The first new Bristol car since 2003 will be launched at the Kensington High Street showroom in 2015 in the shape of an all-new 70th anniversary model, codenamed Project Pinnacle.
Since the company was bought in 2011, millions of pounds have been invested in the business to re-establish its place as a renowned British carmaker for a specialist motoring market, with craftsmanship, design, performance and unique character at its heart.
According to the company, the vehicle will be an anniversary celebration, and “a reference to Bristol Cars’ rich and exciting heritage, executed as a modern take on the best of British craftsmanship and engineered to excite as a high performance Bristol car.”
A specialist new parts, service and restoration facility in Brentford, West London was also opened this year as part of the multi-million pound investment, with hundreds of examples of the marque already passing through the workshop.
Plans are also underway to refurbish the Bristol showroom at 368 Kensington High Street with further investment made across the street at number 375 for an additional showroom.
From summer 2015, Bristol Cars will occupy both sides of Kensington High Street with a selection of restored cars for sale on the north side and new vehicles displayed on the other side of the street.
The company also confirmed that development work is underway on a new flagship Bristol Range-Extended Electric grand tourer. Frazer-Nash Research’s technology will underpin the Range-Extended Electric powertrain of this new design from Bristol Cars.
Speaking on behalf of Bristol Cars at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace at the weekend, Sir George White said: “2015 will mark Bristol Cars’ 70th year, and these announcements underline today’s very exciting times at the company.
“Project Pinnacle signifies the re-birth of the brand with a design and character respectful of the company’s rich heritage in Great Britain – in aviation, commercial and luxury automotive – delivered with a modern approach to performance and comfort. This car, along with the investments in Kensington and Brentford, not to mention the advanced development of an all-new super-luxury grand tourer, all make for a very bright and promising future for this company that I hold so dear.”
Bristol Cars’ General Manager, Julian Ramshaw, added: “Today’s announcements signify that we are nearing the completion of ‘Bristol is Reborn’ – phase 1. Investments in our new products and facilities spearhead our modern philosophy for the Bristol marque. We believe that the automotive landscape is changing, particularly in the premium and luxury sector. The definitions of luxury are changing. People’s expectations are changing. And Bristol Cars is changing too. This is just the start, and there is a lot more to come from us.”
