Toby Silverton, the managing director of British luxury carmaker Bristol Cars, is stepping down in order to concentrate on his aviation businesses.

William Chia, director of Bristol Automotive Group and group director of operations of Frazer-Nash, said: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank Toby for helping us during the crucial transition period since we became guardians of the Bristol Cars marque in April and we’re delighted that we will still have access to his input should the need arise.

"This is an exciting chapter in the company’s history in which we are investing in the development of new Bristol cars adopting Frazer-Nash’s green technology as well as in the Kensington showroom, which will continue to sell the best selection of cars from Bristol’s magnificent 65 year history.”

Silverton added: "I am profoundly optimistic about Bristol’s future. The next-generation technology, engineering resource and investment that Bristol now has access to will ensure that the new cars live up to their high tech heritage."

The appointment of a new general manager of Bristol Cars will be announced soon.

Silverton, who made his fortune from his aviation parts businesses, bought Bristol Cars in 2001.

But in March 2011 the carmaker went into administration, before being bought a month later by Kamcorp, a subsidiary of the electric and hybrid powertrain developer Frazer Nash.

It has one showroom, in Kensington, London.