Bristol Cars is set to make a comeback with an ambitious plan to revive the gullwinged Fighter supercar, powered by a V10 engine. The British marque, originally founded in 1945 as an offshoot of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, has a long history of producing luxurious and sporting cars.
The company’s first cars were based on pre-war BMW models, but it later developed its own unique cars, usually with big-block Chrysler V8 power. In the early 2000s, Bristol introduced the Fighter sports car, which was powered by the 8.0-litre V10 from the Dodge Viper.
Under the stewardship of Bristol’s new owner and director, Paul King, the company plans to construct four new examples of the V10 Fighter. The new cars will be based on original, unused Fighter chassis, continuing a production process that first started in 2004.
The new Fighters will feature the same Max Boxstrom-designed body, with dramatic doors and an aerodynamic shape that helped the original Fighter reach a claimed top speed of 210mph. Power will come from a Dodge Viper V10 engine, giving the continuation cars 525hp as standard, and the potential for up to 600hp.
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Bristol has already created one ‘new’ Fighter in partnership with a UK production company, which will make its public debut at Salon Privé, held in the grounds of Blenheim Palace from 2-6 September 2026.
Each of the final four Fighters will be tailored to the requirements of their buyers, and are available in either right- or left-hand drive. Bristol says the sports car can be brought into the United States via a ‘Show or Display’ exemption.
No price for the reborn Fighter has been announced, but Bristol will confirm costs to interested parties who apply to buy one of the four cars. The 2026 Fighter is said to continue Bristol’s long tradition of ‘luxury, individuality and exclusivity’.
Joining Bristol for its latest chapter is Richard Hackett, who previously served as a close adviser to former Bristol boss, Tony Crook. Hackett now takes on the role of Bristol’s chairman.
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The announcement of the final Fighter models comes as the British marque celebrates the 80th anniversary of building its first car: a Bristol 400 in 1946. According to the filing, Paul King, director of Bristol Cars, said: “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 added that Bristol has a remarkable story, from its roots in aviation and engineering to the extraordinary and exclusive cars it crafted. The company wants to honour that heritage while giving Bristol a future that is every bit as distinctive.
The return of Bristol Cars is a significant development in the automotive industry, and the new Fighter is likely to generate significant interest among car enthusiasts. With its unique design and powerful V10 engine, the Fighter is set to be a highly exclusive and sought-after car.
It is a new era for Bristol.