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the company ...
Established in 1991 to provide a high quality in house restoration service facility for enthusiasts, investors and collectors.
car sales ...
Our selection of classic cars for sale, cars also sold on commission, sourced and pre inspections carried out.
other services ...
Fully equipped premises to offer one stop shop, for all makes of classics, body, paint, mechanical and trim, restoration, repair and servicing.
the upgrades ...
Jaguar XK, MK11 AND E TYPE.Total restoration and upgrades of these magnificent icons, built to individual owners specifications, for motoring in today's world.
contact ...
How to locate us please see site map and the company details. European enquiries welcome.
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... Bristol Classic and Sports Cars Ltd
Established in 1991 to provide a high quality in house restoration service facility for enthusiasts, investors and collectors.
About The Company
Whether you want your classic serviced or fully restored you are putting your car in the hands of professionals who love classic cars at Bristol Classic and Sports Cars. We undertake work on a wide range of cars. Current projects include a Messerschmitt and a 1953 Sunbeam Alpine sports which we plan to have at the Bristol Classic Car show in may. We are just finishing a Jaguar XK150 total restoration and are in the early stages of restoring a 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk. Our work is to a high standard and our hourly rate is reasonable.
Although the Limited company was formed in 2002 Paul Gilmour started restoring cars as Bristol Classic and Reproduction cars in 1991. Early work included finishing a number of kit cars for people including two Cobra kit builds and two C type jaguar reprodutions ,three of these were sold to foreign owners.
Partly because of the C Types Paul was found by the local Jaguar enthusiast s club and over the years has done a lot of work on Jaguars. From Pre war SS cars through XKs, MKIIs and E types up to the XJ6 and XJS models of the 70s and 80s.
Although we carry out a lot of work on XKs E types and Mk2s we also deal with the later XJ models and do a lot of bodywork repairs on all Jaguars.
We have the ability to carry out all the major elements of restoration in house, only chroming, powder coating and some engineering jobs are outsourced, we are able to look on our end result as a company product. The team are quality conscious and will only work to a high standard. Because of this we expect our work to last.
In 2002 when Keith Birch joined the company as a part time director and investor the company moved to new premises as more space was needed and a modern spray booth with low bake facility was installed. The business expanded steadily with a second unit being rented to store sales cars and cars awaitng work. But in October 2006, with a full order book for the next 6 months, disaster struck in the form of a fire caused by our neighbours a fireworks display company, our main workshop containing 11 cars 8 of which were Jaguars and all our equipment was totally destroyed.If we had not had a second building we would not have survived.
We have a very skilled, loyal and dedicated workforce of 5 but they needed to earn a living. If they had been lost at that time the company would probably not be here today.
We were back in operation in under a month and in full swing with a new spray-booth by the start of 2007.
booked work to keep existing customers happy.
We welcome visitors to see our work, as we believe it to be our best advert. We do ask people to get in touch before coming in to ensure someone has time to talk to them and that there is something interesting to see,which there usually is.
At this year's Bristol Classic Car Show we had two cars on our stand, that had been restored by our team. We were, therefore, very pleased to receive a first in class and highly commended award. Especially as this was only three months after our fire.
We are conveniently located 5 minutes from Junction 20 on the M5.
Our Team
Jamie Holdaway, was Paul's first employee, having completed various College courses on welding and vehicle restoration.Jamie loves pre war cars and is restoring an Austin Seven Swallow.
Phil Meech handles paintwork but is a complete allrounder. Phil has 30 years experience in the trade.Another enthusiast Phil has restored a Triumph Stag which he now runs for pleasure.
Most mechanical work is looked after by Sam Winter with Paul lending a hand where needed. Sam has been in the business 16 years and has joined us to get more involved in real mechanical work.
John Plows is the person you will normally speak to if you ring us. John joined the company in 2005 to handle Workshop Planning and Spares.
John sources classic spares for our work and other customers and ensures work is as on schedule as possible - given the unpredictability of big restorations.
John has a much loved E type Jaguar.
Keith Birch was the other director of the company. Keith retired in 2002 and joined Paul. A lifelong classic car lover Keith delt with sales and helped with systems organisation. Sadly Keith passed away just after xmas 2008 very suddenly ,he was a good friend and business partner we will miss him and his much appretiated help during the last six years.
Our aim is to produce quality work at reasonable cost. We have an experienced team and as much work as possible is done in house in order to control quality.
Our sales side has expanded over recent years and we sell a number of cars on commission each year. We are always pleased to have new vehicles to sell
Our specialist range of upgraded Jaguar MK11 / E Types and XKs which are total nut and bolt restorations give the discerning customer the benefit of classic styling ,individuality better performance and safety for todays modern traffic needs.
If you are thinking of buying a classic Paul will be happy to talk through your options and suitable cars.We also carry out pre purchase inspections if you want a second opinion on a car you are thinking of buying.
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