Bristol Fighter in Top Gear

Last month saw a drive of the Bristol Fighter published in Top Gear magazine and the same review has now found its way onto the Top Gear website - click here to take a look.

The old girl back in action!

It has been over six months since my 411 was last on the road; a cooling issue when a pipe split suddenly turned into Winter. The poor girl has been sat on my drive looking sorry for herself ever since.

However, a couple of weekends ago my father came down and we made light of a job which needed at least two pairs of hands -- getting a new pipe fitted to the block in a place that is quite hard to get to. Fix performed we even got her started quite easily too -- very impressive considering the lay up. I needed a new battery though, although this was a fairly painless acquisition as Halfords actually list Bristol in their in-store fitment guides.

Today I have been for a quick spin to make sure everythings works -- it does! -- and the next thing to do is call Brian Marelli at Bristol Car Services and get her booked in for a service and to get an MoT sorted. This will also require sorting a few niggles: a lazy speedo and non-functioning rev counter, plus an overhaul of the rear brakes which are next to useless.

Since my last report I have also treated the old girl to an AutoPyjama Auto-Storm cover from PermaBag. It is intended for outside use so is hardwearing and waterproof. It is also designed to breath so can be put over a car that has been left wet apparently -- I nearly had to test this today! I have also specified the optional straps to protect it in strong winds; and the optional steel belt and lock to protect it from the less desirable of today's society. I'll be reporting how it fares.

The only other thing to report is that I have a faulty switch for the driver's window. Unfortunately I am led to believe these are no longer made, so I;m facing having to have this one stripped and reconditioned. If anyone knows anyone offering this service I'd love to hear from you -- e-mail address at the bottom.