car had never been restored and had acquired a remarkably beautiful patina to its metallic grey paint.

In the afternoon Neil was approached by one of the organisers to see if he would take me into the ring. As the only Bristol in the show Neil was happy to take the opportunity to show me off and take his turn on the PA to increase the awareness of Bristol cars.

This prompted more people to come along and look at me once I was parked up again. It also produced the most touching moment of the day when a man came up to Neil to say that the Bristol, and the 410 in particular was his favourite ever car. Neil offered him a seat behind the wheel but he declined and appeared quite overwhelmed with actually seeing one for real!

Bertie and Beer in Burnham Market

2011-09-26T20:31:00.000+01:00

We have just been inNorth Norfolk again for a week’s holiday burbling around the coast of this veryspecial part of East Anglia. We were last here in 2010 when we took part in arally that started from the Sandringham estate. This time we made BurnhamMarket our base and had a very comfortable stay at the Hoste Arms.

Although we stayed dryfor most of the holiday, a gale came through the village on the first nightthat left me looking the worse for wear in the morning. Neil on the other handlooked the worse for wear because the hotel served 2 varieties of Woodforde’sin the bar; Wherry and Nelson’s Revenge.

Both bitter style beers, Wherryis fresh and zesty with crisp floral flavours while Nelson’s Revenge has abackground of sweet malt and a hoppy bitter finish reminiscent of grapefruit.It also packs a punch being a special bitter with an alcohol by volume of 4.5%compared to Wherry’s 3.8.

Anyway, while he was cleaning me of all the rain, leaves and otherassorted debris he fell into conversation with a fan of the marque. Heremembered that his father, who worked for a retail bank, had helped Tony Crookwith the finance of Bristol Cars. He was pleased to learn that Mr Crook wasstill going strong, and that Bristol Cars future seemed to be secure after itsrecent acquisition by Frazer Nash Research.

Petrol stations were few and far between, but there was one in thevillage that sold a brand of fuel called Power. Neil had never heard of it and hesitantlyput some in my tank but he need not have worried – it was a worthy substitutefor my normal diet of Shell. It also gave him an opportunity to discuss thefiner points of Bristol design after the mechanic engaged him in conversationabout the only other Bristol he could recall visiting their forecourt.

Unsure of the model or year he simply referred to it as “the boxylooking one”. Further probing from Neil established that it was likely to havebeen a 603 or one of its derivatives. He soon put the mechanic right andinformed him that although the cars’ looks may seem controversial to some, itall makes perfect sense once behind the wheel with excellent visibility and theability to accurately place the car on the road; the design of all Bristolshaving started from the position of the driver.

When we visited Blakeney, the car park attendant at the quay let us stayfree of charge because he was so excited about seeing me. Bristol hadapparently been his favourite make of car since childhood but he had never seenone on the road. So excited was he that he had a good look inside my cabin,under my bonnet and even inside my wing lockers. He said to Neil “you made myday, boy” and gave us a cheery wave as we left.

Wide Load at West Bergholt

2011-09-15T22:08:00.001+01:00

One of the great things about the shows I go to arethe eclectic mix of vehicles I meet and their eccentric owners. Throw in thesetting of an English village and a Summer’s day and you can sometimes getphoto opportunities that are simply too good to miss, like this one taken atWest Bergholt near Colchester earlier this year.

This miniature traction enginecertainly has its work cut out hauling its cargo around the showground but it’sthe sign on the back of the trailer that says it all!

Greenwich Means Time for Bristol Cars

2011-08-26T22:09:00.000+01:00

The Bristol Owners Club annual Concours d’Elegance took place in thehistoric setting of the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, London. A worldheritage site, the college is a baroque masterpiece of English architecture setin landscaped grounds on the river Thames juxtaposed by magnificent views ofthe Canary Warf skyline.

Cars from the 1939 Frazer-Nash-BMW Type 321 to the one-off 2009 Blenheim4 were on show to the world. The overall standard of the cars presented was so highit felt as if any of them could have entered the Concours competition.

Neil spoke to owners of other cars including 410s like me to compare thisand that, and I saw one of my previous owners. He was interested to see my newelectric windows and is now thinking of having them installed on another 410 hehas recently acquired.

It turned out to be a very popular venue with all the amenities of themuseum and Greenwich town within easy reach. It was a delight to see visitors fromall over the world happening upon the cars by chance and being caught up in theenthusiasm of their owners. Many photographs were taken of people posing besidetheir favorite cars and even of some who were delighted to have been invited tosit behind the wheel.

Drip trays were de-rigueur in order to preserve the ancient cobbles andI’m glad to say I only soiled mine very slightly (well I am 44 years old youknow).

The journey in to and out of London was just as enjoyable and Neilexchanged several friendly gestures with other motorists as we made easyprogress through the Sunday traffic.

The only upset for me was first thing in the morning when Neil made ahasty diversion to a Sainsbury’s petrol station when I started to run on vapour.He knew I was already low on fuel before setting off, but after finding thathis local Shell garage was still closed pressed on thinking he could make thenext one. A tank full of Sainsbury’s super unleaded later and we were back onthe A12 but I felt slightly queasy for the rest of the trip.

But at least we know my fuel reserve switch still works and the man atSainsbury’s who moved the cones was delighted with his first customer of theday!

Does my boot look big in this?

2011-08-06T17:38:00.002+01:00

On wedding duty again, Iwas honored to transport Neil’s sister and her groom from St. Nicholas Church inHarwich to the reception at a country house hotel just outside Colchester. Ieven made the effort to co-ordinate with the Bride’s accessories by departingfrom normal etiquette and wearing leopard-print ribbons, which were set offnicely by my dark green paintwork.

Layer Marney Tower

2011-06-01T20:30:00.002+01:00

Layer Marney Tower's annual classic car show saw a record attendance this year. As you can see, Neil was less interested in climbing the tower for the commanding views of the River Blackwater and beyond but was rather more keen on the sight of 2 Bristols in the car park. Also present on the day were a 401, 405DH and a Britannia.

Blown Away at Felixstowe

2011-05-02T17:20:00.001+01:00

A complete contrast to last year’s event, the annual rally from Ipswich to Felixstowe drew waving crowds out into the sunshine complete with bunting fresh from the Royal Wedding celebrations. Neil had his own little Princesses in the car to wave back in the form of his Nieces Nicola and Charlotte, and of course his wife Karen.

What started off as a brisk breeze in Ipswich, had turned into a gale by the time we reached Felixstowe – the East Coast of England taking the brunt of the winds sweeping across the country. Parked right on the promenade I was glad of my aluminium bodywork as the fine seawater spray blew in. Neil and his family took shelter behind a hedge on a nice patch of lawn for their picnic.

Hats off to Martin Bennett in his 411 Series 4 for coming back this year after his first time in the rally last year resulted in a complete soaking. So just the 2 Bristols this time (not counting the 3 Bristol Buses), but thanks to club members Stuart and James for dropping by to say hello. Hopefully James will bring his Beaufighter next time and Stuart’s 409 will be ready soon after.

The Fighter in me

2011-04-10T17:41:00.001+01:00

A long-standing problem with my driver's door window has finally been resolved. Several attempts have been made over the years to fix a problem with the winding mechanism that recently resulted in the window being fixed in the closed position. Now, following my annual holiday at Bristol Cars Services, I've had both my windows replaced with electric ones!

An option when I was new, "electrically controlled windows" were only installed by special order on a very few of the 79 410s made. I’m also excited because I now have a bit of Fighter in me. Alas not the 8 litre V10 engine or twin turbochargers, but I do have its electric window switches mounted on my centre console.

The new windows have also made quite a difference to Neil's long-standing bugbear about wind noise. It seems the fit of the window glass in the top of the channel is a lot tighter and it stays there without creeping down making quite a difference at speed. I just wish he'd stop playing with them.

South East Section Suffolk Tour

2011-03-31T21:28:00.006+01:00

L-R: 603 Series 2, 405, 403, Britannia, 405 Drophead, 407, 410.

Last weekend the South East section of the Bristol Owners Club came up to Suffolk for the weekend. I met the 6 cars at the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum at Flixton – East Anglia’s aviation heritage centre.

The museum holds themed collections on the 446^th Bomb Group USAAF and RAF Bomber Command. Bristol Blenheims took part in the first RAF offensive on the second day of the war flying out of Wattisham to attack German Battleships near Wilhelmshaven. Although there are no Blenheims at Flixton there is a Sycamore helicopter type HR14 that saw service with the RAF.

New Year, New Petrol

2011-01-03T21:41:00.007Z

A tentative first trip out in the New Year today as the roads were dry and an errand needed to be run. A few pumps on the accelerator had me fired up after the first turn of the key and settled into a fast idle. First into Colchester then down the A12 to Ipswich before returning home via the back roads through Freston, Holbrook, Stutton and Brantham. A good mix of country and fast roads to break me in after lying idle since the BOCEA Christmas Lunch on 5 December.

While in Ipswich Neil filled me up with Shell Optimax at the cheapest petrol station in the area, but it was still expensive at 129.9 a litre (standard unleaded was 121.9). This brought to mind the posting Neil made on my blog on 15 August 2010 about Shell’s new Fuelsave petrol and associated publicity campaign.

You will recall that Neil took a cynical look at Shell’s claims that you could gain the equivalent of an extra litre per tank if you used their new fuel and the ‘coincidental’ timing of the launch with the school holidays when traffic is light. Neil’s Citroen XM, being equipped with some kind of device that records his fuel consumption, was measuring 28.6 miles per gallon before the school summer holidays.

2 months later in October Neil installed a new battery in the Citroen that made it forget all its calculations. It started measuring them again and has been calculating the average fuel consumption ever since, so we are now in the position of being able to make a direct comparison between fuel consumption before and after the introduction of FuelSave.

And the result of all these calculations, comparisons and cogitations? I can reveal that the difference Shell FuelSave unleaded petrol has made, in this admittedly unscientific but real-world study is … absolutely nothing. Fuel consumption is exactly the same. Whether the XM’s engine has been lubricated in parts it never knew needed lubrication before or not I’ll leave to Neil’s mechanic to decide, but as far as fuel consumption is concerned there is absolutely no difference.

BOCEA Christmas Lunch

2010-12-12T16:02:00.014Z

Sunday 5 December was the Christmas Lunch of the East Anglian Section of the Bristol Owners Club and 16 owners from across the region gathered at a country house hotel near Bury St. Edmunds.

A break in the wintry weather encouraged 2 other cars to join me in front of Ravenwood Hall; a 1962 407 and a 1982 412. We were honoured by the presence of the 412 as this was the first time in 25 years that it had been out in the winter!

Unfortunately it was also the first time that the heater was required and needless to say after 25 years of inactivity it didn’t work. The patient ministrations of Messrs Dixon and Risebrow failed to elicit any warmth and so a chilly journey home was to be endured by its occupants – at least they’d had a good lunch first.

Gone But Not Forgotten

2010-11-14T15:51:00.004Z

Geoffrey Burgon and 411 S2

While we were on holiday in the Malverns recently we received the sad news that Geoffrey Burgon had passed away. Geoffrey was the renowned composer of some of the most memorable music for television drama of recent decades.

Geoffrey, who had owned many Bristols since the 1970s, was my keeper from 1994 to 1997 before Neil took me on in 2003. Neil never had the pleasure of meeting Geoffrey but they did briefly correspond by email when Neil was making contact with all my previous keepers.

Geoffrey, who also had a penchant for Lancias, gave up his Flaminia GT to acquire me. He said he remembered me fondly and said I had always been very well behaved!

We also recieved the sad news that Roger Bradford had suddenly passed away at the Goodwood Revival. We first met Roger at the 2009 Bristol Owners Club concours at Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire. We had parked next to him and a 411 S4 which he was trying to sell and Neil spent ages talking to him about the differences between the 410 and the 411.

By a remarkable coincidence Neil met Roger again when Neil was trying to find a late Citroen XM in good condition. He found an immaculate example for sale in Cambridge that was one of the last imported into the country. Neil arranged to view the car but when he pulled up the first thing he saw was a Britannia in the middle of a barn full of Citroens and other assorted cars. He was even more surprised when Roger emerged and tried to sell him the Bristol.

Neil managed to resist the Britannia and didn’t buy that particular XM but managed to find another one that he went on to buy. He kept in touch with Roger, meeting him for the last time at a Citroen Owners Club concours in Gaydon.

Bristol Owners Club Concours 2010

2010-10-03T18:59:00.000+01:00

Saturday 18^th September

It’s the day of the concours, and predictably Neil is out before breakfast wiping the dew off my bodywork. I tried to tell him it would be easier to move me into the sun but I think he’s obsessed with microfibre cloths and polish. Latest in the armoury is a product called Lucas Slick Mist – a spray wax that he uses to freshen up my paintwork in-between washes. It leaves me with a high gloss shine and, presumably for no other reason than it’s American, smelling of bubblegum.

One of the things I love most about Bristol events is seeing other cars on the road. As we made our way from the hotel to the Airbus site we joined up with several other cars making the same journey. We were waved through the entrance and lined up in the car park that had been reserved for us at the top of the site. This was near where Concorde G-BOAF is displayed. This remarkable airplane, which made its maiden flight in April 1979, was used to prove the enhancements made after the tragic crash at Gonesse. G-BOAF was the last Concorde to remain flying and the last to fly supersonically. She made her final journey home to Filton on 26 November 2003.

My favourite story of the day was relayed to me by Neil after a conversation he had with a volunteer in the Concorde exhibition. When operating on the Miami service, British Airways had to lodge Concorde’s flight plan with the Pentagon. This was so they could instruct their spy planes operating over Cuba to move out of the way. I love the idea of American pilots in pressure suits and oxygen masks having to make way for a supersonic airplane at the edge of space full of Brits in shirtsleeves sipping Champagne.

I didn’t count them myself, but I have heard estimates ranging from 160 to 235 cars present. Whatever the final number, this was without doubt the largest gathering of Bristol cars ever with models from all eras represented. There was a strong showing too from the factory with Fighters, Blenheims and used cars on show. Neil was very taken by a dark blue Beaufighter and was overheard asking the price. I made sure I behaved myself for the rest of our holiday just in case he was tempted.

Bristols to Bristol

2010-09-26T20:40:00.000+01:00

Friday 17^th September.

It’s 6.30 in the morning and Neil and I are at the Port of Harwich ready to greet the Bristol cars disembarking from the ferry as part of the Bristols to Bristol run. I am parked on the side of a roundabout and get a great view of cars heading away from the port and out onto the A120. It doesn’t take long for the 5 Bristols to appear as well as a bonus assortment of other classic cars amongst the moderns.

We follow along the A120, A137 and onto the A14 towards Cambridge and on to Oxfordshire where a lunch stop has been arranged at the Merry Miller in Cothill. We arrive at 10:30 to be greeted in the car park by John Howden-Richards. As we are too early for the pub to open, John invites us back to his place where coffee is taken in the garden while admiring his collection of Bristol ephemera. This is housed in a summerhouse with a collection of pictures, books and a well stocked bar! I can imagine many a pleasant evening spent reminiscing about all things Bristol.

Back to the pub, where we meet up with the rest of the cars making their way to Bristol. For those on-route from the continent, English beer and Scottish whisky are popular choices (for non-drivers only of course) to accompany the food on offer before we all make our way to Bristol where the car park at the Filton Holiday Inn resembles a concours in its own right.

Neil gives me a quick polish before getting ready for the black tie dinner at the splendid Council House in the centre of Bristol. This is in celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the Bristol Aeroplane Company around which this weekend’s events are organised. This extraordinary enterprise diversified into the building of buses, boats, satellites, missiles, mobile phones and prefabricated buildings, as well as the cars we have all grown to love.

At the dinner Teb Marius, European Secretary, was presented with a commemorative plaque crafted in Bristol Blue glass in recognition of his organisation of the whole trip. I would like to extend my thanks to Teb and to John, but also to Geoff Hawkins Chairman of the club, Geoffrey Herdman President of the club and Turplin Dixon Events Coordinator for their planning and organisation.

Summer BBQ

2010-09-16T11:47:00.000+01:00

There was another great turnout at the Bristol Owners’ Club East Anglian summer Barbeque. 10 cars (9 Bristols and an Aston Martin – Bristol used to make some bodies for AM) lined up under the sunny East Anglian sky. Oldest first: 401, 405, 407, AM DB5, 409, 2 x 410, 411, 603, Britannia.

Further convinced that the various models look right in certain colours, Richard Kemp’s newly painted Britannia looked stunning in Sherwood Green even though it was yet to receive its final polish. The colour had the effect of softening the sometimes controversial styling.

Styled in-house by Dudley Hobbs and built at Filton, the 603 and its derivatives can look awkward and oddly proportioned from some angles. The subtle re-working of the tail on the Britannia helps pull the whole composition together into a much more attractive whole.

Thanks again to the Challacombe’s for hosting the event, to everyone for bringing food and raffle prizes, and also for raising a staggering £350 for the Lymphoma Association.

Rougham Airfield Wings and Wheels

2010-08-15T22:00:00.001+01:00

Look at the photo, and beyond me and the car in front, is a Rolls-Royce Griffon Engine; a 37 litre V12 as fitted to the Shackleton maritime patrol aircraft. This stationary engine and propeller formed a twin display with a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine; a 27 litre V12 as fitted to the Spitfire. When both were running at full power the noise was tremendous and the ground shook with the power of 64 litres consuming 2 gallons of fuel every minute.

My fuel consumption isn’t quite that bad, but on the journey to Rougham Neil stopped at the local Shell garage for some of my favourite V-Power fuel. I noticed they were still flying banners for their new standard petrol, FuelSave, which was launched recently. Shell are claiming the equivalent of ‘up to’ an extra litre per tank (a 2% saving on their figures) due to using new detergents and a new ‘efficiency improver’ that shell claims ‘lubricates where normal engine oils can’t’. Shell will have terabytes of statistics to back up their claims and I’m sure there must be some improvement in fuel efficiency, but I‘m skeptical about the extent of their claims for 2 reasons.

Firstly, their claims for saving an extra 1 litre of fuel per tank are based on a minimum fill of 50 litres. Now, if you have a Shell Drivers’ Club card, you will know that the bonus vouchers you receive are based on a fill of 30 litres. The question is, why don’t they have a standard fill? The cynic would suggest they could only claim savings of an extra litre of fuel per tank if they stretched their definition of a tank by 60%.

Secondly, the new FuelSave campaign coincided with the start of the school summer holidays. Now, because I don’t drive with Neil every day, I asked his Citroen XM (only a 3.0 V6) who is happy on Shell’s standard fuel and therefore has been consuming FuelSave unleaded by default, whether his average fuel consumption had improved; and it had – by 1.5 miles per gallon (actually a 5% increase). Now, back to the school holiday connection; traffic is clearer, no jams and commute times have been cut by a third - a recipe for decreasing fuel consumption if ever I heard one. The question is, how much of this is attributable to Fuelsave and how much to a sudden lack of traffic?

So, has this all been a cynical exercise by Shell’s marketing department? We’ll see what happens to the XM’s fuel consumption when the schools go back. I wonder when the FuelSave campaign is due to end …?

Classic Cars and Wheels

2010-08-09T21:05:00.000+01:00

This was my first time at this show, held at Stonham Barns near Stowmarket, so I was unsure of what to expect. What I found was a well organised show with a wide variety of vehicles from all eras. I think the title of the show is a bit awkward – perhaps the organisers felt that just calling it a Classic Vehicle Show was a bit obvious?

Anyway, the award for question of the day went to the gentleman who asked whether it was true that you could only buy a Bristol if you were a member of the club! If he had known anything of the history of the relationship between the club and the manufacturer then I could have forgiven him for thinking the opposite was true.

King's Lynn & District Motor Club Rally

2010-07-17T21:00:00.000+01:00

The 33rd Annual Vintage & Classic Rally organized by the King's Lynn & District Motor Club took place on Sunday 11th July 2010.

This is the first chance I’ve had to take part in this event, which has been highly recommended to me in the past. Not really a rally, but a gentle amble through the picturesque lanes of Norfolk in the company of some of the finest classic cars in East Anglia.

An early start at the Sandringham Visitor Centre and the opportunity to cool down after my 90 mile drive for me and to take on coffee and pastries for Neil. A high quality entry of 95 cars gradually assembled with Bristol represented by 5 different models – 401 (Warwick Banks), 405 (Brian Kidd), 407 (Nick Challacombe), 410 (Neil), 411 S4 (Martin Bennett).

Armed with a tulip map and aided by direction arrows and marshalls we then enjoyed a 55 mile run to the lunch halt at Fincham. Carvery’s were taken in the Timbers Hotel and picnics fortified by real ale were enjoyed in the grounds while admiring the cars.

After lunch, the run continued for another 20 miles to the finish at the National Trust's magnificent Oxburgh Hall. An interesting queuing system at the café did nothing to dissuade those eager to partake of afternoon tea (Neil) before prizes were awarded to the cars. An inexplicable error with the scoring meant that none of the Bristols picked up any trophies, but the winners were nevertheless well deserved (1925 Morris Cowley, 1934 MG Magnette, 1951 Jaguar Mk V, 1964 Jaguar E-type, 1968 Triumph TR5).

A 65 mile trip home rounded off a very enjoyable day. Many thanks to the King's Lynn & District Motor Club, and the principal organisers Ivan and Adrian Cunnington, for putting on such an excellent event.

Cressing Temple

2010-06-27T17:49:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I went to a vintage fayre held by the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity at Cressing Temple in Essex. Helen Rollason cancer support centres provide complementary therapies, counselling and support groups for cancer patients, their friends, families and carers. Helen Rollason was a much-loved BBC Sport presenter who fought her battle with colon cancer in the public eye.

Cressing Temple takes its unusual name from the medieval monks of the Knights Templar who founded the two vast wooden barns in the 13^th Century and which form the centrepiece of this delightful rural estate. Acquired by Essex County Council in 1987 to safeguard the future of the barns, buildings and garden, it is now part of their Country Parks portfolio. I hope that in the midst of the current financial crisis the Council are not tempted to sell these unique buildings off.

A previous (alleged) attempt to sell off the barns by the former leader of Essex County Council failed. Lord Hanningfield, aka bachelor pig farmer Paul White, won’t be able to try that again as it now looks likely that he will be spending time away from his pigs at Her Majesty’s pleasure after being investigated for falsely claiming expenses. His attempt to hide behind a 300-year-old law exempting MPs and Lords from prosecution over proceedings in parliament failed and did nothing to enhance his reputation and overturn the Essex stereotype of dodgy barrow-boys on the make.

Cressing Temple also hosts a highly successful biannual event in its own right and I will be back there next year for that. At a previous show I was honoured to represent the Sixties in a special grouping of cars celebrating motor cars of the last century. I think they have something equally special planned for next year but to be honest it will be enough just to be allowed to park in such magnificent surroundings.

And what of Lord Hanningfield when he's paid his debt to society? Well, he could always go back to farming pigs. What about the smell I hear you ask? Well, the pigs will just have to get used to it!

Flat Pack Fenders?

2010-06-14T21:22:00.000+01:00

Layer Marney Tower on 30 May 2010 and I’m the only Bristol here but there are plenty of interested people speaking to Neil. As well as general car talk it's always nice to hear stories about Bristol Cars the company, and a former owner of a 403 told Neil a real gem today.

Having had the misfortune to be involved in an accident, he called Bristol Cars in search for a new front wing and spoke to Tony Crook who said he had them in stock and would send one out.

When the delivery arrived it consisted of a single flat sheet of metal - surely some mistake? When the surprised owner of the pristine sheet made enquiries, an equally surprised Tony Crook said there had been no mistake. All that was required was to form it into the correct shape – “they are all hand made you know”!

With a great deal of ingenuity a pattern was taken from a straight car and a carpenter enlisted to make a buck. The panel was beaten and the shape of a wing duly emerged which was then fitted to the damaged car.

If you still have your original bucks and the skills required to wrap metal around them, as Bristol do, why expect your customers to try and emulate the factory’s craftsmanship and risk substandard repairs to the cars that bear your name?

Hopefully attitudes at the factory have changed and anyone ordering a wing for a 403 today would receive something that held more than a passing resemblance to something you would actually find on a car.

Wings & Wheels

2010-05-16T17:22:00.004+01:00

Last weekend I went to Henham, near Southwold in Suffolk to Wings & Wheels 2010. Lots of interesting cars (although there were no other Bristols) and some spectacular flying. For much of the day a succession of light aircraft used the airfield, but the highlight of the day were the Breitling Wingwalkers - the world's only aerobatic formation wingwalking team.

They performed a breathtaking sequence of acrobatic manoeuvres and handstands whilst strapped to the top wings of Boeing Stearman biplanes. These manoeuvres included, loops, rolls, stall turns and even inverted flight! During all of this, the wingwalkers experience speeds of up to 150 mph and 'G' forces of up to 4G!

Oh I don't like to be beside the Seaside ...

2010-05-03T18:25:00.002+01:00

Sunday was the 40th anniversary of the Ipswich to Felixstowe run. However true to form for an English Bank Holiday Weekend the weather was atrocious. Heavy rain and strong winds lashed the park in Ipswich while we waited to set off, and although the drive to Felixstowe wasn't too bad, once at Felixstowe the rain started again and the wind whipped up the sea. 2 other Bristols accompanied me (another 410 and a 411 S4) but we didn't stay long. Neil didn't even get his ice-cream.

Dodgy Dip Switch in Ipswich

2010-02-20T20:40:00.004Z

Driving through Ipswich at night the urgent flashing of other drivers alerted me to a problem. When Neil pulled up behind another car he realised that my headlights were not on, only my sidelights. He checked the headlight switch and found it to be on then flashed the lights using the column stalk – only to find all 4 headlights coming on as they should and startling the driver in front. He pulled off into a retail park where a furniture store had thoughtfully built a glass-walled showroom ideal for testing one’s lights. Various switches were tried again until a press of the floor mounted dip switch restored normal functioning.

This was of course forgotten about until he needed to use the headlights again and found the same problem. Last weekend he decided to investigate further and after studying my wiring diagram concluded that it must indeed be the floor mounted dip switch that was playing up. Armed with a screwdriver and multimeter he contorted enough to remove the switch, pressed it by hand and observed sparks emanating from the underside behind the connections. A check with the multimeter confirmed current was at least flowing to the switch, so Neil put everything back to make sure it did not get lost and went inside to look for a new one. A quick search online found a remanufactured switch on the original Lucas part number on the Holden’s site and this was ordered.

He replaced the switch today, reconnecting the 3 wires in the correct order, and straight away normal functioning was restored. We went out for a celebratory drive, and just to make sure checked the switch on our return home.

The floor mounted dipswitch is such a useful device, freeing up the hands and giving the left foot something to do, that it's surprising that it no longer appears on new cars. Perhaps the desire to provide a proper place to rest the left foot took precedence, or perhaps the Blenheim still has one?

Bristol Owners’ Club Christmas Lunch

2009-12-11T19:43:00.000Z

Neil was going to wash me on Sunday before we left for the Bristol Owners’ Club Christmas lunch near Bury St. Edmunds. However, as it was still raining he decided against this using the excuse that I would only get dirty again. By the time we got there it had stopped raining and the sun was out. We parked up next to a 404 in front of the hotel and Neil quickly disappeared inside.

Neil had told me this was going to be Nick Challacombe’s last official event as Regional Secretary but when Neil eventually came out I was surprised to learn that he had become the new Secretary. Not as surprised as Neil apparently who had been asked and had accepted before he had a chance to get to the bar.

By all accounts everyone inside enjoyed the lunch and I was happy to be in the company of 5 other Bristols in front of the Hall; a 404, a 407, another 410 and 2 603s.

Fighter T vs. Veyron

2009-11-22T21:14:00.005Z

Sunday 1 November was the date of the Bristol Owners’ Club Heritage Trust Lecture. This was held at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and was presented by Toby Silverton, the Chairman of Bristol Cars.

The subject of Toby’s lecture was the development of the Fighter – Bristol’s 8 litre, V10 supercar. Launched in 2003, the Fighter was entirely developed from scratch to meet the uniquely demanding requirements of a sports car capable of well over 200 miles an hour.

The ergonomics of driving a Bristol have always been exemplary so it was interesting to learn that the process of designing the Fighter started with a full size mock-up of the driving position with the car taking shape around it. The result is a car that is supremely elegant but with a steely hint of aggression - a perfect example of the beauty that inevitably results when form exactly follows function.

During the lecture we learnt that the gull-wing doors are a practical solution to access in tight spaces, that the aerodynamics are not only shared with aircraft (as you would expect) but with submarines, and that at 1012 bhp and with a potential maximum speed of more than 270 mph the Fighter T is the most powerful and fastest production car in the world.

There were comparisons with the Bugatti Veyron, which the popular press would have you believe holds that title, which highlighted the difference in approach taken by Volkswagen when trying to design the most powerful car in the world (I don’t think Bristol set out to do this – it just happened because some of their customers simply wanted more than the standard Fighter’s 550 bhp).

When compared to the Fighter T the Veyron, at 3 times the price, is a ridiculous car; the first (and cheapest) service costs £13,645, the tyres need to be changed at only 2,500 miles at a cost of £6,325 each, the wheels themselves then need changing at every third tyre change at a total cost of £29,900, the sump swallows 42 litres of oil, and it has the drag coefficient of a brick at 0.42 (a Ford Mondeo is 0.31 and the Fighter T is only 0.25).

Many thanks to Dave Alan, Michael Barton and the trustees of the Heritage Trust for setting up the event.

Anti-wind Noise

2009-10-25T15:40:00.001Z

Neil has always found wind noise an irritation even after having the anti-wind noise kit fitted by Bristol Cars in 2007. That reduced the problem slightly but there was still an incomplete seal around the doors that resulted in a roaring noise above 70mph. Perhaps things seemed better in 1967 when judged by the standards of the day, but in comparison to modern cars – well there is no comparison.

Neil has been pondering the problem on and off, trying various secondary seals without much success, but recently found self-adhesive neoprene strips which he has fitted around the tops of my door frames. The strips are 15mm wide and 5mm deep and quite effectively fill the gap between the top of the door and the door opening.

The roaring noise has now been greatly reduced but Neil still thinks further improvements can be made and will carry on experimenting, but for now high speed travel has become more comfortable. One side effect is that the noise of my engine can be more appreciated and enjoyed by those occupying the cabin.

Nelson's Revenge

2009-09-22T21:33:00.002+01:00

Neil has gone off to Norfolk and left me behind (something about logistics) but he has sent me a brief and baffling text message probably brought on by a combination of alcohol and sunstroke; Place - Old Hunstanton, Family - in bed, Pub - The Lodge, Beer - Woodforde's Nelson's Revenge, mood - relaxed!

Cars Raise Cash at Summer BBQ

2009-09-13T20:11:00.002+01:00

Today the East Anglian section of the Bristol Owners’ Club held their summer Barbeque although the weather was definitely autumnal. 9 cars were in attendance comprising 4 Bristol engined cars and 5 V8s; from left to right 405, 403, 401, 411 S4, 410, 405, 410, 409, 407.

As well as the opportunity to catch up with old friends and new, talk about cars and eat delicious food (thank you to our hosts Nick and Carol for the BBQ, and to everyone who brought food) the main objective of the day was to raise money for the Lymphoma Association. This is the only specialist UK charity that provides accurate medical information and support to lymphatic cancer patients, their families and friends. Closer to home they are helping to keep one of our members healthy and active and our gratitude today raised over £300 for the charity.

Bristol Owners' Club Concours

2009-09-10T21:02:00.005+01:00

The National Trust’s Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire was the setting for this year’s concours. The general consensus was that this was probably the best yet and this was certainly true for the East Anglian section with 3 prizes being awarded. Ivan Cunnington (405), Nick Challacombe (407), and Barry Naunton (410) all picked up trophies in their respective classes. There was some very stiff competition so the prizes are all the more deserved and reflect all the hard work put in to the preparation of their cars.

I did not enter the concours competition but lined up with the other cars along the approach to the Hall. Next to me on one side was a newly refurbished 411 and on the other was a 412 I had last seen at the Albert Memorial gathering in 2006. There was good representation from Bristol Cars with an upgraded Blenheim and an Arnolt-Bristol in attendance.

1 Spitfire, 2 Hurricanes and 3 Bristols

2009-08-16T18:45:00.008+01:00

Rougham airfield was constructed in 1941/42 and brought into service as a USAAF airfield accommodating 3,000 personnel. Having being built with a 2,000 yard main runway it was suited to larger aircraft and became the home of the 94th Bomb Group flying B-17s. Between 1943 and 1945 the 94th flew more than 300 missions from Station 468, as Rougham was officially known.

Each year the Friends of Rougham Airfield hold many events, one of which is the Air Display and Classic Car Show. In 2005 the 407 (pictured right) was awarded best car in show, and in 2006 I was awarded runner up for the best post-war saloon, but this year, despite having a 407, a 410 and a Beaufighter to choose from, the organisers overlooked the Bristol marque completely.

Never mind; Neil, Nick and Carol (407), and James and Caroline (Beaufighter) were quite happy watching the many air displays or visiting the well-stocked beer tent.

Rare Convertible Spotted

2009-07-26T18:24:00.004+01:00

Today was the West Bergholt Vehicle Show. As Neil was walking around looking at the other cars he did a double-take as he came across a very rare Bristol indeed. This is a 1949 Stabilimenti Farina bodied 401 Cabriolet. This superb example is chassis number 208 and is finished in Old English White. These cars pre-date Bristol's own convertible based on the 401 chassis - the 402 - and is one of only 4 bodied by the Italian coachbuilder.

Neil took several photos before returning to retrieve his owners' club members list from the glove-box. Unfortunately the owner wasn't listed so Neil went back to try and recruit them into the club but the car had gone. Neil's hoping to catch up with them at another show where they won't escape so easily!

Cressing Temple

2009-07-21T20:01:00.003+01:00

I think Neil and I have made up now after I let him down in France. He took me to a show at Cressing Temple and even bought some new polish which he was particularly excited about.

Even though it took place on a showery Sunday, the show at Cressing was well attended and there were enough breaks between the clouds to make it worthwhile going. However, after the third time leathering me down Neil decided enough was enough and left about 2pm. Not before he had spoken to a great many people about me. It was probably the greatest amount of interest he can remember – perhaps there is greater awareness of the marque now or maybe that new polish did the trick.

He has been using me every day for the past couple of weeks because Figgy (see 24 April 2009) has broken his cambelt and needs some new valves. Neil’s daily driver stepped up to replace him so I’ve been doing the daily commute. I have to say that I feel much better for it but with the recent wet weather Neil has struggled to keep up with cleaning duties.

The polish, for those who are interested, is Auto-Balm by Bilt-Hamber. It goes on really sparingly but does a good job of filling the swirl marks in my paint. It’s completely synthetic containing no waxes and is a bit harder to buff up but initial impressions seem to confirm that it’s worth it.

Home at Last

2009-06-12T22:10:00.005+01:00

This morning at 07:30 I arrived home after a nice man called Paul spent 3 days bringing me all the way from Magalas in an enclosed transporter. Paul works for Ontime Automotive and spends his time transporting cars all over Europe. Neil was initially shocked to see how dirty I was but then relieved once he had carefully checked me over for damage. I was also relieved when Neil removed his bag of dirty washing from my boot!

Now I'm home Neil will want to sort my alternator out, give me a thorough wash and a fresh coat of wax before taking me back on the road.

I Like France ... and I'm Staying!

2009-06-03T17:19:00.004+01:00

By the time you read this Neil and Karen will be safely home but I on the other hand will still be in France. Heading north from Columbieres Sur Orb on the motorway Neil realised that my alternator had failed when I started to cough and splutter. He managed to guide me into a small village and the worst was confirmed. Not carrying a spare, the AA was contacted and allegedly found a garage who could find a part and repair me over the weekend.

Neil and Karen continued to Clermont-Farrand in a Peugeot 308 hire car to admire the art-deco architecture of the town and explore the Puy de Dôme and surrounding volcanoes. Unfortunately the AA's optimism of effecting a repair was misplaced and time ran out (the French lunch-break is sacred and seems to go on for most of the afternoon). Cue a hastily arranged flight home for Neil and Karen and repatriation for me.

Einstein and the Laws of Physics

2009-05-29T18:16:00.000+01:00

We have been at the Domaine Rodie in Columbieres Sur Orb for several days now and Neil has been finding out some interesting history about the villa they're staying in.

Parts of the property date from 1783 but it was a Mr. Cremieu, physicist and professor at the Sorbonne, who took the adjoining colonial villa dating from 1910 as his summer residence.

Mr. Cremieu used to invite his friends and colleagues to stay; these included Albert Einstein and Pierre and Marie Curie. The property has 200m² of catacombs purportedly used by Mr. Cremieu and his friends to carry out experiments. Not much remains of their makeshift laboratory apart from a 5m deep pit the purpose of which is unknown. Neil will do some more research on this when we get home.

The laws of physics came into play the other night when the Carcasson winds blew a storm through the Vallée de l'Orb, lifting a plastic patio table and skimming it across my bonnet. What made it worse was the fact that I was very dusty so it left a scuff mark in my paint. When Neil saw this he gave me a good wash then polished out the scuff mark. It did leave a very small dent in my bonnet but it could have been a lot worse.

Tomorrow we depart for Chamalières where, strangely enough, we are staying on Avenue Pierre et Marie Curie!

I Like France!

2009-05-24T19:09:00.001+01:00

After an epic journey yesterday of over 400 miles from Bilbao we arrived safely at our destination for the next week, the Domaine Rodie in Colombieres Sur Orb. We had to be met in the village and guided in for the last half mile down a dirt track because the battery died on the TomTom just as we were approaching. I on the other hand performed faultlessly and really enjoyed the smooth French roads and the distinct lack of traffic.

Neil checked me this morning and in spite of yesterday consisting mainly of steady and prolonged high-speed driving nothing needed topping up. I'm having a rest today, as is everyone else, before we start to explore the local countryside.

Hola Bertie!

2009-05-22T18:25:00.001+01:00

We arrived in Bilbao this morning and headed straight for the city centre. I think Neil got lost because I'm sure we went through the same toll 3 times before we found the hotel. I was left in the hotel's underground car park while Neil and Karen visited the Guggenheim then explored the old city. Tomorrow is a long drive through France to Colombieres-sur-Orb so I was glad for the rest.

Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion

2009-05-21T09:58:00.001+01:00

Here I am ready to leave Portsmouth for Bilbao; you can see our Ferry, The Pride of Bilbao, in the background. Boarding took ages and I was eventually put on a small section of deck with a steep ramp but we left on time.

Being at sea is a strange experience. I can feel all my fluids moving around but my engine is not running and my wheels are not turning. I lost touch with the MG and Panther I met in the queue and there are only modern euro-boxes for company. All they want to talk about are their folding metal roofs and xenon headlights not the art of proper motoring. The MG for example has no roof but that all adds to the experience and adventure.

Another night at sea before we arrive at Bilbao. Another day of trying to have a sensible conversation with a Peugot 205cc for me; cafes, bars and dolphin watching for Neil and Karen.

European Adventure

2009-05-18T22:50:00.004+01:00

Only a couple of days now until we depart on our European adventure. This is the route we will take after sailing from Portsmouth to Bilbao. We will cover 1,500 miles in 2 weeks, take in some stunning scenery and spend some quality time with friends. Hopefully Neil will take some photographs of me for my album which I'll share with you when we return home.

Test Mobile Blogging

2009-05-18T21:51:00.001+01:00

This is a test update to see whether mobile blogging works. If it does I will be able to keep you updated while I am on my travels; so keep checking back! By the way, the photo shows Bristol bodies being manufactured at Park Royal.

Bertie goes to the Seaside

2009-05-09T20:39:00.004+01:00

On Sunday 3^rd May Neil took me on the 39^th Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle run. This raises money for the Ipswich Transport Museum, which apparently has the largest transportation collection in Britain devoted to just one town. Everything was either made or used in and around Ipswich including several Bristol buses.

Among the 550 other entrants assembling in Ipswich’s Christchurch Park were Barry Naunton from Ipswich with his 410, and Charles Nelson from Thetford with his 409. Neil and Charles continued their discussion about my shared history with his 409; they have now concluded that although we both started out with the Steel Company of Wales, I was with their Chairman whereas Charles’ 409 was with their Managing Director.

At 11:30 we all set off to Felixstowe through the crowds in the park and then past all the people waving from their front gardens. Progress was slow at times as we made our way through several villages and there was a particularly long-winded tailback in Felixstowe where at a crossroads a Policewoman was directing 4 competing queues of traffic. This claimed a few victims as radiators boiled over but I took it in my stride even though I had a radiator full of Radweld!

This was because the week before I thought I would drop a gentle hint to Neil that my radiator might not be up to a 1,500 mile trip through France in a few weeks time. We were queuing at a set of traffic lights and my temperature was quite high when I let a little steam escape. Neil saw this emerging from the bonnet and pulled me in to a lay-by. When he saw that it wasn’t too serious we carried on via Halfords to purchase the aforementioned Radweld. This kept me going until Neil bought me a nice new radiator core made to measure by Colchester Radiator Specialists.

Anyway, when we arrived at our destination I took my place on Felixstowe promenade while Neil and Karen went in search of lunch. Neil had forgotten to bring a picnic and they ended up in a café eating very nice ham egg and chips. This was followed by Peter’s Ice Creams (made in Ipswich) before they came back to see how I was. I was fine of course just soaking up the compliments at the end of a very enjoyable day.

If you want to see grainy footage of me during the run have a look on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-3snRErUA0 at 5:37.

First Show of the Year

2009-04-24T21:20:00.005+01:00

I have just returned from a thorough service at Bristol Cars where they found my near-side track rod joints were worn. They gave me a nice new assembly, fitted some new front brake pads and Brian fixed my window with a new regulator. I will miss the inelegant sight of Neil trying to lean out of the door while retrieving tickets from car park machines but he will be a lot happier now and so will his physiotherapist!

I passed my MOT with flying colours and we had a very busy trip back home on Friday along the M25 and A12. I had a rest yesterday and today we went to our first car show of the year, at Manningtree High School. This is a yearly event with all proceeds going to fund projects for the school and is now one of the biggest shows in the area. There must have been 500 cars but only one other Bristol, a 410 from Ipswich. The weather was fantastic and I spent all day with my friend Figgy, a Nissan Figaro who is looked after by Neil's wife Karen. In the picture I'm showing off where I keep my spare wheel which surprises people as they walk past and is always a talking point.

Next week is the Ipswich to Felixstowe run and I'll let you know how I get on. Hopefully the weather will be just as nice as it was today.

Easter in Chiswick

2009-04-14T17:41:00.005+01:00

I'm spending Easter at Bristol Cars Services in Chiswick, West London. Neil booked me in in preparation for our trip to France. Mr Marelli and his team always make a fuss of me and this time I'm having a 10,000 mile service, an MOT and a problem with my driver's window mechanism looked at. I'll also pick up a few spares while I'm here as Neil thinks we'll drive about 1,500 miles in France and doesn't want to take any chances.

I've only ever let him down twice in the 6 years that we've been together. The first time we were driving back from London on a Sunday night when one of my core plugs fell out. We were only a few miles from home on the A120 when Neil noticed that the heater had started to blow cold air but the temperature gauge had soared. There was also quite an impressive vapour trail behind us!

The second time was at one of the Helmingham Hall shows in Suffolk when my water pump failed as we were driving into the grounds. We managed to park while I deposited 32 pints of coolant on Lord Tollmache's lawn. Most people were none the wiser but we needed a lift home on a flat-bed truck at the end of the day. We were the last to leave the site and even had a visit from his Lordship's butler to make sure we were all right.

Anyway, Bristol Cars Services are very busy which is why Neil has left me here for a few days. Apparently this is because the turnover in used Bristol's is very brisk at the moment - it's always interesting to look at the stock by going to their used car site. I don't mind though as there are plenty of other cars to get to know; a Fighter, Blenheim, 603, 411, and a 409 to name but a few. There's even a bright orange Zagato Zele electric car that Bristol used to distribute in the '70s.

Don't I Look Young?

2009-03-28T15:58:00.007Z

Here's that photo I mentioned a few weeks ago taken when I was about 17. It was 1984 and I was living in Hampshire with Mr Hunter-Cox and a Morris Traveller the same age as me. You can see my original blue colour and I still have the chrome trim along my sides which was removed later when I was repainted. I notice that my hubcaps were missing too but I wear a complete set now which Neil keeps nice and shiny for me.

Mr Hunter-Cox owned several different Bristols at one time or another but Neil has remained faithful, although he does eye up other models from time to time and I think he is secretly fond of the 412. He probably won't do anything about it but you never know ...

Sid in the News

2009-03-18T20:32:00.005Z

There was an item on the ITV West Country News programme recently. It featured Sid Lovesy (88 and still going strong), works director of the Bristol Cars factory in Filton, whom I remember very well because he designed my electrical wiring. Neil has also met him, albeit briefly, when he refused to allow Neil to look around the factory!

Soon after he started looking after me Neil and his wife, Karen, took me on a touring holiday to the Pembrokeshire coast and Wales with a couple of nights in Bristol. There was an event on the docks celebrating Bristol Transport and I was able to take part. Neil popped in to the factory unannounced, met Sid and tried to talk his way in but Sid was very protective of the factory’s development work on the Fighter and other secret projects. Sid was perfectly charming and before Neil knew it he was outside saying goodbye.

They’re going to take me on another touring holiday this year but this time to France. I’ll get Neil to post some details. Perhaps he can show a map and itinerary in case there are any continental Bristols who fancy saying hello on my French adventures.

Parking

2009-03-01T17:12:00.003Z

Saturday turned out to be a nice day so Neil took me into Colchester. After a visit to the Gym he took me into the centre of town for lunch and carefully parked me in a multi-storey car park. I’m often asked about parking safely because not everyone takes the same care over theirs or other people’s cars as Neil does, but with a little thought suitable spaces can be found in most car parks.

The multi-storey we used on Saturday has 8 levels and it tends to fill up from the top down as the top is at street level. However right at the bottom are a dozen or so spaces where the position of the pillars and the height of the roof put most people off. You will often see some very nice motor cars parked down there in splendid isolation from the masses. On Saturday I was opposite an Aston Martin DB9. He wouldn’t talk to me but a nice man and his son ignored the Aston and came over to talk to Neil about a Bristol 407 the man used to own.

I particularly like this one space which has a wall to one side and thick concrete pillars to the other. It is quite awkward to get in to but my slim proportions and manoeuvrability mean that I slip in with ease and feel much protected. The only downside for Neil is that he has to climb 80 steps to get to the High Street (he’s counted) but then he does need the exercise and it is nice that I can accompany Neil on his days out and feel safe when he leaves me on my own.

2009-02-17T21:51:00.003Z

I had an encouraging message at the weekend from the Happy Bristoleer. It was nice to hear from him as he has a well established blog for his 410. As there were only ever 79 of us it will be nice to keep in touch with his car so I have added a link on this page to his Short Stories so please take a look.

I have added a picture at the top of this entry showing a period advertisement. I have got a picture somewhere of me in my younger days. When I find it I'll post it here so you can see how much I've changed.

Hello from a Bristol 410

2009-02-03T19:55:00.005Z

Hello. My name is Bertie and I am a Bristol 410 motor car. I am from the 11th generation of luxury handbuilt high performance cars and was introduced to the world in 1967.

After leaving the factory in Bristol I spent my early years in Swansea with Mr Reg Jones, the Managing Director of the Steel Supply Company of Wales. I then spent many happy years travelling around Southern England until I started to show my age. There was a brief interlude while I had a little work done and then having turned from blue to green I found a new lease of life and carried on with my adventures.

I then started to take life a little easier and moved to East Anglia spending time in Norfolk before finding my new friend Neil about 6 years ago and moving to the Essex/Suffolk border. Neil works in IT so has agreed to set up this blog for me through which he will help to record my continuing adventures.

I hope you find my blog interesting and perhaps I will hear from some of my extended family.