Lot details Registration No: FYU 805 Chassis No: B149MX Mot Expiry: T.B.A.
Highly prized among collectors, the 101 Derby Bentley MX-series cars made boasted a strengthened 4257cc engine and four-speed `overdrive' gearbox. A loyal Bentley customer, Edgar Bee Beck Esq took delivery of chassis B149MX (his fourth Derby) from Jack Olding & Co on 3rd November 1939. Bodied as a Touring Saloon by Hooper & Co, it sported a sunshine roof, side-mounted spare wheel and opening front quarter lights. Subsequently owned by his son and registered to John Mowlem & Co (the construction giant of which they were both directors), `FYU 805' remained part of the Beck family until July 1957. Thereafter the Bentley is known to have belonged to Arthur F. Longbottom Esq of Sale, Frank Gallant Esq of Northholt and John Proctor Esq of Limpsfield before entering the current ownership via Sargeants of Goudhurst during May 1980.
Believed but not warranted to have covered just 86,700 miles from new, chassis B149MX carries a discreet plaque which suggests that it was refurbished by Hooper Motor Services Ltd during the 1960s. Retaining its factory-fitted powerplant and seemingly its original leather upholstery, the Touring Saloon is by no means concours but presents as nicely patinated and all of a piece. Part of a significant private collection for the last thirty-three years during which time it has covered a mere 8,000 miles, `FYU 805' participated in 60th anniversary celebrations of the Derby Bentley. Last MOT tested during April 2005, the four-seater has recently undergone some light recommissioning and will hopefully be accompanied by a fresh MOT certificate. Featured in 'Bentley Fifty Years of the Marque' by Johnnie Green and 'Bentley - The 1938/1939 Overdrive Cars' by Mervyn Frankel and Ian Strang, this delightful MX-series 4.25 Litre is offered for sale with continuation buff logbook, assorted MOTs dating back to 1979, sundry invoices and copy chassis cards.
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