1987 Bristol Beaufighter

Bristol Cars launched the Beaufighter in 1980, named after the World War II bomber aircraft manufactured by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, which turned to motor vehicle production at the end of the War. Bristol cars retain the exclusivity, rarity and welcome unpretentiousness their owners prefer compared to the somewhat ostentatious offerings of their competitors. Despite this claim, at launch, the Beaufighter was the fastest four-seater convertible in the world and one of the first turbo charged cars of the 1980s.

The distinctive Zagato penned styling and unique roof options are like no other large convertible, with the Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible and Bentley Turbo being the likeliest competitors when introduced. Indeed, the Bristol was priced almost identically to the Bentley 8 during its production life.

In keeping with its aircraft heritage all body panels are in aluminium and the car was painstakingly hand-built at Filton, Bristol, in the shadow of Concorde's birthplace. Of just 20 Beaufighters produced few have the desirable removable targa roof section which in itself is fitted with a removable sunroof, although all vehicles have the convertible Coupe de Ville folding rear section some with a hard top option in addition. For flexibility of convertible cruising options the Beaufighter is unbeatable.

The car is endowed with the standard Bristol 5.9 litre V8 but in Beaufighter guise is fitted with a Roto-Master turbo providing over 330 bhp, huge levels of torque, 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 150mph. Positive and sensitive ZF steering, all round adjustable Koni shock absorbers and up-rated suspension all provide the surprisingly stable handling that you would expect of a marque with a motor racing pedigree, whilst at the same time accommodating five adults in supreme comfort.

E536 AGJ was first registered in 1987 as one of the last cars produced. It has four previous owners and genuine confirmed mileage of 85,000. The current owner has invested heavily in the car to maintain total reliability and the car won the Bristol Owners' Club Class Concours D'Etat in 2009 and was runner up in the two years prior.

The extremely comprehensive history file documents every penny spent in the last 8 years. Work includes, repaint, new battery, new alternator, new rapid starter motor, replacement Bosch fans, new carburettor and turbo assembly, new tyres, replacement rear hood, refurbished headlining and leather interior, new carpets throughout, new additional rear silencer for quieter running and there are substantial servicing and maintenance invoices from Bristol Cars and American Car Care, London; Specialists in Bristol vehicles.

The vehicle has recently undergone an assessment and report by Bristol Cars Limited at their London workshops to confirm the integrity of the car and details some relatively minor works, which may be scheduled to bring the car to perfection; should the new owner so desire.

Offered with MOT until June 2014 and tax until the end of this year, subject only to insurance, this genuine example is ready to drive home from the auction.