Case Studies
We have been privileged to have been instructed by our clients on a number of notable cases. Below are a selection of case studies to demonstrate a flavour of our work.

Bristol Cars Limited
Purpose
Liquidation
Sector
British Hand Built Luxury Motor Vehicles
Task
Valuation, Marketing & Sale
Location
United Kingdom, London

The liquidation of Bristol Cars has been conducted with great care and diligence to preserve the legacy of this iconic British brand. At Wyles Hardy & Co, we are committed to achieving the best outcomes through a transparent and professional process for all parties involved. – Dave Fletcher, Director of Wyles Hardy & Co.

Overview
Bristol Cars, a historic British luxury car manufacturer, faced liquidation in 2020 due to financial struggles. Wyles Hardy & Co. was engaged to handle the valuation and sale of key assets, including vintage vehicles, a prototype car, historic manufacturing and production assets, workshop and garage equipment, the complete inventory of spare parts (across the full range of car production since the 1940’s) and the company’s extensive archives. This case study outlines the process of appraising and auctioning these highly specialised and historically significant items.
Method
Wyles Hardy conducted an in-depth valuation of the Bristol Cars assets, assessing its irreplaceable archive including original design blueprints and sales records, unique manufacturing assets and historic cars. The assets were marketed globally through online platforms and targeted networks, ensuring visibility among collectors, investors, and automotive enthusiasts. Media and public relations efforts boosted interest, particularly for the historical significance of the items.
Subsequent to an auction sale a 1949 Bristol 400 Saloon was appraised for its historical and collector value, factoring in its condition and provenance, the 1966 Bristol Bullet Speedster was appraised based on rarity and market comparisons, while the 2016 prototype (Project Pinnacle) required a unique valuation approach due to its one-of-a-kind status.
Results
- The Bristol Cars assets were sold internationally, exceeding initial estimates.
- The 1949 Bristol 400 Saloon and 1966 Bullet Speedster realised strong prices from international collectors whilst the 2016 Bristol Bullet Speedster prototype sold above expectations, reflecting its collectible potential.
Conclusion
The auction of Bristol Cars’ assets highlighted the importance of understanding niche markets and the historical significance of luxury brands. Wyles Hardy’s global auction strategy successfully targeted the right buyers, maximising returns for unique items such as prototypes and historical archives. The sale demonstrated how prototypes, though challenging to value, can attract significant interest due to their rarity. Additionally, the preservation of historical documents through sale to museums underscores the cultural and educational value of such assets. This case underscores Wyles Hardy’s expertise in handling complex and high-value auctions