Bristol Cars Gold Portfolio 19461985 Author:R M Clarke The Bristol car which hs been developed over the past forty years is a model of engineering precision which as seldom been matched by other manufacturers. Its design, comfort and performance are admired by all lovers of Classic Cars and its unusual appearance brings admiration from the motor enthusiast and the casual lbserver. To see a Bristol i... more »s a delight and to travel in one is a thrill for anybody, of any age, who is interested in cars. The history of the Bristol begins in 1910 when Sir George White founded the British and Colonial Aeroplane Co. in Filton, Bristol. During the First World War, the factory expanded and in 1920 it became the Bristol Aeroplane Company. Production continued between the two World Wars and increased again between 1939 and 1945 when over 14,000 aircraft were built. However such demand was unlikely to be forthcoming when mass production of military aircraft became less necessary and the Company found itself with a very large surplus of engineering capacity and skill; foresight and intelligence decided that these assets could be used for the manufacture, on a small scale, of quality motor cars.« less