1965 Bristol

[SoCal'beaming]

Saw this one and noticed the taillights .... are those Sunbeam lights? .... What's the connection between the two? https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/clayton-1965-bristol-409-coupe-ultra/7646111410.html

..... David

 

[todd reid]

Rootes purchased their lights from Lucas, who made a lot of lights that are similar if not identical - Alpine - Minx - TR4, etc. Rootes & Bristol were both large WWII era defense contractors that surely crossed paths on occasion, but I have not read of any financial ties between the two. I am not familiar enough with the Bristol to say if the taillights are identical or just similar.

 

[alpine_64]

Ok.. to add some history.. Bristol like Aston Martin and other bespoke high-end cars would often purchase switchgear, elec components and window handles accessories etc from the various British suppliers rather than invest in bespoke components.

The tail lights and housing on the 400 series Bristol's used lucas lamps made for Rootes ... Note that Rootes to save money switched away from the bespoke alpine series I-3 rear lamps to the same units they used on all their minx, husky, sceptre, superminx, vogue, gazelle, alpine, rapier .. the same lamps are used on Turner sports cars as well. Small mfg would just purchase the parts

The 70s v8 astons used the hillman hunter tail light units...

This 'parts bin" raiding is still comon today....

 

[Bill Blue]

Well in that case, Modified Alpine builders can say we've just extended the source of parts in the parts bin. In short, the world of parts is our Apple.
Bill