Bristol Cars Revives Viper-Powered Fighter Supercoupe
The defunct British marque Bristol Cars is reviving its V-10-powered Fighter supercoupe, with plans to build five final examples using original chassis and
The Bristol Fighter supercoupe is being revived. The defunct British carmaker's ambitious V-10-powered model will return in a limited run of five new cars.
Current Bristol owner Paul King acquired the company in 2022. He also obtained the original drawings and chassis for the 2004 eight-liter V-10-powered Fighter. King has vowed to finish the production run, stating that bringing back the Fighter will "complete an unfinished story" for Bristol before the company start a new chapter.
"Bringing Bristol Cars back is about far more than reviving a name; it is about bringing back the spirit of a marque that has always stood apart," King told Hagerty. He emphasized honoring the brand's heritage in aviation and engineering while securing a distinctive future.
The Final Squadron of Fighters
The company's immediate focus is delivering a final squadron of Fighters. The first completed example is finished in black over a tan interior, accessed by its signature gullwing doors. Power comes from a 518-horsepower version of the Dodge Viper's V-10 engine. Buyers can opt for an upgrade to 592 horsepower if the standard 212-mph top speed is insufficient.
The hand-beaten, wind-cheating aluminum body and box-section chassis were originally the work of former Brabham F1 engineer Max Bostrom. The design achieved a drag coefficient of 0.28. A six-speed manual gearbox was standard, with a four-speed automatic offered as an option. Bristol indicates this setup will likely be the same for the final cars.
Specifications and Availability
The company states it can build the Fighters in right- or left-hand drive configurations. U.S. Buyers will reportedly be able to import the vehicles under Show or Display regulations. The revival coincides with 2026, which will mark 80 years since the first Bristol car was built.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | Dodge Viper-sourced 8.0L V-10 |
| Standard Power | 518 horsepower |
| Optional Power | 592 horsepower |
| Top Speed | 212 mph |
| Body Material | Hand-beaten aluminum |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.28 |
| Standard Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Optional Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Door Type | Gullwing |
| Drive Configurations | Right- or left-hand drive |
Leadership and Heritage
To guide the revival, King has recruited Richard Hackett as Chairman. Hackett was a close advisor to Tony Crook, Bristol's long-term owner prior to the company's initial closure in 2011. "With Richard Hackett returning to the company, we have brought together an exceptional combination of heritage, knowledge, engineering and craftsmanship," said King.
The Fighter was the most ambitious model in Bristol's history. Its return is positioned as the first step for the revitalized firm. "This is the beginning of Bristol’s return," King stated, "and there is much more to come." The company's roots trace back to aircraft manufacturing, an engineering legacy reflected in the car's aerodynamics and name.
