Description
Bentley’s pre and post war history is the story of two quite different companies, one focussed on powerful, snorting racing beasts hairing down the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, the other on very luxurious conveyances for the rich and famous.
This interesting Special has a foot in both camps, starting life as a post-war R-Type saloon but now clearly evoking the illustrious pre-war speedster models, in particular the ones that pummelled the opposition into submission at Le Mans. Bedecked with wonderful details these purposeful machines were a symphony of hand-crafted, functional equipment.
The bespoke body style recalls the 4 1/ 2 litre ‘Justine’ Special and the Derby models, combining elements of each into its wide, low slung styling. and cues like the double-cowl dashboard line, Bentley R-Type dials carefully set into a wood veneer dashboard, Stitched wood-rimmed steering wheel, Pleated leather bench seat with pleasing patination, Stylish aero screens, Details abound like the trumpet horn, spotlights and Bentley aluminium steps,
The work appears to have been done to a high standard, showing high quality artisan bodyworking skills in various areas. Exhibits a slightly wider track than those pre-war models due to the wider R-Type chassis
Classically finished in dark green, a shade that is a little lighter than the iconic pre-war models. Lovely unpainted polished louvred bonnet
Chassis appears to be in very good condition with light coating of underseal, Nicely detailed such as the leather bonnet straps and grilled headlamps. External rear fuel tank and exposed spare wheel.
At some point the R-Type engine has been swopped for a 4, 250 cc earlier MkVI engine.
Some Bentley specials are designed to be faithful recreations of popular pre-war models, others are more esoteric models incorporating elements of those racers to create something unique and bespoke. This Special seems to fall into the latter category.
With little information available about this car’s history, we have researched Bentley Specials to understand the influences it displays. Unfortunately we were unable to find any close matches to the body style, leading us to assume it was the then-owner’s personal vision. However it is clearly influenced by pre-war Bentleys in the low stance and particularly the P100 headlamp and grille arrangement. We see elements of the Justine Special and Derby Boat Tail but informed enthusiasts may see other influences.
Whatever the origins of this car, it certainly looks the part, its low wide stance enhanced by the stylish lines and clever details. The polished bonnet and dark green paintwork are highly evocative of those 20s and 30s racers. Leather bonnet straps and the exposed spare suggest the constructor new his Bentleys.
The bodywork is in very good condition and exhibits a high standard of workmanship.
We understand that the Special has been little used in recent years and some light preventative maintenance work to the chassis and wheels would likely reap dividends aesthetically.
This is one of those very individual evocations that has clearly been professionally converted to a high standard and it remains in good condition. Some of the details are certainly elusive but that only makes this attractive Special even more beguiling. There is a copy painting of this car in the history folder (signed & dated) by renowned Artist Susan Elizabeth Smith in 1990 when the Bentley was in its original metallic red colour scheme (see last pic) This confirms that the car was converted well over 30 years ago and therefore eligible as a Historic vehicle for export.
Comes with V5 logbook with Historic Tourer Classification so MOT, Road Tax, ULEZ exempt and eligible for specialist insurance rates, Factory build sheets, Photos of rebuild, Car located in Lytham St Annes, Lancs. Transport arranged (one way only charged) at £1. 70 pr/ mile. For more ino call John on number above. Usual Dealer facilities.
See our website Link above for Short Vid of the Bentley (not quite up to Cecil B. DeMille standards, but hope you get the picture)
