1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre Overdrive Park Ward Sports Saloon
A delightfully original, correct example, which we have known for many years – since the 1980s in fact. The car is wonderfully sound and – although looking all black in some of the photos – is actually very handsome in dark green and black paintwork, high quality and smart, but at the same time very appealingly matured, particularly the lovely brown leather. Headlining, carpets and woodwork are all good too, all of the cosmetics harmonising nicely. As well as the patina, the car is also sharp and smart – an unusual combination. Has a large sliding sunroof, external tinted glass sun visor, all correct lamps, front and rear, and a wonderful, original tool kit. Approximately £100,000 has been spent on the car over the last 25 years, documented with invoices. Driving very nicely, and just gorgeous. Looks good, smells good, and by golly it’ll do you good. (Mackeson reference). MoT tested until December 2025.
Chassis No. B59MX
Reg No. FXR 27
Price £72,500
Snippets: Bodman
The 1st owner of B59MX was Dr. John Francis Osmond Bodman (1903/62) of 105 Harley Street – he came from a family of doctors who had consulting rooms in Bristol & Harley Street. Relatives of J. F. O. Bodman included Francis Henry Bodman (1844/1933) who converted from orthodox medicine to that of Homeopathy and wrote several books on the matter. John Bodman’s father Christopher Osmond Bodman (1878/1950) was a homeopathic doctor and John’s uncles were all in the medical profession with Frank (an Anaesthetist) Alan, Paul & John not forgetting John’s grandfather Francis Hervey Bodman (1900/80).
The early part of Dr. J. F. O. Bodman’s career was spent with the Indian Medical Service – he had charge of laboratories in Quetta, Karachi, Bareilly, Peshawar, Razmak, Secunderabed & the Deccan! During his time there he dealt with outbreaks of plague, cholera & typhus. After India he took up placements in Germany, Holland and during WWII he was stationed in Bristol. From the chassis cards it appears that B59MX was sold in October 1940 to Oldhill Motors in Staffordshire for the sum of £1,525.00. In May 1945 B59MX was registered to the company of A W Swann & Co – the company was founded in 1918 by Arthur William Swann whose sons Archibald Wesley (1895/1980) & Arthur Wilfred Swann (1894/1946), after their demob from the Army joined him in the family Hosiery firm.
The 3 were collectively known as the 3 Swans! In the 1920s Swann’s produced just 20 varieties of ladies’ knickers but by 1932 they produced over 150 types with styles being made from knit, plain, fleecy & other fabrics and of course in many colours & sizes.
After a few month B59MX was sold via Jack Barclay’s to Reginald Joseph Stephen Bower of Woldingham, during WWI R. Bower had served with the Royal Fusiliers, his peace time occupation was that of an electrical engineer.