Bristol Cars is bringing its V10-engined Fighter back into production, ending 15 years of dormancy as the first step in a planned revival of the individualistic British marque. The company, known for building exceptional cars in small numbers, will complete five Fighters to original specification using unbuilt chassis from the original production run, with the first example set to debut at Salon Privé this week.
The Fighter, launched in 2004, was a gullwing-doored luxury GT powered by an 8.0-litre V10 borrowed from the Dodge Viper, producing up to 600bhp and capable of 210mph. Production continued in small numbers until 2011, when the company entered administration, with only 13 cars thought to have been registered. Now, in partnership with an unnamed UK manufacturer, Bristol will build five more Fighters, marking the completion of a programme left unfinished when manufacturing ceased.
The five cars are not traditional continuations but will be sold via Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) and will wear a period-correct 2008 numberplate, reflecting the year in which they were technically built. Left- and right-hand-drive models will be available. The first car, finished in black with a tan interior, will be displayed at Salon Privé, while the remaining four unbuilt cars can be tailored to the owners' specifications. No pricing has been announced, but each is expected to cost significantly more than the original car's £235,000 list price.
Bristol's revival is being steered by new owner and director Paul King, working alongside chairman Richard Hackett, who previously co-ran one of the world's leading Bristol dealerships and is regarded as a leading authority on the company's history. Hackett, who worked with former Bristol boss Tony Crook in the marque's original guise, described Bristol as a firm known for "doing things differently" and emphasised that it "was never a mass-market manufacturer". He said: "It built exceptional cars in small numbers for people who appreciated their individuality, engineering and character. To return as chairman, in Bristol's 80th anniversary year, is a tremendous privilege."
The company said in a statement: "Confirming these last five Fighter chassis and build slots exist, with one already completed, represents more than the revival of a model. It completes a programme left unfinished when manufacturing ended, reconnects Bristol Cars with a tangible part of its history and establishes the first chapter in the marque's return." It added that the completion of the Fighter production run would provide "a natural bridge between what Bristol was and what it intends to become".
While precise details of the company's plans after the Fighters are finished remain unclear, Bristol emphasises that this is "the first step in Bristol's return, not the full extent of it". Autocar understands further cars are possible, potentially including all-new additions rather than resurrections of past models. The firm promises it will stay true to the "individuality, engineering integrity and craftsmanship that have always defined the company".