Lot details Registration No: GSL 736 Chassis No: B301T0 Mot Expiry: May 2011
Unique is one of the most abused words in the English language, but is wholly appropriate when applied to the Bentley on offer. Aficianodos of the marque will quickly determine its basic specification, but little is known of how it came into being, or what motivated its creation. Its powerful presence, however, is beyond dispute.
What we do know is that it started life as a 1953 R Type Bentley with Standard Steel body, chassis No. B301TO (registration number NOL 5) and was delivered new to a Mr G E Payne of Rudders & Payne Ltd. Its subsequent reconfiguration into a 'W.O. Bentley-esque', three-seater special is thought to have taken place over a period of some 12 years and perhaps been the work of two people. Neither man is alive today - indeed it appears the owner died shortly after the car was completed, and his widow advertised it for £79,950 during 2001/2. It ultimately changed hands in April 2002 and again in 2007, when it was acquired by the vendor.
The Bentley is mentioned in Ray Roberts' book 'Bentley Specials and Special Bentleys', Vol. 2, page 611, where he describes it as featuring 'two-seater vintage style open bodywork following behind a vintage Bentley Speed Six type radiator'. This imposing machine measures c.16ft long, c.6ft 2in wide and has a c.10ft 7in wheelbase. The flowing coachwork is finished in British Racing Green and the wings in Black. A battery box is mounted on the offside running board. Up front, a pair of Lucas P100 headlights sandwich the aforementioned vintage-style radiator. The interior, that sports two seats up front and a third one in the rear, is trimmed in green leather. The original R Type instruments reside in the centre of a bespoke wooden facia. The gate gearchange is in the middle of the car. Twin brown leather straps secure the extensive bonnet, either side of which is mounted a 21in wire wheel identical to those on which the car rides. The weather equipment comprises both a folding windscreen and a pair of aeroscreens, a double duck hood with oval rear window (plastic) and a tonneau cover - there are no sidescreens.
The special (road registered as 'GSL 736') is powered by what is believed to be 4.25-litre Bentley MKVI engine that's fed by a pair of SU carburettors. The specification includes a modern alternator, twin electric cooling fans, quick release radiator cap and a bespoke exhaust heat shield. Braking is by drums all round and the suspension features Spax telescopic dampers at the rear. We understand the cruciform element of the R Type chassis has been removed.
The vendor has apparently carried out a degree of tidying up during his ownership and regards the coachwork as "very sound", the paintwork as "well finished", the engine as "smooth and without leaks" and the transmission as "quiet and smooth". The Bentley is MOT'd into May 2010 and taxed until the end of April. If you fancy cutting a dash in vintage style, this could well be the car for you.
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