Bristol started out as an aircraft manufacturer and branched out to cars in 1947 with a BMW based saloon. Sold on their exclusivity and sober styling the cars had a loyal following. Later cars used American V8 engines but still used the same basic chassis as the 1950’s cars. Post 1970’s cars were suitably modernised but Bristol retained that ‘old money’ feel with one to one personal owner relationships with the factory. The company stopped making cars in 2011.