Bristol channels one bidder’s acumen
Leftfield Bentley alternative landed for a bargain price
CAR 1998 Bristol Blenheim 2 SOLD £23,625 ORIGINAL ESTIMATE £24-28k, H&H Classics, 8 December 2021
RICHARD BARNETT
It had clearly been looked after.
History is all with any car that was seriously expensive when new and has now, through age, moved into classic circles. This example had two owners from new, the second since it was a year old, during which time it had been ‘lavishly maintained’, H&H noted. There was a full Bristol service history to 86,000 miles (the odometer showed 92,000) with the last service, in December 2019, costing £8436, with 2017 and 2018 bills each coming to more than £6000. This, clearly, was reassuring for the buyer and the auctioneer reported that the transmission had recently been overhauled and the brakes replaced.
It was straight on the outside.
especially one as rare as the Blenheim, can be an expensive undertaking, so it’s important that this wasn’t overlooked by the buyer. The interior was in good order throughout. The front seats showed signs of use but had no splits and door panels were equally good. The dashboard and steering wheel continued the well-presented theme.
This was a lot of luxury Brit classic for the money.
This Bristol was an unusual offering for the more considered buyer who’s not looking to impress their friends or be the centre of attention; the Blenheim’s far too sophisticated for that. But for the enthusiast who appreciates a usable, capable modern classic grand tourer, even a Continental R doesn’t come close to the Blenheim for value and providing owner’s pleasure. In other words, this was a serious bargain.