Registration: JFG471V
Chassis: 7889276Z
Odometer: 2500
Transmission: Automatic
MOT: Exempt

• One of approximately 20 Beaufighters built
• Last MOT’d in 2010
• Many serviceable parts
• 7 former keepers
• Supplied with V5C

The Bristol Beaufighter was a luxury grand tourer produced by the British manufacturer Bristol Cars between 1980 and 1993. It was developed as the successor to the Bristol 412 and retained the distinctive two-door convertible layout with a removable targa-style roof and fixed rear roll hoop. Named after the famous wartime aircraft, the Beaufighter introduced turbocharging to Bristol’s long-used Chrysler-derived V8 engine, giving the car significantly improved performance while maintaining the brand’s traditional emphasis on refinement and long-distance comfort. Early versions used a 5.9-litre V8 with a turbocharger that provided strong acceleration and smooth high-speed cruising, making the Beaufighter one of the fastest cars Bristol had built at the time. As with most Bristol models, production numbers were very low and cars were largely hand-built for individual customers, contributing to the model’s exclusivity and rarity today. Precise numbers are hard to come by but most estimates suggest a production run of around 20 cars.

We are pleased to offer this 1980 Bristol Beaufighter in Arrow Red with black/red leather interior. First registered in May 1980 and originally silver with black leather, this must have been one of the earliest Beaufighters produced. It would have been an eccentric and eye-wateringly expensive purchase but the original owner clearly loved it because it was kept by him for over 26 years. During that time it wore the rather impressive and distinctive registration plate, MR26. There have been 7 former keepers in total, our vendor purchasing it in 2023 with a view to a full restoration. Sadly, the restoration company he entrusted it to went bust before starting work on it and he has lost heart in the project.

With all our project cars, we urge potential bidders to come and visit our halls here in Cheshire and view the car in person so that you can be sure of the condition and exactly what is included. We have tried to give you a flavour with our usual photographs but with a car in this condition we cannot hope to cover every aspect. It is certainly not a car for the faint of heart, having no doubt spent a considerable period of time out in the elements. Nevertheless, being constructed of aluminium panels means that the bodywork is surprisingly together. There is side glass in place and a screen (possibly rear window) in the car. We believe the alloy wheels could be the originals, as there are some Bristol branded centre caps in the car, and they are shod with new rubber. There will be a number of other Bristol-specific parts present that are no doubt extremely difficult to source. It does roll although steering is not a strong point. Needless to say, we have made no attempt to start it.

The car comes with V5C only.

For such a grand and rare car, it is sad to see this Beaufighter reduced to its current state. It needs someone with imagination, deep pockets and maybe an emotional attachment to the model to bring it back to life. Alternatively, another Beaufighter owner may see it as a source of parts to keep their ultra-rare Bristol on the road. Whichever it is, the car is offered with no reserve and will go to the highest bidder.