Bristol Cars revs up for a return

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 3, 2026

Bristol Cars is relaunching in 2026 with plans to produce five new bespoke supercar models, including the 210 mph Bristol Fighter, after more than a decade of inactivity. The revival under new owner Paul King aims to maintain the brand’s exclusivity while broadening its customer base and expanding production and sales within the UK.

Bristol Cars, the British luxury automobile manufacturer known for its exclusivity and bespoke craftsmanship, is preparing to re-enter the market more than a decade after it went into administration. Founded in 1945 as an offshoot of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, the brand is set to relaunch with plans to produce a limited run of supercars, marking a significant revival of the storied marque.

The company intends to introduce five new supercar models initially, including the Bristol Fighter, a two-seat vehicle featuring gull-wing doors and powered by an 8.0-litre V10 engine. The Fighter boasts a top speed of 210 mph and will be tailored extensively to the preferences of individual buyers. Pricing details have not been fully disclosed, but company representatives suggested it will be somewhat less than £1 million.

Bristol Cars has historically maintained a highly selective approach to its clientele, with previous policies reportedly involving personal vetting of buyers. The late Tony Crook, a former owner who passed away in 2014, was known for his strict refusal to sell vehicles to those he deemed unsuitable, sometimes turning away customers unwilling to meet his terms. The new leadership under owner Paul King has indicated a shift away from this approach, emphasizing a more open sales policy while maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality and exclusivity.

King highlighted that Bristol’s identity has always been rooted in discretion, luxury, and high performance. He expressed confidence in the brand’s potential to appeal to both longstanding enthusiasts and a younger generation of buyers with aspirations for unique, finely crafted automobiles. “If you’re Noel Gallagher and you want to buy a Bristol, then welcome on board,” King said, signalling a broader customer base than in previous years.

Production will be carried out in partnership with an undisclosed leading British manufacturer, with manufacturing continuing within the United Kingdom. The company plans to expand its dealership network beyond its former single showroom on Kensington High Street in London, which has since been closed. The revival effort is privately funded, though the identities of the investors have not been made public.

Richard Hackett, chairman of Bristol Cars, echoed the company’s commitment to distinctiveness and artisanal engineering. He noted that Bristol was never intended to be a mass-market operation but has consistently catered to collectors and buyers who appreciate the brand’s individual character and engineering excellence.

Following ownership by notable figures including Bono, Liam Gallagher, and Sir Richard Branson, the company’s renewed strategy aims to balance exclusivity with accessibility, reviving a brand that has long held a unique position in British automotive history. The relaunch is scheduled for 2026, marking an 80th anniversary milestone for the marque.

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