Pre war Le Mans style Bentleys
Discussion
coppice said:
Imposing and imperious indeed. But ..give me a Type 35 Bugatti any day. There., I've said it.Yikes.
A few years back at the Phoenix there were both parked up and the owner of the Bugatti was eyeing up the Bentley and said "Now that's what I really want". Seems you can never be satisfied. As
Roy C said:
Don't be a spoilsport,...have BOTH. 
Now if only the Lottery remembers to turn up the right numbers tonight.But then again I'd have a hard time deciding which Alvis to have too.
austin said:
Roy C said:
coppice said:
Imposing and imperious indeed. But ..give me a Type 35 Bugatti any day. There., I've said it.Yikes.
Don't be a spoilsport,...have BOTH. 
I think the T50 was the closest Bugatti ever came to building something like a Bentley, although apparently he wasn't keen on the car himself.
Edited by Roy C on Saturday 14th February 06:47
The Cricklewoods are truly magnificent cars that can't fall but bring a smile to your face when you see them. I think that was is a little bit unique about these cars is that they carry a 'spirit' of ownership that seems strong enough to define who owns them to this day and this means that instead of attracting owners who want to keep them in glass houses away from prying eyes and the elements, very many of them are owned by people who are a bit bonkers.
There are a couple in the Cotswolds which almost seem to be used as regular cars as you see them out and about far more than any of the other cars which are all tucked away in every third barn out here.
At the same time I always keep meaning to look into these cars history a little more as my great grandfather raced them at Brooklands and there are family stories of him racing HF Morgan in his cars up the driveway after long lunches.
There are a couple in the Cotswolds which almost seem to be used as regular cars as you see them out and about far more than any of the other cars which are all tucked away in every third barn out here.
At the same time I always keep meaning to look into these cars history a little more as my great grandfather raced them at Brooklands and there are family stories of him racing HF Morgan in his cars up the driveway after long lunches.
Like one of the correspondents said, there are many replicas around, many beautiful and others, usually post war Mk 6 based are ugly because the builders have not looked at some basic proportions of vintage cars, the most obvious in my opinion being that the radiator sits on or slightly behind the centre line of the front axle. Genuine Bentleys are interesting from an engineering point because the OHC is driven by eccentrics, like some steam engine valve gear, which made me wonder if they could be shifted into reverse! Mr Bentley began as a marine engineer which explains this layout. As regards performance, they'd be slow by modern standards until wound up, but being able to average around 70 for 24 hours in the twenties on a dirt surface is impressive by any standards.
The Derby Bentleys remain handsome cars but the engines, whilst well made, are much more conventional.
The Derby Bentleys remain handsome cars but the engines, whilst well made, are much more conventional.
Many moons back I chased a Bentley and, what I believe was, a Riley MPH on some local back roads (South Cerney/Cirencester) and they weren't hanging about. I was on my Yamaha cafe racer and hauling in the Riley was easy, the Bentley however once caught was a delight just to sit behind. The occasional waft of oil, the fantastic noise... and the road presence. If I remember right I think the whole family were on board at the time, all wrapped in hats and scarves. I finally overtook, to avoid being showered in gravel, to a host of waving. A few years later I read in the local paper that there had been a fatal accident involving a vintage Bentley so can only presume, sadly, that it was the same chap.
Getting on for ten years ago, after my other half had a particularly nasty bike accident, we were having to attend Stoke Mandeville hospital, sometimes two or three times per week. Highlights of our visits were the occasional sightings of a pre war Bentley around Dorchester to Great Milton - looked fantastic barreling through the rain and the driver even acknowledged our old Triumph 2000, he'll never know quite how much he brightened up our (what were sometimes pretty awful and depressing) days.
Getting on for ten years ago, after my other half had a particularly nasty bike accident, we were having to attend Stoke Mandeville hospital, sometimes two or three times per week. Highlights of our visits were the occasional sightings of a pre war Bentley around Dorchester to Great Milton - looked fantastic barreling through the rain and the driver even acknowledged our old Triumph 2000, he'll never know quite how much he brightened up our (what were sometimes pretty awful and depressing) days.
MGJ2 said:
I have met people who own a T35 and I have met people who own a Bentley but I have never met someone who owns a T35 and a Bentley.
They do exist. Nick Mason would be a well known, public individual with both (4.5 WO and a 35B) but there are several others. Bugettis and Bentley love isn't mutually excusive, my ideal garage would contain a Red Label 3 Litre and a Type 51!rolando said:
Rower said:
Good call Roy but the 3 litre with the Supercharger does it for me !
Sureley you mean the 4 1/2 litre blown Bentley
The unique red 3 litre supercharged car appeared in Brian Johnson's "Cars That Rock."
swisstoni said:
Can someone tell me what the deal is with the leather (if that's what it is) around the doors and forward of the windscreen?
I've always wondered what it is and why.
Look up "Weymann Patent", http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weymann_Fabric_BodiesI've always wondered what it is and why.
Used fabric instead of aluminium or steel for the covering of the ash frame work.
Was lighter and quieter, but the padding could get wet and rot everything.
Not all fabric bodies were to the Weymann system of spaced joints.
rovermorris999 said:
I dream of a pre-war Bentley. The best I've managed so far is a Daimler E20. There's something about pre-war cars that gets under your skin.
[/URL]
I know what you mean ,its the interiors for me and the smell of old leather. I don't have a period car but I always spend time at the Car shows with the owners who obviously take great pride in their cars.[/URL]Edited by rovermorris999 on Wednesday 25th February 06:15
johnxjsc1985 said:
rovermorris999 said:
I dream of a pre-war Bentley. The best I've managed so far is a Daimler E20. There's something about pre-war cars that gets under your skin.
[/URL]
I know what you mean ,its the interiors for me and the smell of old leather. I don't have a period car but I always spend time at the Car shows with the owners who obviously take great pride in their cars.[/URL]Edited by rovermorris999 on Wednesday 25th February 06:15
Have a long association with Daimlers and Lanchesters. Dad had nearly one of every model from 1932 onwards.over the years. He was a friend of Ben Mason ( i used to work there for 'pennies' when i was about 8 ) I had a Conquest Century in 1966 and kept it for 4 years when pending marriage and 20 mpg forced its sale. Still miss the old girl. now looking to get another, but woul also like an LD10,DB18, Consort and a straight 8. Mrs Fox is going mental everytime i mention it, as she knows i wont sell the Royce ( 90 Spirit 11) but i might if the right car came along
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