1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre Overdrive H.J.Mulliner ‘Hi-Vision’ Saloon

A fine example of an attractive and desirable car, being ‘high vision’, with ‘Plexiglass’ panels above the windscreen and a moonroof in the rear compartment. This, combined with slim pillars and large glass area, give a light and airy feel to the interior, hence the name. Cosmetically excellent, with good quality two tone blue paintwork, lovely chrome work (including correct R100 headlights, Ace sidelights, Lucas ‘Alto’ horns, etc), nicely harmonising blue/grey leather interior, and superb veneers. Added to this, the car is one of the 200 ‘M series’ cars built, with all of the advantages that this provides, including having overdrive, and is in very nice condition, following a huge amount of expenditure in recent times. This included, amongst many other things, a new cylinder head fitted by ourselves in 2010 when the car was last with us, an engine overhaul, and much more since, such as a rewire, various work to chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, etc, etc, much of it carried out by Fiennes Restorations, supported by a large quantity of invoices. The detail of this is far too much to mention here, but we would be very happy to discuss this with you. Very correct, desirable and appealing, running driving very well, and ready to go.

Price £82,500

Snippets: Motorcycles, Mills & Fruit Markets

Ordered by Sir Edmund “Ted” Frank Crane co- founder of The Hercules Cycle & Motor Company Ltd. When Petros Cycle Co (owned by his father) was declared bankrupt in 1906; the assets of this company were purchased by Ted & his brother Harry out of which they formed a new company – Hercules & Motor Co Ltd. This business move was initially judged as “Being illegal” but was successfully appealed against by the brothers.

By 1931 Ted was being described as “The Henry Ford of the Cycle Industry” with the company slogan being “The Best That Money Can Buy”. During the 1940s Ted’s home in Lapworth, “The Terets” mysteriously burnt down & was rebuilt as a modern open plan dwelling. An early occupier of the house was Edwin Clutterbuck (Solicitor) who between 1885 & 1899 fathered 8 children! By 1948 the car was registered to Henderson & Feather at Keighley, a company who specialised in the cleaning & combing of raw wool at their Mill.

Some 3 years later B102MR had found a new life with Donald William Ravenhill; in 1906 his father William was taken into partnership in the Fruit & Vegetable firm of T J Poupart after having been with the company only 9 years. Their sons, Donald Ravenhill & Harold Poupart joined the now family firm in 1923 & after William’s death in 1930 Donald took over his tasks as the firm’s importer. Poupart can lay claim to many firsts – importing the first kiwifruit & the first Uglifruit amongst these.