Bentley Drivers Club
Discussion
Good afternoon,
This post is addressed to drivers of Bentleys who are not members of the BDC.
I am trying to get a feel for why some Bentley drivers don't join the BDC. Are we too snooty or exclusive? Too old? Are we too focussed on cars from the 1920s and 1930s? Maybe we are not active in your country. It does not matter whether you have experience of BDC or not, I would just like your perception of the Club in advance of a Board meeting in a couple of weeks time.
If BDC members would like to add their view, they are welcome, but it would be handy to be able to separate replies from BDC and non-BDC members, so write BDC member at the end of your post please.
Thank you all in anticipation of a flood of replies!
David.
This post is addressed to drivers of Bentleys who are not members of the BDC.
I am trying to get a feel for why some Bentley drivers don't join the BDC. Are we too snooty or exclusive? Too old? Are we too focussed on cars from the 1920s and 1930s? Maybe we are not active in your country. It does not matter whether you have experience of BDC or not, I would just like your perception of the Club in advance of a Board meeting in a couple of weeks time.
If BDC members would like to add their view, they are welcome, but it would be handy to be able to separate replies from BDC and non-BDC members, so write BDC member at the end of your post please.
Thank you all in anticipation of a flood of replies!
David.
Hi BruceV8 - Turbo Rs are highly regarded within the BDC and look set to appreciate in value. Your profile doesn't sound off-putting - we have plenty of eccentric baldies in our membership, and even the ones from Wales and Scotland are tolerated and indulged!. There are two BDC regions for the South East - essentially one for north of the Thames and one for the south. Both have many events throughout the year like November 4th for the London to Brighton run, where you can have lunch and watch the procession.
If you don't join, you'll never know what you are missing! BDC web site gives details of all events, but is not highly regarded and is due a re-vamp.
Best wishes,
David.
If you don't join, you'll never know what you are missing! BDC web site gives details of all events, but is not highly regarded and is due a re-vamp.
Best wishes,
David.
I think you will be OK with Stewart Walker, although I have no experience of them. You will also find Phantom Motors at Crondall (Farnham) know their stuff. Congratulations on acquiring a Bentley - I hope you will find BDC membership pleasurable.
I think you will come within the Mid West Region of the BDC, of which I am the local Chairman. We have lunches planned for 17th October at the Balmer Lawn hotel in Brockenhurst, and at the Bell House hotel at Sutton Benger on 15th November. Our Christmas Lunch is at the Essebourne Manor hotel at Hurstbourne Tarrant on 2nd December. Further ahead, we have a 10 day tour of Champagne in mid-May 2019 to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Bentley Motors.
Best wishes,
David.
I think you will come within the Mid West Region of the BDC, of which I am the local Chairman. We have lunches planned for 17th October at the Balmer Lawn hotel in Brockenhurst, and at the Bell House hotel at Sutton Benger on 15th November. Our Christmas Lunch is at the Essebourne Manor hotel at Hurstbourne Tarrant on 2nd December. Further ahead, we have a 10 day tour of Champagne in mid-May 2019 to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Bentley Motors.
Best wishes,
David.
Hello mmarksx19
The North East BDC region is one of our smaller groups, with only about 180 members. It has regular Noggin 'n Natters at venues dotted around the region. As a small region, it is not as active socially as some of the larger regions. As to the BDC chat room - I seldom use it, preferring Pistonheads which reaches a wider audience. Technical advice on the modern generation of Bentleys is probably easier to find via Pistonheads.
On the wider BDC front, there is plenty to get involved in. Next year we want 1000 Bentleys at Blenheim Palace for our annual Concours. There is an active racing programme, There's a weekend in Portmeirion coming up in early October and next year you can take a 26 night tour of South Australia and Tasmania if you want a £10,000 holiday.
Best wishes
David.
The North East BDC region is one of our smaller groups, with only about 180 members. It has regular Noggin 'n Natters at venues dotted around the region. As a small region, it is not as active socially as some of the larger regions. As to the BDC chat room - I seldom use it, preferring Pistonheads which reaches a wider audience. Technical advice on the modern generation of Bentleys is probably easier to find via Pistonheads.
On the wider BDC front, there is plenty to get involved in. Next year we want 1000 Bentleys at Blenheim Palace for our annual Concours. There is an active racing programme, There's a weekend in Portmeirion coming up in early October and next year you can take a 26 night tour of South Australia and Tasmania if you want a £10,000 holiday.
Best wishes
David.
Well Done BruceV8.! Judging by your photo you will fit in very well with other BDC members. There seem to be plenty of R Types available so you should find something you like. The BDC also has a Specials group if you fancy turning a Mark VI into something extraordinary.
Unfortunately most BDC social events have been cancelled for the foreseeable future, and we are still waiting to hear if our August Silverstone race meeting is going ahead. Somehow I doubt it.
David.
Unfortunately most BDC social events have been cancelled for the foreseeable future, and we are still waiting to hear if our August Silverstone race meeting is going ahead. Somehow I doubt it.
David.
Thank you Charlie for your thought provoking reply. I have forwarded it to our BDC Chairman in the hope that the forum could be partly open to non-members.
We have some 26 members in France (I know it's a big place!) and I know of two members in Monaco and Cap Ferrat. If you join the club you would have access to the membership list, and could see if any were near you.
The £50 joining fee is to cover the cost of processing your entry. Details of you and your car(s) has to be put on our database and you need to be added to the mailing list so that you can receive your monthly magazine (A4 post free to France). It is primarily an administration fee.
The annual subscription is what keeps the club afloat. You get a monthly magazine and the ability to join any Bentley activity around the world. This may be the exclusive use of the Cafe de Paris for the Historic Monaco Grand Prix weekend. It might be a tour of Tasmania with one of our Australian chapters, or a tour of the Bentley factory in Crewe.
A year ago I organised a 10 day tour ending up in Champagne with dinner at Maison Mercier. There is another one planned for next year. There is also a tour of Spain/France planned for 2021 including premium grandstand seats at the Circuit des Ramparts races at Angouleme. So there ought to be something that you could enjoy.
Finally, congratulations on getting an Arnage. A year ago I swapped my Continental GT for an Arnage Continental T Mulliner II. It has taken some while to get accustomed to the change. With advancing age, I found that the GT was more competent than I was, and I fancied a change to a more traditional Bentley. I'm afraid I can't help you with tyre sizes, but a google of Michelin or Goodyear should sort you out quickly.
Did you buy your car knowing that the cylinder head gaskets had been done, or is that a pleasure yet to come?
Keep healthy,
David.
We have some 26 members in France (I know it's a big place!) and I know of two members in Monaco and Cap Ferrat. If you join the club you would have access to the membership list, and could see if any were near you.
The £50 joining fee is to cover the cost of processing your entry. Details of you and your car(s) has to be put on our database and you need to be added to the mailing list so that you can receive your monthly magazine (A4 post free to France). It is primarily an administration fee.
The annual subscription is what keeps the club afloat. You get a monthly magazine and the ability to join any Bentley activity around the world. This may be the exclusive use of the Cafe de Paris for the Historic Monaco Grand Prix weekend. It might be a tour of Tasmania with one of our Australian chapters, or a tour of the Bentley factory in Crewe.
A year ago I organised a 10 day tour ending up in Champagne with dinner at Maison Mercier. There is another one planned for next year. There is also a tour of Spain/France planned for 2021 including premium grandstand seats at the Circuit des Ramparts races at Angouleme. So there ought to be something that you could enjoy.
Finally, congratulations on getting an Arnage. A year ago I swapped my Continental GT for an Arnage Continental T Mulliner II. It has taken some while to get accustomed to the change. With advancing age, I found that the GT was more competent than I was, and I fancied a change to a more traditional Bentley. I'm afraid I can't help you with tyre sizes, but a google of Michelin or Goodyear should sort you out quickly.
Did you buy your car knowing that the cylinder head gaskets had been done, or is that a pleasure yet to come?
Keep healthy,
David.
Good Morning all and particularly Zulu.
First I had a Mulsanne S Mk II, then a Continental GT and now an Arnage T Mulliner stage II. It is true that whilst I had the GT I would attract comments about 'footballers car' or 'hairdressers'. I ignored them and let the car speak for itself. It was, and remains, a prodigious car that is far beyond the ability of most ordinary drivers to get the best out of. My gripe was always that it had too many electronics, and that we needed a Club version with most of the electronic wizardry removed so that a willing owner could do some work on it himself. It would also be helpful to know which VAG listed parts could be applied to the GT without having to pay Bentley prices. I don't need electric windows or central locking, but air conditioning is welcome. Similarly, I don't need sat nav or the trip computer information. Air operated handbrake ? just something else to go wrong. I could go on.
The BDC is very aware that it is under represented among owners of the current generation of cars. We have a number of reasons for this. Being priced at north of £150,000 they are beyond the reach of the younger generation that we would like to attract. We agree that you can buy an early GT for about £20,000 but it is perceived as a potential money pit so attracts little interest. Much of the current production goes to the USA or China and although we have club activities in America, it's a big place to assemble many members. Also, we fear for brand loyalty. Those with the funds to buy a GT may not stick with it for long. They fancy a GT this year, but next year they want an Aston or Ferrari. These people we can't hold onto for the long term.
We are trying to increase activities for GT owners and are supporting GT racing and 'build your own GT racer'. Our Silverstone Race Day in early August could contain a GT race in the programme. We join in Bentley dealer's Open Days by pitching up and letting our members talk to their customers about Bentley ownership. We would like to do more but need guidance from our members about their needs.
Finally, for all those who have an unwelcome experience, may I apologise. Most of our members are tolerant and polite and a good may of our octogenarian members drive GTs. So you ARE welcome - indeed, you are needed.
Stay healthy,
David.
First I had a Mulsanne S Mk II, then a Continental GT and now an Arnage T Mulliner stage II. It is true that whilst I had the GT I would attract comments about 'footballers car' or 'hairdressers'. I ignored them and let the car speak for itself. It was, and remains, a prodigious car that is far beyond the ability of most ordinary drivers to get the best out of. My gripe was always that it had too many electronics, and that we needed a Club version with most of the electronic wizardry removed so that a willing owner could do some work on it himself. It would also be helpful to know which VAG listed parts could be applied to the GT without having to pay Bentley prices. I don't need electric windows or central locking, but air conditioning is welcome. Similarly, I don't need sat nav or the trip computer information. Air operated handbrake ? just something else to go wrong. I could go on.
The BDC is very aware that it is under represented among owners of the current generation of cars. We have a number of reasons for this. Being priced at north of £150,000 they are beyond the reach of the younger generation that we would like to attract. We agree that you can buy an early GT for about £20,000 but it is perceived as a potential money pit so attracts little interest. Much of the current production goes to the USA or China and although we have club activities in America, it's a big place to assemble many members. Also, we fear for brand loyalty. Those with the funds to buy a GT may not stick with it for long. They fancy a GT this year, but next year they want an Aston or Ferrari. These people we can't hold onto for the long term.
We are trying to increase activities for GT owners and are supporting GT racing and 'build your own GT racer'. Our Silverstone Race Day in early August could contain a GT race in the programme. We join in Bentley dealer's Open Days by pitching up and letting our members talk to their customers about Bentley ownership. We would like to do more but need guidance from our members about their needs.
Finally, for all those who have an unwelcome experience, may I apologise. Most of our members are tolerant and polite and a good may of our octogenarian members drive GTs. So you ARE welcome - indeed, you are needed.
Stay healthy,
David.
Good Morning to you all, and particularly Saweep,
This thread has been running for some time and the contributions to it have mostly been constructive and polite. This is an attitude that most BDC members would expect. It is quite clear that the contributors and the BDC acknowledge the problem of an aging membership, (very) expensive cars, perceived snobbery and not engaging with owners of modern cars. What we are less clear about is what the BDC can do about it - I can assure you that it is trying hard.
If Saweep feels that we are doomed, perhaps it would help if he could tell us why - we might be able to do something about it. Specially if it is something that has so far not been identified in this thread.
Pink trousers on today because I am taking the Arnage out for a short run to keep things in order. I am not going to Barnard Castle.
David.
This thread has been running for some time and the contributions to it have mostly been constructive and polite. This is an attitude that most BDC members would expect. It is quite clear that the contributors and the BDC acknowledge the problem of an aging membership, (very) expensive cars, perceived snobbery and not engaging with owners of modern cars. What we are less clear about is what the BDC can do about it - I can assure you that it is trying hard.
If Saweep feels that we are doomed, perhaps it would help if he could tell us why - we might be able to do something about it. Specially if it is something that has so far not been identified in this thread.
Pink trousers on today because I am taking the Arnage out for a short run to keep things in order. I am not going to Barnard Castle.
David.
I am reliably informed (by the BDC Chairman!) that we are planning a BDC presence at Le Mans in 2023 and 2024. The 2023 date celebrates the centenary of the race and the 2024 visit will mark the first Bentley win by John Duff. I have no details at the moment.
Thank you to all for your recent comments. We are trying to address the issues that have been raised.
David.
Thank you to all for your recent comments. We are trying to address the issues that have been raised.
David.
I would like to address the comment that we sit around in fields swilling champagne and talking cars. It is true that we have been known as the Bentley Dining Club but today we are trying to do more than just eat and drink.
Although the lock down has wrecked this years programme, we have plans for 2021. The Mid-West region is planning a day out at Marwell Zoo, a tour of northern Spain and southern France, taking in the racing at Pau and a weekend away at Lake Vernwy. Last year we had a 10 day tour to Epernay and a dinner in Maison Mercier. We also took in the Basilica at Lisieux, some War Graves, Monet's Garden and Pegasus Bridge. This cost £3,500 per couple including hotels, meals and many drink receptions. This tour involved 1 x Speed 6, 3 x Continental GT, 1 x Continental R, 2 x Continental T and 2 x Arnage. Not a bunch of old buffers pottering about. Other BDC Regions will be putting on similar events next year, often in places that are not open to the population at large. This year I was invited to a dinner in the Mansion House hosted by the Fan Maker's Guild (sorry! eating and drinking again).
I would add that it is not only the various Regional Committees that organise things. We are very happy to have our workload reduced by members at large contributing to our programme. If you have an open day at an interesting venue, and would like 20 Bentleys to put on a supporting display, you only have to ask. Raising money for charity, and want a Bentley procession? Just ask. We have provided cars for weddings and significant birthdays and special ceremonies too. Just ask. We are an open society, eager to get our cars on the road and to show them to the public. We are not a closed shop of snobs keeping things to ourselves.
Keep healthy,
David.
Although the lock down has wrecked this years programme, we have plans for 2021. The Mid-West region is planning a day out at Marwell Zoo, a tour of northern Spain and southern France, taking in the racing at Pau and a weekend away at Lake Vernwy. Last year we had a 10 day tour to Epernay and a dinner in Maison Mercier. We also took in the Basilica at Lisieux, some War Graves, Monet's Garden and Pegasus Bridge. This cost £3,500 per couple including hotels, meals and many drink receptions. This tour involved 1 x Speed 6, 3 x Continental GT, 1 x Continental R, 2 x Continental T and 2 x Arnage. Not a bunch of old buffers pottering about. Other BDC Regions will be putting on similar events next year, often in places that are not open to the population at large. This year I was invited to a dinner in the Mansion House hosted by the Fan Maker's Guild (sorry! eating and drinking again).
I would add that it is not only the various Regional Committees that organise things. We are very happy to have our workload reduced by members at large contributing to our programme. If you have an open day at an interesting venue, and would like 20 Bentleys to put on a supporting display, you only have to ask. Raising money for charity, and want a Bentley procession? Just ask. We have provided cars for weddings and significant birthdays and special ceremonies too. Just ask. We are an open society, eager to get our cars on the road and to show them to the public. We are not a closed shop of snobs keeping things to ourselves.
Keep healthy,
David.
Welcome to Flying Spur ownership. I am not sure that this is the right thread for you to get an answer to your question. I suggest you google 'Flying Spur Faults' and see what you get. These are front heavy cars, and it would not surprise me if they were prone to suspension problems.
Keep Healthy,
David.
Keep Healthy,
David.
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