With 134 years of engineering experience and 21 years of business development, the team at Spencer Lane-Jones Limited has the facilities and expertise to undertake anything from a routine service to a ground-up restoration of any model of Bristol. We have considerable experience of the rarer models including 402, 404 and 405 DHC, as well as Abbot, Touring, Farina, Viotti and Zagato-bodied models from 400 to 412.
We carry out most work in-house, using the wide range of skills, specialist machinery and special tools which enable us to repair, modify, reproduce or re-manufacture parts to original specifications. In some cases, we use modern technology and materials to achieve increased durability or compatibility with current environmental standards. For example:
- engines can be modified to use unleaded fuel and built to any desired state of tune;
- modern paints can be used which are much longer-lasting than original finishes;
- braking and transmission systems can be improved by the incorporation of servos, disc brakes and overdrives;
- up-to-date tyres, suspension and shock absorber technology can improve handling beyond the manufacturer's original specifications.
When possible, we will supply spare parts. In many cases, Bristol Cars Services Ltd (with whom we have no connection) may be the best source of spares, particularly since they have recently commissioned a number of items which have been unobtainable for many years. If they are unable to supply, we may be able to suggest alternative sources at beneficial prices.
We make no charge for estimates, and valuations are prepared free of charge for cars that we know and have inspected. A charge is made for inspecting and valuing cars that we have not previously worked on or inspected.
Customers are encouraged to liaise directly with the mechanic appointed to coordinate their particular project and then to take an active interest in the work being done. We take pride in producing detailed narrative invoices for every project. This not only helps the customer understand exactly what has been done and why, but describes how long the job took, what spare parts were used and how much everything cost. The resulting records aid accurate accounting and build up a continuous service history, adding value to every car on which we work. We are pleased to say that the transition to Limited Company status has not affected the standards of workmanship and the level of personal service that customers have come to expect over the years.
We do not buy or sell cars, as experience has shown that this can result in a conflict of interests. It is regrettable but undeniable that Bristol cars are currently undervalued and that it is impossible to restore them properly for anything approaching their resale value. Fortunately, however, there exists a small band of discriminating enthusiasts who sufficiently value quality craftsmanship and engineering integrity to ensure that a part of British motoring history is preserved. This is the market we seek to serve.
We do not claim to be cheap, but believe that we offer the best service and value available to owners of all Bristol models from 400 to Blenheim.