Jaguar made the concept of the continuation car fashionable a few years ago with highly authentic recreations of the D-Type and other icons from its companies’ history. Now, Bristol, a brand resurrected once again following its 2020 bankruptcy, is presenting a reborn model of its own. On display at Salon Privé in the grounds of Blenheim Palace until Sunday, the Fighter harks back to the two-seater sports car of the same name. Featuring gullwing doors and an eight-litre V10 sourced from the Dodge Viper, it was the last completely newly developed Bristol assembled up until 2011. When it comes to the exact production numbers of the original Fighter, historical accounts vary between nine and fourteen examples.

This newly resurrected Fighter is based on an original, yet previously unfinished chassis. Like four other incomplete examples, it will be brought to life in collaboration with an unnamed partner from the UK. One thing is certain: they will not lack horsepower. Even in its base specification, this grounded fighter jet is expected to reach 338 km/h thanks to a 525 hp output, while a tuned version boasting 600 hp is also in the pipeline.

Established in 1945 as a spin-off from the Bristol Aeroplane Company, Bristol Cars introduced its first automobile, the Bristol 400, in 1946, heavily relying on pre-war BMW engineering. From the very beginning, the British marque forged its own path, drawing on its aviation heritage to create cars that blended British luxury, potent performance courtesy of Chrysler engines, and pure individuality. However, the deliberately understated design of these highly exclusive, low-volume cars often proved polarising.

Whether this rebirth will pave the way for more sustainable projects, such as a new four-seater or the hybrid and pure electric models teased during the brand's 2022 refounding, remains to be seen. Thus far, the new Bristol ownership under the guidance of Paul King has kept relatively quiet, yet to announce any concrete future plans.