In the November 2022 issue of The Automobile…
NO ORDINARY BRISTOL Ordered new by the chairman of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, then driven for a decade by arch-enthusiast Christopher Balfour, then uprated and campaigned in hill climbs and sprints by its next owner, this 1948 Bristol 400 is now in the hands of a young enthusiast. Toby Bruce tells its story……..
We want to develop better links across the membership. In the UK we are setting up regions based on geographical areas. We now have coordinators for the South West, South East and Ireland Regions but we need volunteers for the rest of the country.
It is hoped that the co-ordinator would look to arrange gatherings of the members within their area and perhaps working with other co-ordinators to link members across areas for gatherings or events.
Please click on the following link for more information.
The Pegasus team felt an update on recent and current projects might be of interest to members. Recently, the supplier we had secured for windscreen rubbers decided to retire and his equipment was sold to a supplier who relocated to Poland and so our source was lost. I am glad to say Bill Lawson has secured a supplier who can manufacture to the correct Shure hardness which is important for the seal to secure both the window and trim and avoid cracks at the radius. This seal fits all the cars from the 406 onwards, so well done Bill. A more detailed communication is due imminently on this.
Trevor Wilks has identified suppliers for most of the front screen and a number of the rear screens and this information has been reported in BODAcious. Over recent months, Pegasus has funded him to look at rear screens for some of the cars where a supplier was not identified. It appears the same rear screen fits the 406 to 410. Pilkington have agreed to develop a mould to produce a supply of screens, the cost of which will be built in to the cost of the screens. At present 14 of the potential 100+ members with suitable cars have expressed an interest in obtaining a screen and it appears Pilkington will do a first run. The product will have heater elements so those with older cars who would prefer a heated screen with all it benefits should contact Pegasus promptly to secure one. Future batches are likely to require a minimum of 25 items.
Andy Gibbs has secured the supply of door pulls for the early 400 cars and has sold the first batch of castings. In addition, we have been approached to consider whether it would be practical to re-make the Pegasus wing badges for the 406. The costs of this development were prohibitive for numbers which people were seeking so it was not a project which the team could support.
The Pegasus team have also evaluated the development of brake discs as it was suggested that there was no commercial supplier for a number of models. After careful consideration, due to the safety significant nature of the product, it was felt the complex quality assurance demands of production, the potential risks to owners and others should the QA not be appropriate and the associated indemnity risks were such that the project was abandoned. Pegasus has made a decision not to engage in the production or marketing of brake discs. As it transpires, further investigation showed the initial concerns were unfounded and the team has identified commercial suppliers for brake discs for our cars. The Team can provide members with the details of those companies who are able to provide quality assured products.
Finally, if members require any of the above or have concerns over access to parts for their car, do flag these up to the team and they will review our information to identify possible sources and suppliers. It is from this work that future Pegasus projects develop. All you have to do is fill out our Parts Enquiry form with your requirements. This form can be found under Pegasus Parts on the website but is available to members only.
Keep safe
Mike Hallissey
For the historically interested amongst us, there is an interesting article in June 2021 issue of The Automobile magazine. Delwyn Mallett relates the story behind the development of the BMW 328 including its remarkable engine which of course eventually went on the power the Bristol 2-litre cars. The author eventually fulfils his dream of getting to drive a 1939 example.
Well worth reading!
Colemann Classic Cars has just announced on their Instagram page that Brian Marelli will be back working from 4 May and open for consultations!
Recently two new companies supplying spare parts and services for Bristol cars have been established. Both companies are very active on Instagram so check them out.
The last few weeks has seen a flurry of news releases from Jason Wharton. He has announced plans for the production of a continuation series of cars based on the designs of the Fighter and 411.
A great sell for the 403!
In order to improve accessibility we have now put all the manuals (Instruction Manuals, Spares Handbooks and Workshop Manuals) into a password-protected dedicated area in the Archive under Bristol Manuals.
Note: You have be logged in to access this area.
There is an update on the results of the online auction on the website of the Bristol Owners Heritage Trust, see
Liquidation of Bristol Cars and the Results of the Online Auction.