An exciting and characterful special, utilising a B81 straight eight 6½ litre engine and a five speed Tremec gearbox, making the performance both exciting and fun. Extensively used and enjoyed over the last 20 years or so. The body, designed by the last owner, and built for him by Chic Doig, is very well-proportioned in appearance, with appropriately re-located radiator position, a wonderful boat tail rear, very appropriate wings, bonnet and radiator shell, with aero screens as well as a fold-flat one piece alternative. The dashboard incorporates fabulous aircraft instrumentation, including a starter button which we understand to be from a WWII Spitfire, which somehow feels really fitting! It is quite difficult to sum the car up in mere words, but suffice to say that it is a true ‘one off’, and a machine that satisfies the senses in a stimulating and rewarding way. The car overall is nicely matured, with an appealing dose of slight shabbiness, and even has a two letter, four number registration number, giving a pre-war look, and adding to the charm of the appearance. Running and driving very nicely, MoT tested, ready to go, fitted with seat belts and flashing indicators to suit modern-day use, the car is ready to move on to a new life-chapter, for the next owner to enjoy in whatever way they may wish! Certainly the car is ready to use, having been driven about 150 miles to us.

Price. £.

Snippets: The Northerners

The chassis cards and old V5 for B319EW are somewhat vague – however…… The order for B319EW was placed by John Fenwick of West Hartlepool – the family firm of Fenwick & Co banked at Midland Bank in West Hartlepool & there are a couple of options for the company – either timber merchants or ship owners! Newspaper cuttings show that in 1941 John was president of the Hartlepool Beekeeper’s association and the local West Hartlepool Show had a Fenwick Trophy for the Chrysanthemum section of the flower display!  In 1951 John had parked a car (perhaps the Bentley) in Scarborough Street and upon his return at 5.30 it was no longer there – the car was found and the thief was duly prosecuted.  In 1953 his son Michael (19) was charged with driving a car between 40 / 45mph in a 30mph zone, resulting in a fine and points. 

The next name in the file is a Dr. John Abels (1913/2002) of Haverton Hill in Co Durham.  Research has provided us with the following fascinating story:  John and his wife, Claire, escaped from Czechoslavakia just after the outbreak of the second world war. He saw active service first with the free Czech forces and later in the war with the British Army in Normandy and northern Europe. After a brief interlude in Prague after the war, he returned to England where he spent the rest of his working life as a GP & was also a police surgeon for many years.  John’s greatest interest was swimming, he was selected to swim for his country in the 1936 Berlin Olympics in the 200 metres breaststroke, but withdrew on the advice of the World Jewish Federation in protest against Nazism.

The third name in the file is that of Robert Charles Cleminson of Barnard’s Castle – little has been found but there is a James Lyons Cleminson (1840/96) of Leeds who invented Cleminson’s Patent Axle System for railway rolling stock.  James was the son of John Cleminson, who was a railway engineer of original Nitrate railway & who had fought in the Baltic region under Garibaldi.

An original-bodied, Barker tourer, not to be mistaken for one of many ‘replicas’ that are out there. You may think that the car looks like a Horsfield reproduction, partly due to the colour scheme, but in fact it’s the very car that was used by that company as the basis for the design of their bodies. The car was delivered to us 100 years to the day from its first registration date in 1926! Correct, complete, smart, in  lovely condition all-round, and includes a full set of six 21” wheels, divided windscreen, Barker dipping headlights, ‘diver’s helmet’ rear lights, and various other appealing features. Sensibly, the car has been updated with flashing indicators – important in modern traffic conditions. The history file includes some lovely family photos from the 1950s and 1960s, as well as a ‘story of the car’s life’. Complete with side screens and a tonneau cover, stainless steel exhaust system, the car is running and driving nicely, greatly enhanced by the fitting of overdrive, relaxing cruising speeds nicely. Offered serviced, prepared and newly MoT tested.

Price. £.

Snippets: The Millers & the Majors

Miss Irene Sarah Sutcliffe (born 1896) was a scion of the Sutcliffe family of Todmorden – the family wealth was earnt in the corn milling industry.  Irene had two sisters – her eldest Kathleen died of peritonitis in 1910 aged just 16, in 1923 her youngest sister Winifred married Derrick Warden Milligan in what was described as “the most fashionable wedding”. Derrick’s father was Sir William Milligan (1864/1929) a pioneer of Laryngologist & Aurist research – today known as Ear Nose & Throat, he developed the treatment of hearing issues into the branch of otology.  Their father Arthur died in 1912 aged just 50 after a long illness & his widow and children moved from The Royd into Scaitcliffe Hall near Todmorden.  The hall was sold in 1954 to the local council for use as an old age home.  It is not known if Irene ever drove the 20hp or if she preferred to be chauffeured – there is a report that in 1922 when Irene was living at Lower Laith in Todmorden that a member of the public was knocked down – the car being driven by her chauffeur! 

In 1946, after WWII, the car was with Major J A Jackson of Gosforth – in 1939 his family had sent a cheque for the sum of £5 to the war fund to be used for the purchase of 4,000 cigarettes for the soldiers!

A few years later saw the 20hp with another Major – this time Major P. Andrews who in 1940 aged just 24 was the recipient of the George medal.  That year when he was a 2^nd Lieutenant an unexploded bomb fell near the village of Wing in Buckinghamshire, he was not trained in bomb disposal but he simply de-fused the bomb using a screwdriver from his bicycle tool kit which allowed the local residents to go home!

From 1983 to 2011 GZK10 was with Eric Jackson who during the 1960s was a Ford Works Rally Driver who had, driven from London to Cape Town in 13 days – not we hasten to add in the Rolls-Royce!!  His rallying exploits are described in his book “Petrol in my blood”, a copy of which will accompany the car.

Price £42,500.

Snippets:  Sailing Tragedy & Too Much Gin

B176HK was ordered by W. E. Corlett (1867/1960) his father was an established builder but William Corlett became a solicitor, initially with Bremner & Co (he married the boss’ daughter)! William was an astute businessman & became involved with the Higson Brewery concern to the degree that in 1920 he bought the company! The Corlett family, being based in the Wirral were keen sailors but tragedy struck in 1946 when his son Norman, alongside Laurence McAllester died when their yacht capsized – Joan Corlett (Norman’s wife) held on to her husband for several hours in an effort to save his life.  That year the Bentley was sold to another solicitor – George L. McAllester, Laurence’s brother. 

In the 1950s the car was with Dennis Brabner, who was, guess what – a solicitor!

The 60s & 70s saw the car with Norman Dyson Innes Rycroft, a stockbroker who gave the car to his son Robin for use whilst he was at University and later Richard, the younger son, took over the car of the car. 

During the 70s B176HK was with James Vernon who lived at the Hall in Lygan y Wern – parts of the house can be traced back to the 1600s when it was a Welsh Longhouse – later additions were made in the 1700s by Evan Lloyd – The Hall was leased for 99 years to George Wynne & in 1764 it was sold to the Grosvenor Estate.

In the history file of the car is an amusing note written by James when sold he the car “I regret to say I cannot remember the name of the man who bought the car from me, he was charming ……….  We all drank rather too much of my father’s gin & the new owner recklessly said would I like to drive the car one last time!  This ended up with my hitting a tree & damaging the near side front wing. The new owner’s bad luck continued as after having the car repaired he failed to make the turn into his drive hitting (so I recall) the offside front wing, to add insult to injury he had the up & over garage door fall on the roof of the car!  He gave up and sold the car “

A really lovely example of a desirable and stylish car, which has benefitted from a great deal of love and attention in recent times, and expenditure of £65,000 some years ago. This has included an extensive body rebuild to a high standard, repaint, lots of new chrome, a full engine overhaul, re-cored radiator, new road springs, and much more besides, all documented in the history file, which also includes an original sales brochure, a workshop manual, and a good deal more besides. This example will take some beating!

Price £27,500.

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Snippets: Sangster’s the Motoring Family.

 1950 to 1977 unknown

 In 1977 Grant Sangster paid Harry Sibley of Bude the princely sum of £2,100 for the RMC which was then shown as being painted in red – in 1954, according to Autocar which carried out a road test of this very car (we have the issue) the car was finished in light metallic green with Vynide hood & tonneau & a mileometer reading of 43,216 miles! 

The Sangster family have been connected with wheeled vehicles since the late 1800s with Charles Thomas Brooks Sangster (1872/1935) he was brother to David Orr Grant Sangster who was Grant’s grand-father!  Charles Sangster was a prolific inventor & between 1893/1908 he registered some 145 patents – including one for an “improved shirt & shirt front”!  One his most unusual designs was the Ariel Quintuplet which was built in 1899 & with 5 riders reached 60mph – terrifying.  Charles had 3 sons Frederick who was killed in 1916 during WWI, John (Jack) (1896/1977) who became the MD of Ariel Motors & in 1936 he bought out Triumph Motorcycles, he later sold both companies to BSA – in 1956 Jack Sangster became Chairman of BSA.  Charles’ 3^rd son was Harvey who raced Ariels & was the company’s Overseas Manager – one of Ariel’s great claims to fame was that in 1928 Jeff Monro completed a lap of Australia on an Ariel Sports Model ‘E which took 6 months with many mishaps & adventures along the way. 

 Thomas Alfred Sangster (1903/1988) son of David Sangster (brother of Charles) started his career with the Swift Company and in 1930 joined Riley initially as their test driver & was later the sales manager of both MG and Riley cars.  In 1934 he took part in the Monte Carlo Rally in a Riley with Eddie Mayer – designer & engineer of Cooper Engines – as his co-driver. During the event they became so embedded in a snowdrift that they were pulled out by a horse & hearse!!  By 1959 Tom Sangster had become the Deputy Director of Home Sales for the British Motor Corporation, he was also involved in the Wolseley & Morris companies.

An early, vintage example, stylish and in fine condition. The car was originally exhibited at the London Olympia Motor Show, finished in “Ulster blue”, with blue grey cloth to the rear, silver plated fittings and blue leather to the front. Some of this, including silver plated door furniture, remains to this day, and blue is still the theme. Appealing features include ‘Barker Dipping’ headlights, still working nicely, a large Brooks trunk mounted on the rear, double ‘Diver’s helmet’ rear lights, a triangular stop light and a silver plated speedometer in the rear of the car, for the benefit of the passengers! We have a copy of ‘Country Life’ magazine, dated October 1930, which is the ‘Motor Exhibition Number’, showing a photo of what is almost certainly GSR40 on the Barker stand at the show. All in all, a handsome car, sound and smart, solidly built, running nicely, and something to be proud to own. Offered serviced and prepared, driving well.

Price £.

Snippets: Rubber Plantation, Theatrics & Greek Shipping

GSR40 was initially ordered by Mrs Cheshire, the wealthy widow of the brewer Edward Cheshire of Edgbaston – when he died in 1919 he left a sum of £378,000 equivalent to £2.5million today!  It’s not known why Mrs Cheshire didn’t take delivery of GSR40 but it may have been due to ill health as she died in 1932 whilst staying in Llandudno.  Upon her death she only left a tenth of what she had inherited from her husband & made several monetary gifts to her chauffeur, gardener and under-gardener with the gift of an opal & diamond brooch to her lady companion, Annie Linton.

Alderson B Horne (1863/1953) took delivery of GSR40 soon after it had been displayed on the Barker stand at the 1930 Motor Show – his brother was Sir W. Horne Chairman of Prudential Assurance company & Alderson was Chairman of Morib Plantations Ltd who dealt with coconut & rubber production in Malaya.  In the early 1900s Horne became a financial backer of theatres and by WWI was involved in providing entertainment for the troops.  He even took leading roles in several productions under the names of Waldo Wright & Anmer Hall (he claimed this to be his ancestral home but no evidence has been found!).  When Alderson died in 1953 the Rolls-Royce was inherited by his son David E. A. Horne (1898/1970) who was a star of both stage & screen – he excelled at portraying gentlemen of a pompous nature!! These films included Lord of the Manor, The Cardinal, Night Train to Munich, Martin Luther and his final role was in Diamonds for Breakfast cast as the Duke of Windemere.

During the 1980s the car was owned by Alexander Andreadis a scion of the Andreadis Greek shipping family – he married three times & his first wife was none other than the exceptionally well-connected and fabulously wealthy Christina Onassis!  Their union was short lived 1975/1977 and his second, younger wife was a descendant of Comte d’Estainville & Lt. Col Oppenheim (banking).  This 2^nd marriage to Marella Oppenheim lasted a bit longer (1981/1985) and his last marriage in 1988 was to Debra Grace (a model & daughter of a mini-cab driver)!  Alexander was a keen classic car enthusiast and over time his collection included several Rolls-Royce PIIs, a PI Springfield, a PIII, a 20hp & a Silver Wraith.

A substantially built car in wonderfully solid condition, constructed in typical Rippon fashion, and with some lovely touches. The doors close beautifully, as though created yesterday, not ninety-odd years ago! The car is particularly handsome, with various appealing features, such as glass draft deflectors to the top of the doors, beautiful wings, incorporating sculpting and ‘trouser creases’, various stainless steel fittings, including door handles and the lovely P100 headlights, a sliding sunroof, and more besides. Unusually for a pre-war car, it is fitted with inertia reel seat belts in the front, neatly installed. We should also mention the very impressive toolkit, mounted in the boot, below which are two fitted suitcases. The car really is something special and ‘out of the ordinary’, is all correct, matured cosmetically in an attractive way, and in good order mechanically (with recent full re-wire including sensible upgrades), running smoothly and driving nicely. Offered serviced and MoT tested.

Price Sold.

Snippets: The Darwin Link

GWX10 was ordered by Bertram Parkinson of B Parkinson & Co (Wool Merchants & Top Makers) & delivered to his home Creskeld Hall, Arthington.  In 1800s Creskeld Hall was owned by the Rhode family, in 1849 Francis Rhode married Charlotte Marian Darwin Cooper, whose was a cousin of Charles Robert Darwin (their mutual great-grandfather being Robert Darwin).  In 1850 Francis Rhode inherited the estate of his brother-in-law (Robert Alvey Darwin) & as a consequence of the condition of inheritance Francis changed his name by deed-poll to Darwin – not an uncommon occurrence.  In 1920 Creskeld Hall was bought by Bertram Parkinson & it’s still home to the Parkinson family. In July 1940 Bertram Parkinson transferred ownership of GWX10 to his daughter Elsie Mary who had recently married Colonel Malcolm Stoddart-Scott, (Dr, MP & OBE) who by coincidence in 1932 had changed his name from that of Scott to Stoddart-Scott.  From our research it would appear the GWX10 stayed with the Stoddard-Scott until 1972, almost 40years with one family.

 During the 1970s the 20/25 was owned by A. J. Le Blond from Newcastle, an entrepreneur who as a hobby bred & raced several racehorses including Javorrian, Spoofer & Shady.  Then was also J. Oliff-Cooper, a keen angling journalist whose family played the roles of aristocratic owners of an Edwardian County House which was broadcast in 2002 by Channel 4. 

 In the late ‘80s the car was acquired by R. Skerman of C. Skerman & Sons – manufactures of what can only be described as “cement mixers for rolling sweets in”!! 

A spacious, clean and well-presented limousine, nicely finished in black and soft white, with excellent black leather to the front and ivory to the rear. The whole car is smart in appearance, nicely sound with doors that close with a satisfying ‘clunk’, and would be well-suited to wedding hire use. Appealingly correct under the bonnet, with correct, bakelite coil, etc, and included within the history file is a buff logbook from 1945, the original handbook and correspondence from the original owner. The car comes equipped with a very impressive set of original tools, correctly housed in trays in the drawer under the front seat. This, in itself, tells us something about the life that the car has had, indicating care and attention.  Mechanically good too, running well, and offered MoT tested, serviced and prepared.

Price £29,500.

Snippets: J P Mitchelhill – Impresario & Philanthropist

The first owner of GXK23 was John Percy “Mitch” Mitchelhill (1879/1966) a successful theatre owner who started the careers of stars such as Gracie Fields (1915 production of “Yes, I think so”).  In the 1930s attendees at Mitch’s productions included HRH Princess Louise “The Rose Without a Thorn” and HM Queen Mary & Princess Mary saw T. S. Eliot’s poetic play, “Murder in the Cathedral”.

In December 1937 Prince Bernhard & Prince Aschwin of Netherlands whilst visiting London together with a large party attended “I killed the Count” at the Whitehall.  Authors of plays produced at the Mitchelhill theatres included – T S Elliott, J B Priestley, Clifford Bax, Christa Winsloe, Emlyn Williams & John Hill which was Mitch’s pseudonym.  We have acquired the book “J P – The man called Mitch” by Peter Cotes which is a tribute to the man, his plays, theatres & the scholarships he set up both in the theatrical & medical worlds including a library, allotments & homes for retired nurses.<br>

In 1948 he transferred ownership of GXK23 to his wife Sarah, why he did this is unknown; Sarah died in October 1965 and in April 1966 at the age of 87 Mitch married Margaret Sutherland who had been his nurse & companion since 1951.  In 1959 and by now in declining health (Meniere’s Disease) the Rolls-Royce, which he was always chauffeured in, was sold to Lady Cooke of Kingston House.

From our research we think that this Lady Cooke was the widow of Sir James Douglas Cooke, who although an Australian by birth was knighted in 1945 for his political work.  Lady Cooke only kept GKX23 for a few years before it was shipped to America.

The first American owner was John Crosby of Woodside, Redwood City in California, the second was Howard Frazee who was a pioneer of 3D photograph and from 1969 to 2003 the car was with Robert Hood of Howthorne,  California whose electronic company WEMS contributed to the space race.

A very well-specified example, with a plethora of extra instrumentation and switches on the dashboard, twin fuel fillers, twin side-mounted spare wheels, and various other deviations from ‘standard’.Originally built for Geoffrey Smith, managing editor of ‘The Autocar’ magazine, and specified with many extras and deviations, well documented in various publications, including mentions in four different editions of ‘On The Road’, the contemporary magazine produced by Bentley in the thirties. The history file with the car has copies of some of these, together with other documentation, handbook, etc. The car is in good all-round condition, and has a very impressive frontal appearance, with its selection of lamps and horns. Driving well, sounding good, and looking very handsome in two shades of cream, with red double pinstripe and red leather interior. Offered MoT tested.

Price £47,500.

Snippets: Autocar & A Double Royal Connection

George Geoffrey Smith (1885/1951) was best known for his involvement with the Autocar & Motorcycle publications however it should also be noted that during WWI he was the Inspecting Officer of the Motor Machine Gun Service of the Royal Artillery.  During this period, he recruited over 10,000 despatch riders, mobile machine gunners & armoured car drivers – in 1919 in acknowledgment of this remarkable achievement he was awarded and MBE.  In 1917 Geoffrey Smith transferred from the army to serve with the Royal Flying Corp.  After war ended he returned to work for the Iliffe company and in 1923 he became a director of the firm.  In 1927 his wife Margaret died leaving Geoffrey with two sons to bring up and this he did with the help of a governess Joan Arnull who he married in 1935. G. Smith also wrote several books with subjects being: Frederick Royce, Aeronautical Theory & practice, Modern Diesel engines & also Gas Turbines.

By 1937 B100GA was with the Hon. John H. Hare the 1^st Viscount Blakenham, his wife was the Hon Nancy Pearson daughter of 2^nd Viscount Cowdray and grand-daughter of Lord Edward Spencer Churchill with infinite connections to the Spencer Churchill family tree and of course our current Royal heirs via the Spencer family.  During WWII John Hare served with in Italy with the Suffolk Yeomanry, as a result of his war actions he was awarded the Legion of Honour. 

Just after the end of WWII the Bentley was acquired by Major Hubert Melville Martineau of Philberds, Holyport. The Martineau family came to the UK in the 1700s, family members included master surgeons, politicians, bankers, sugar refiners, political reformists and shippers.  Francis Martineau Lupton was the great-great-grandfather of Catherine, the current Princess of Wales.  Hubert Martineau (1891/1976) was a keen sportsman and hosted matches against New Zealand, Australia, West Indies & India teams at his own private cricket field at Philberds, Holyport.  His other great love was that of the winter sports including sking, skating & bobsledding!  He was the president of the St Mortiz Bob Club.  His private life was also fascinating & complicated – his first wife was Maud Morris Schwab, daughter of Nelson Morris and the ex-wife of Henry Schwab, and when Maud died in 1966 he received the majority of her estate which was in the region of £6m!  In 1969 he remarried a “very pretty young widow” but she has yet to be identified! 

From 1949 to 1963 the car was with John Robert Ferguson (1914/1963) who was a pupil & later a governor of Rydal School which is in North Wales, after his death the car, via various dealers, found its way to Canada with Donald Spiers who owned it  from 1971 until 2001.

A lovely example of a ‘special edition’ ‘R’ Mulliner version of the Brooklands, number 88 of just 100 built. Very attractively finished in ‘Black Emerald’, which is a delightful, metallic green, so dark that it almost looks black under certain lighting conditions, complemented by duo-tone tan interior, green top dash roll, dark green carpets, piped tan, with dark green lambswool over rugs. The woodwork is dark burr walnut. The car has significant service history in the stamped service book, as well as invoices and a long run of MoT certificates, which together confirm the mileage as 84,500 from new. Also with the car are the original correct handbook, a supplement specific to the individuaul car, numered 88/100, all tools, correctly housed, and various fitments in the boot storage compartments, all looking untouched and spotless. We also have 97 pages of factory order information, detailing the exact specification when built, and just as it remains today.  Much admired, excellent condition, in a fabulous colour scheme, and offering a rare opportunity. MoT tested. As well as the video below, you can see a walkround here: https://youtu.be/5W5qIRsdHEc?si=QeeSN31F9Q9Zg9du

Price £22,500.

A smart and sound car, looking particularly attractive in very dark green with lovely tan leather interior, a colour scheme which we feel suits the car really well. The leather, carpets, headlining and woodwork are all fresh, correct and gorgeous. There are even colour-coded, inertia reel seatbelts, front and rear. Various correct tools, large and small, are included. The history file with the car confirms expenditure of about £53,000 on repairs and maintenance over the last couple of decades, all documented, several Jack Barclay invoices from the 1950s, and there is also written history from an earlier owner, MoT certificates, a buff logbook from 1960, and various other documentation, even including instructions for the HMV radio! As well as the original trafficator arms, still working properly, the car has been upgraded to flashing indicators, neatly incorporated into the existing side and tail lights, all working from the same switch. Driving nicely, performing well, and offered with a new set of radial tyres (not shown in the photos), serviced and MoT tested.

Price £29,500.

Snippets: Kilted

Major Donald Callander (1918/92) served during WWII with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders and was one of the last British Army Officers to go into battle wearing a kilt, he was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 this was in acknowledgement of the fact that his platoon of antitank guns put 21 enemy tanks out of action & in 1945 he received his second Military Cross (the Bar) for his actions in the Battle of the Reichswald.  The Major is mentioned in the book Monty’s Highlanders – the story is that whilst enroute to an officers’ party they were questioned by American sentries as to who won the World Series – surprisingly the correct answer of St Louis Cardinals was given!

Donald’s wife Margaret was the daughter of Andrew Geddie (1886/1976) who from 1931/39 was chairman of the Royal West India Turf Club and director of the Bank of India as well as the co-founder of Geoffrey Manners Ltd a leading pharmaceutical company. When Donald met up with Andrew and Margaret in 1943 at Poona Race Course he was, of course, kilted.  During his ownership of B356FV (1949/1955) he covered some 65,767 miles which is confirmed on the 1955 Jack Barclay’s invoice.

From 1961 / 2001 the Bentley was registered with the firm of Foster Yeoman of Dulcote Quarry in Somerset.  John Foster Yeoman inherited his first quarry in 1950 on the death of his father, John was just 21 at the time.  By the mid-1960s the company had grown to such a degree that he was able to get British Rail to re-open the branch line from Torr to Westbury in order for him to deliver his stone.  One of his most unusual land acquisitions was a granite mountain in Scotland – namely a 2,000ft mountain at Glensanda which provided crushed rock for the Channel Tunnel.  Robin Thornes wrote a biography of John Foster Yeoman which we have managed to obtain and which will be with the car.

A smart and sound example, well cared-for, and complete with a printed record of expenditure on maintenance and repairs, covering the period 1989 to 2025. This amounts to just over £50,000, and includes some significant attention. The car is nicely finished in Shell grey and Tudor grey, with just a few blemishes, and has a delightful, original, mellowed, deep red leather interior. The car comes with an impressive set of original tools, large ones in the correct clips in the boot, and the small ones in the tray underneath the driver’s seat. We have carried out an engine refurbishment with new pistons, etc, along with much other attention, and the car is offered prepared, serviced and newly MoT tested.

Price £32,500.

Snippets: Secrets of Knockholt & Bury

There is little information to be found about the owners of B31Ul so instead here are a few fascinating details about the villages of Knockholt & Bury were the car resided.

 B31UL was resident in Knockholt during the 1970s / 1990s where in 1841 the artist Henry John Boddington had painted “A Lane at Knockholt” and the village was home to the famous watercolourist William Frederick Wells 1732-1836 whose friend J. Turner was a frequent visitor.  In 1876 the railway station arrived at Knockholt and in 1906 was the setting for E. S. Nesbitt’s The Railway Children, during WWII Major Alexander Malins Lafone was awarded the Victoria Cross and Major Norman Smithers the Military Cross.  

 From 1989 until now B31UL was based in Bury which is named after Adam de Bury who held the manor from 1193 to 1219 as “one knight’s fee of ancient tenure”. In the 14th century, Alice De Bury married Roger Pilkington, and the manor remained with the Pilkington’s until 1485 when the lands of Sir Thomas Pilkington were forfeited because of his allegiance to King Richard III. The new King, Henry, granted them to his step-father Thomas, Lord Stanley, the Stanley family have been Lords of the Manor ever since.

 At the start of 18th century, John Kay, born at Walmersley, Bury, invented his famous “picking peg” in 1733, which made the shuttle in his hand loom move more quickly. It became known as the “Flying Shuttle” and revolutionised cotton weaving making Bury a centre for fabric production.

An attractive car, with low-folding hood line, giving a well-balanced appearance from any angle, enhanced by the rear-mounted spare wheel and quarter bumpers. The frontal aspect is also handsome with an impressive array of lamps and horns. Nicely painted in Burgundy and black, with contrasting tan leather interior and fully-lined hood. Nice mechanically, with a good engine, correct compressions, etc, running very nicely and a ‘well-rounded’ Derby Bentley, in an ideal condition to use as is, and perhaps improve in some respects as and when convenient. With the car are three folders of history, which include many invoices for repair and maintenance going back to the 1970s. Between 1974 and 2019, £73,000 has been spent on the car which, when taking into account inflation since the early part of that period, will probably represent a great deal more in today’s prices.  Amongst many other things, this work included a new aluminium cylinder head – a major plus point – and re-wiring in correct, cloth -covered cables, incorporating flashing indicators, which are rather important these days! Also included are old MoT certificates, correspondence (including letters from the original owner), a buff logbook from the 1950s, and various other documentation. We understand from documentation with the car that it was with the first owner until 1967. Certainly, it was with a subsequent owner from 1971 (or earlier) until he passed away in 2023. 

Price £77,500 

Snippets: A pair of RAMC Doctors

The first owner of B86AH was Ivan Whiteside Magill (1888/1986) born in Larne, Northern Ireland who in 1913 qualified as a doctor at Belfast University. During WWI he served with the RAMC in France and after being demobbed he took up a post at Queen Mary’s in Sidcup which was a military hospital specialising in facial reconstruction of war injuries. This is where Ivan Magill pioneered & invented many instruments & methods relating to anaesthetics which are still in use today, including forceps, laryngoscopes & intubation; during the 1940s he was in charge of anaesthetising King George VI for two operations for which he was given a CVO & in 1960 in recognition of his life’s work Magill was knighted by King George’s daughter – Elizabeth.

The second owner of B86AH was Peter John Blackburn (1934/2023) who qualified at Dublin University in 1958 and the following year he joined the RAMC! Whilst with the RAMC his postings included Aden, Singapore, Europe & of course the UK. Whilst with the RAMC he progressed through the ranks from Captain to Major to Lt-Col to Colonel and finally retired in 1994 with the rank of Brigadier. His qualifications also progressed to include Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of the Art of Obstetrics, Diplomas in Public & Industrial Health and in Tropical Medicine. Along side Brigadier Lewthwaite, MajGen Crawford & Brigadier Harwood our Brigadier is acknowledged as having made a large contribution to the RAMC’s integrated approach to health – all 4 gentlemen retired in April 1994.

A good, clean example, nicely finished in soft white with good chrome plating and pale grey leather interior, and specified when new with ‘Sundym’ rear screen and rear side windows, which are indeed still in place to this day. Unusually, and appealingly, the car is fitted with a Tudor-Webasto fabric sunroof, complete with identifying tags, as shown in one of the photos. We have prepared the car for sale, work which included attention to brake hydraulics and servo, power steering, etc, as well as a full service. Running nicely, driving well, and we have just been successful in having the original registration number, 702 GLR, re-instated, something which is always very pleasing!

Price £79,500

Snippets: Military Cross, PoW & Racing Team

John “Jack” Sidney Durlacher 1913/88 was a grandson Henry Durlacher, who in 1843 founded Durlacher Bros (art dealers) whose offerings included furniture, works of art and porcelain, the New York City branch was opened in 1920 to cater for clients such as J. Pierpont Morgans & Sir R. Wallace. The New York City branch of the company sold artworks to families such as the Sachs, Wideners & to the Frick, Fogg & Cleveland Museums to mention a few. Henry & Adelaide Durlacher had 10 children with the 7th being Neville who was Jaks’s father, the family wealth was such that when Henry died in 1902 his estate was in excess of £100,000 today that would be circa £15m! During WWII Jack Durlacher served with the Royal Artillery and on the 20th of May 1940 whilst defending Calais, for which he received the Military Cross, he was captured and imprison at Oflag VII-C Laufen in South-eastern Bavaria. After the war ended Jack join his father in “The City” and in due course so did his son, Nicholas. Jack’s family were keen sportsmen and women – his mother Ruth Dyas was a national lawn tennis player and his father Neville a keen golfer & tennis player with Jack and his siblings taking up skiing during their younger days. Jack’s aunt Nora had married Leslie Dow a member of the Dow Port family – he had been “sent down from Cambridge” due to being involved in a betting scandal!! Jack was 50years old when he took delivery of BC42XB, (a birthday gift perhaps?) and a few years later he went into partnership with the Johnnie Walker heir Rob Walker when they bought a Cosworth powered Lotus 49. That same year the team won the British Grand Prix with Siffert as their driver, it was Rob Walker’s last win. The second owner of BC42XB was Donald Louis Nicholas who had a lifelong fascination with the Stuart history, Donald had also served his country during WWII with the 70th H.A.A. Regiment and after the war ended he wrote several books on his Scottish heritage. His 1st wife, Evadne Chavasse was a scion of the Chavasse medical family & her Uncle Noel Godfrey Chavesse is one of three people to have been awarded the Victoria Cross twice, the others were C. Upman & A Martin-Leake. There were 4 members of the Chavesse family who were awarded the Military Cross during both WWI & WWII. The 3rd name on the chassis cards is Denys Martyn of Triley Court, Abergavenny (he also owned a SCIII Chinese Eye Coupe) – he had studied at Cambridge alongside George Lascelles (Earl of Harewood) and in 1947 Denys, George & Patrick Hedley-Dent enjoyed a motoring holiday in Italy & I quote: “wearing clothes that were too thick, failing to sleep in the hot weather, worrying about money “. Denys & George remained friends for many years and often went on Operatic Expeditions together.

Price now reduced. A delightful, early 20/25 with traditional, tall, upright coachwork, very stately, but fresh and cheerful in very nicely carried out primrose paintwork with tan leather interior, attractive veneers, and excellent headlining and carpets. In fact, the car is very fresh and clean throughout, inside and out. The car has some appealing vintage features, such as two-way divided windscreen, a ‘porthole’ communication window to the division, a lovely set of instruments, P80 ‘bullseye’ headlights, ‘Windover patent’ slimline bumper front and twin bladed quarter bumpers at the rear, a full set of wheel discs (also Windover’s own) and a very ‘characterful’ trunk on the rear. We have just completed an engine overhaul, which included new main and big end bearings, new pistons and little ends, timing case bearings, etc, and a clutch overhaul while we were at it, giving the car new lease of life. In addition to this, the car is fitted with a recent aluminium cylinder head, another bonus! Correct, attractive and smart, offered newly MoT tested. The last owner very effectively turned the car into a ‘Darling Buds of May lookalike’, and we have included a Lledo model of it to complement this, as you will see in the photos. MoT tested.

Price reduced from £42,500 to £39,500.

Snippets:Rugby Union, Civil Engineer & Football boots

The 1st owner of GXO48 was Sir David McCowan (1860/1937) of Park Circus Place, Glasgow who between 1880/84 had played international Rugby for Scotland and was capped 10 times, he later became President of the SRU in 1928. His career was that of a senior partner with William Euing & Co who specialised in Marine Insurance, in 1889 David married Gertrude Cargill whose father David Cargill in 1886 had founded Burmah Oil Ltd and remained as their chairman until his death in 1904. It would appear that with a few years GXO48 had been sold to Sir Frederick Llewelyn Palmer (1862/1934) who worked for the civil engineer Sir Alexander Rendel and was seconded to the East Indian Railway Company in the capacity of assistance engineer. Whilst stationed in India he was responsible for the construction of the Moghalserai-Gaya line which took over 4 years to complete and included the Sone Bridge which at the time was the 2nd longest bridge in the world with some 93 spans of 100ft. In 1909 he returned to the UK and became chief engineer to the Port of London Authority with work on the Albert Dock & the King George V Dock. During WWI he was consulting engineer to the Air Ministry, his international works included Port Churchill for Hudson Bay River, Montreal Terminal and the harbour at Haifa and the new Zambesi Bridge – there are many more beside. In 1907 he was appointed Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire and in 1930 Commander of the Order of St Michael & St George for his contributions to engineering. His home of Crowhurst Place had previously been home to Consuelo Vanderbilt, 9th Duchess of Marlborough after her separation and subsequent divorce from the 9th Duke. During the 1990s GXO48 was with V. A. Lovelock who applied for a patent for various sporting gear including a headband and a football boot cover which consisted of a band that wrapped around the “sweet spot” of a football boot thereby increasing the friction between boot and ball and hopefully allowing the ball to “struck with greater accuracy”…….

Price reduced. An appealingly unusual car, its design harking back to an earlier era, with faux canework, opera lamps, etc. It is, however, correct and as built, but benefitting from much attention, including restoration work in the USA many years ago, and continued attention in the UK since its return here in the 1970s. This work included an engine overhaul by Brunts of Silverdale, including new cylinder head and block, steering box rebuild, and more besides. Comes with a large, informative history file. The paintwork is in very good order, sharp and smart, as is the interior – brown leather to the front and cream to the rear, in both cases with matching carpets. Even the headlining is leather! The car features louvred bonnet and scuttle, Carl Zeiss headlights, Lucas ‘owl eye’ tail lights, twin tubular blade bumpers front and rear and a rear-mounted spare wheel. Running well, lovely all round and offered freshly MoT tested.

Price reduced from £55,000 to £49,500.

Snippets: Art & Jewels

The 1st owner of GMD36 was the socialite, heiress and scandalous Florence Evelyn St George, (known as Evelyn) whose father was George Fisher Baker (1840/1931) the co-founder of today’s Citibank. During his lifetime he was on the board of 40 companies, held the majority of the Central Railroad stock. In 1918 the first Forbes Rich List was published & it listed George Baker as being in joint 4th place with William Rockefeller with an estimated fortune of $150million, Nr 1 was John D. Rockefeller (William’s older brother) with a staggering $1.2billion. When George Baker died in 1931 the bulk of his estate was inherited by his son George with his two daughters gifted $5m each. In 1891, age 21, Florence Baker married the Irish land agent Howard St. George but by 1906 she had met the artist William Orpen (1878/1931) with whom she had a long-term liaison – and a daughter. Evelyn & her brother took annual trips to Paris to ensure they were dressed in the latest fashion and this of course included jewellery with Rene Lalique being commissioned to produce a choker with a lattice design of green glass cabochons on an enamel backing with diamonds set in each corner, this piece was later recut into a suite of bracelet, brooch and earrings with them being auctioned in 2020. There is a portrait of Evelyn St George by Orpen showing her reclining on her bed at Clonsilla in 1908 wearing that very choker. When she died in 1936 the auction house Sotheby’s were tasked with selling the contents of Cam House and this including artworks by El Greco, Goya, Cranach and of course works by Orpen.

From 1958 / 62 GMD36 was with the noted architect & interior designer Sir Hugh Casson – his clients included Air Ministry (Camouflage Service) Royalty (Royal Yacht Britannia) (Buckingham Palace, Windsor, Sandringham), WH Smith, NatWest Bank & Glyndebourne. During the time GMD36 was with Sir Casson the car was used, like his earlier Rolls-Royce as an everyday car and the mascot was replaced several times after being taken as a trophy.

Sale Agreed.  Originally an experimental ‘test car’, numbered 27-G-VI, this car was prepared by the factory in 1939 and became one of the very first production models (re-numbered WXA6) when the Wraith was introduced to the public. The car is handsome, sound, in fine condition, with an imposing and attractive frontal aspect, featuring an impressive array of correct lamps and horns. The car has been well cared for by one family since 1997, and we have a complete ownership record prior to that. Also in the file is a buff logbook from 1949, various documentation, old MoT certificates, and invoices confirming £32,000 of expenditure during the last ownership. Nicely correct, with a particularly appealing brown leather interior, excellent headlining, carpets and wood veneers and a sliding sunroof. Some of the beige paintwork is losing adhesion, on one side of the car, and ideally will need attention in the near future, but the panels are totally sound, and this does not prevent the car from being used and enjoyed. Running and driving well, offered serviced, prepared and MoT tested.

SOLD.

Snippets:

After being used as an experimental car (original chassis Nr 27-G-VI) WXA6 was sold to its first private owner, Lt. Col. Reginald George Stanham just prior to the outbreak of WWII. His wife was an Australian – Helen MacArthur – whose family imported the first merino sheep to Australia in 1796. When her father James Macarthur-Onslow died in 1945 she and her husband sold up and moved back to the family home Camden Park – a property with some 80 rooms and still owned by members of the MacArthur family. The 2nd owner was Captain Roger Cookson, the 4th son of George Cookson of Treslissick, Cornwall. Two of Roger’s older brothers died when they were just 25, in 1907 Geoffrey succumbed to the plague whilst serving with the King’s Royal Rifles in Jubbulpore, India & in 1909 Christopher drowned whilst stationed with the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade at Holywood. Roger’s other sibling – George – joined the Royal Flying Corps and in 1918 he was mentioned in despatches. Media reports of the time refer to Roger Cookson as being a racing driver for the Bentley Team but we’ve yet to find evidence of this. In 1913 he married Sybil Taylor (an author & journalist) they had two daughters – Georgina, who became an actress & Patricia who became a princess with her 2nd marriage to Henry Aymon Marle Rodolphe (Prince de Faucigny-Lucinge et Coligny). In 1944 WXA6 was bought by George Bankoff, who have been informed was a British surgeon of Russian origin & author of some 120 books under various pseudonyms (George Sava, George Borodin, Peter Conway and others). His books covered topics varying from politics, history, medical, fiction & a biography of his father Ivan entitled “One Russian’s Story”. After just 12 months it was then bought by Edward W Collinson who in 1949 sold WXA6 to his own company (Beech’s Chocolates) in order to buy WCB45! Sadly in 1949 whilst on holiday in Scarborough, he fell down a 200ft cliff and didn’t survive, WXA6 remained with the family firm until 1955 until it was bought by Herbert Kaiser of de Oude Plaats, Corbridge. Herbert worked in Singapore where he was GM of Straits Steamship (Engineering Division) and later Chairman of Watt & Akkermans one of their subsidiaries. The 1990s saw WXA6 with Rami Elle, whose tailoring business “Elle 1981” included African Chiefs, Oil Sheikhs, royalty & government officials amongst their client list.

Price reduced. A sound, spacious, and practical example in good, sound condition throughout. The car was with one owner from 1986 until 2016, and has been well cared for, having been fitted with a new cylinder head, re-cored radiator and more besides. As a result of the care and attention that it has received, the car runs very sweetly and drives nicely, with a smooth, powerful engine, and performs well. Smartly painted in black & ivory, nice bright work, with excellent (recent) black leather to the front and beige cloth to the rear, with original black leather fold-down occasional seats. The structure is excellent, the doors closing with a satisfying ‘clunk’ and fitting very nicely, and being Hooper, certain items, including the windscreen and fittings are beautifully made in stainless steel. P100 headlights, long trumpet horns, a full set of ‘Ace’ wheel discs, an impressive set of correct, original tools, and (unusually) a sliding sunroof to the front compartment complete the picture. A lovely car, ready to go and offered MoT tested.

Price £ 36,500

Snippets: Camp Coffee & Racing Yachts

GRM60 was ordered by James Davidson Paterson a scion of the Paterson manufacturing company – they started off producing vinegar, Tangerine Sauce and Eureka Chutney! James’s father Campbell joined the company in 1868 and legend has it that in 1885 Campbell Paterson was asked by some Gordon Highlanders if Patersons could create a drink that was easy for brewing on the battle field in India – the result was Camp Coffee – named after “Camp”bell himself. James (one of 10 children) and a younger brother Campbell Jnr were both keen yachtsmen – between them they commissioned Mylne & Fife to design elegant racing yachts including – Kelpie(1903), Vanda (1934), Mariella (1939) & Madrigal (the last yacht Fife designed) – in 1914 Kelpie was used to smuggle guns into Ireland!. In 1934 the yacht designer Alfred Mylne designed (for himself) a 12mtr sailboat named Vanda but he never had the delight of sailing the yacht as J. D. Paterson saw Vanda whilst she was under construction and made Alfred Mylne an offer that he simply could not refuse!! In 1947 Gregor Grant (1913/1994) of Kilmarnock acquired GRM60 from James Paterson. In 1929 Gregor Grant moved from Nethy Bridge to Kilmarnock & in 1935, aged just 24 he took over the construction firm of John Moulds Ltd, Gregor later bought the Mar Lodge Hotel in Troon, a magnificent building which dates back to the late 1800s. Gregor Grant was also a Free Mason and was a member of the Mother Kilwinning Lodge (Nr 0) – the existence of which can be traced as dating back to the early 12th Century.

Price reduced from £110,000 to £95,000.

Snippets: Location, Location, Location

Exclusive Locations of a Rolls-Royce

The first owner was Mrs Edith Helen Campbell whose husband John Donington Campbell was chairman of J C & J Field Ltd – soap and candle makers which was founded circa 1642 by Thomas Field. Edith registered GAF81 at two London addresses – 22 Down Street in Mayfair and 44 Rutland Gate in Knightsbridge.  John Campbell died in 1939 on the way to hospital and it is thought that GAF81 was placed into storage for the duration of WWII. 

A later resident of Down Street was Sir Robert Young (1871/1959) a noted physician & tuberculosis specialist and during the mid 1800s Rutland Terrace was the home of Septimus Godson (1799/1877) barrister & brother of Richard Godson MP for St Albans.  South Lodge at Rutland Gate was the London base of the Llangattock family and was purchased shortly after the birth of their most famous family member – Charles Stewart Rolls. 

During the 1950s GAF81 was still in London this time in the Belgravia area with L. Candler of Chesham Place which via the master builder of the 19^th century – Thomas Cubitt – is connected to Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall as she is a direct descendant of his.  By the 1980s GAF81 was with a “Singing Solicitor” – this was Winston Ku who had studied law at Oxford and had been trained as a classical singer by the French Baritone – Gerard Souzay. 

Was £75,000, now £59,500.

Snippets: Two Coronations

The chassis cards of B192DG show that the retailer was none other than H M Bentley & Partner of Hanover Court – H. M. Bentley was Horace Millner Bentley the brother of Walter Owen Bentley – the Bentley brothers started their 1st business together in 1912 as “Bentley & Bentley” selling the French DFP cars (Doriot, Flandrin & Parant). W. O. Bentley improved the performance of these cars & as a result he won several races at Brooklands setting new records for Class B in 1912 (66.78mph over 10 laps), 1913 (75.12mph) & in 1914 he achieved a flying mile of 89.7mph in a 2ltr DFP – after which the sales of the DFPs rapidly increased. The first owner of B192DG was Massey Henry Edgcumbe Lopes (1903/1992) – in 1938 upon the death of his father (Sir Henry Lopes) Massey Lopes inherited the title of Lord Roborough, the 2nd Baron. The Lopes family tree can be traced back to Jamaica where in the 1700s Mordecai Lopes owned a sugar plantation from which he made his fortune; in the late 1700s the Lopes family settled in London & upon Mordecai’s death in 1796 his son Mannaseh Massey Lopes inherited substantial wealth with which he purchased the estate at Maristow, Devon. Mannaseh Lopes immersed himself in local & national politics as well as land management and upon his death in 1831 his estate was in excess of 30,000 acres. As Sir Mannaseh did not have a son his estate was inherited by his nephew (his sister’s son) Ralph Franco who upon his inheritance altered his name to that of Lopes. In 1925 Massey H. E. Lopes joined the Royal Scot Greys and whilst serving with them he played on the Polo team which won the Inter-Regimental cup both in 1933 & 1938. Prior to the death of his father in 1938 Massey Lopes was the aide-de-camp to G. Villiers (6th Earl of Clarendon) the Governor-General of S. Africa. When Sir Henry Lopes died Massey Lopes resigned from the regiment but upon the outbreak of WWII he rejoined and was twice wounded in service. Sir Massey Lopes’ son George rang us about the car & it has become clear that B192DG was “mothballed” during this period, in 1952 George can remember sitting in the passenger seat of B192DG whilst en-route to the Coronation with his father saying “you watch the speedo & I’ll watch the road” – the speed achieved that day was a grand 82mph!! In the 1960s B192DG was re-bodied by Vincents of Reading into a shooting brake which did not aesthetically appeal to Sir Massey and he sold the car in the 1970s to a Mr Bennett. After selling B192DG Sir Massey did not purchase another Bentley as the later models did not appeal “only two reasons to buy a Bentley – Speed & Fun” – You can’t argue with that statement. The Coronation link continues as in 2006 Sir Massey’s grandson Harry Lopes married Laura Parker-Bowles the daughter of Camilla & therefore step-daughter of His Majesty King Charles III. At the Coronation of King Charles two of Sir Massey’s great-grandsons Gus & his twin brother Louis were Pages of Honour to their grandmother Her Majesty Queen Camilla.

A good, sound and very useable example of an early MKVI finished in black with beige leather interior which – being an early car – is of the plain, non-pleated design, with two armrests to each front seat. This, together with inertia reel seatbelts to the front and a nicely-working sliding sunroof make the inside a very nice place to be! We have a file of maintenance and repair invoices totalling about £39,000 since the 1980s, and the car has covered about 2,300 miles in the hands of the last owner since he bought it from us in 2016. A comprehensive service was carried out in 2022 costing £2,600, since when just 100 miles have been covered. The car presents well, is correct and tidy, and importantly, the chassis, underbody and coachwork are all reassuringly sound. Running and driving nicely, equipped with a well-suited set of Avon Turbosteel tyres, correct headlights, centre spotlight, etc, and offered prepared and newly MoT tested.

Price £ 27,500

Snippets:

Sir Alfred Hammond Aykroyd 1894/1965 (AKA Flash Harry) was a scion of two industrious families – the Hammonds Bradford Brewery (his mother Emma was the granddaughter of James Hammond) and the Ffrith Carpet (Sir Alfred’s great uncle was Sir Algernon Ffirth). Hammonds Brewery was initially founded by Joseph Pullen who in 1860 sold his brewery to James Hammond. When James Hammond died in 1875 he owned a staggering 35 public houses! In 1919 Sir Alfred married Sylvia Thorne the widow of Lt. Col. Foster Newton Thorne whose family had owned Southover Grange in Lewes from 1572 to 1901. Lt. Thorne was killed during WWI whilst serving with the Sussex Regiment in Shatt al Adhaim, Mesopotamia, he left his wife Sylvia with their 11 month daughter Vivian. In 1947, the year that he bought B119BG Sir Alfred became Chairman of Ffirth & Sons, Director of Hammonds Brewery & was in receipt of the Baronetcy – a busy year by all Accounts – he was already a director of Martins Bank! After Sir Alfred’s death in 1965 the Bentley was acquired by Ralph Parker of Datchet, a lifelong bachelor he kept B119BG until his death in 1998 when the car was inherited by Roland Bryant. Sadly Roland & his wife didn’t have a garage in which to keep the car and it was sold to Mr W. F.Cooper of Southampton.

A very fine example of the desirable and sought-after ‘M series’ cars, which has been prepared and maintained at great expense over the period 2016 to 2022. In total, £117,000 has been spent over that time, and as a result the car is running and driving extremely well. It has been used for long distance touring, performing very well indeed and is in ideal condition to continue use of this kind, being mechanically excellent, very sound structurally, and cosmetically at just the right level to use and enjoy, being smart but not so pristine that you are afraid to drive it! The paintwork is generally good, but in places is losing adhesion and cracking. The leather is in good condition, the seats are nice and plump, but the pale colour is fading and looks grubby. Perhaps a gentle colour of an appropriate type would be a good idea. What’s ‘under the skin’ matters most in a car that is to be actively used, and this one really is in that category. The engine is smooth and quiet, with a willing, ‘pulling at the leash’ quality, being very lively. Couple this with the high ratio gearing, and you have a very usable car, ready to enjoy. All the aforementioned work is documented, with invoices and photos, in a file which also includes copies of the old logbook, various other papers and a VSCC eligibility certificate. The ‘time trial’ meters fitted to the dashboard are included with the car, but we would be happy to remove them if preferred without. Serviced & MoT tested. At the price now asked, the car represents very good value!

New Price £65,000

Snippets: OCS, RAF & JDL

Alan Dudley Goodliffe took delivery of B67MX just months before the outbreak of WWII with the address given as C/o Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China – this bank was founded in 1853 & had been granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria. By 1940 Alan Goodliffe had joined the RAF and by 1942 he had been posted to No. 34 OTU in Pennfield Ridge, Canada to be in charge of the Accounts Section. He ended the war having attained the rank of Squadron Leader – No. 34 OTU was actually a unit of 2 Group of the RAF 2nd Tactical Air Force. Complete crews were trained at Pennfield on the Lockheed, or Vega Ventura, which was then in use by the RAF in England as a daylight tactical bomber by medium bomber squadrons of 2 Group. Little is known as to what Alan did after WWII but he certainly travelled with records of him visiting Manila, Canada, USA & Hong Kong. Alan was a direct descendant of F. W. Goodliffe (1875/1947) who started the family cleaning firm in 1900 and in 1930 his 3 sons formed the sub-division of OCS Ltd which is still a family concern albeit an international one with some 89,000 employees in 50 countries! The chassis cards of B67MX show that from 1952 / 1970 the car was with the engineering firm of John Dale Ltd which was initially established as Carr & Son in 1837 by John Smith Carr as a manufacturer of blacking. By 1890 his grandsons, John Dale Carr & Ralph Charles Carr had, set up John Dale Ltd to make tin containers & this developed into a separate business supplying tins, collapsible tubes and later aluminium castings. In 1972 Robert Carr was Home Secretary under the Conservative Government of Edward Heath. From 1973 until 2016 B67MX had 3 Italian owners of Italian – Pasquale Bertinetti (1973/88) who lived in Dorset but was from Turin then Roberto Rosso Snr (1988/2006) and upon his death the car was inherited by his son also Roberto Rosso.

Price Reduced. An exceptionally exciting opportunity, being an open Phantom II Continental two door, two seater with dickey, with very sleek, stylish coachwork by H.J.Mulliner, aided by sweeping, open wings, a low windscreen, a beautiful set of stainless steel lamps, including P100S headlights, etc, all of which add to the overall eye-catching appearance. The comprehensive original, special order specification of the chassis, which we have copies of, shows large, 5″ tachometer and speedometer, “loudest type of Bosch horn”, special attention to the cooling system, and special testing of the chassis when complete. The car started life as a James Young Tourer, but the current H.J.Mulliner body, originally fitted to another PII Continental (149TA), has been on for several decades, something like two thirds of its life in fact. With one family (father & daughter) from 1960 to 2018, and with us for a second time, and comes with a great deal of background information, including a fabulous set of photos taken on a continental tour when the car was brand new, adding more to the already considerable history file. Cosmetically very useable, equipped with a neat cover for the compact hood which folds easily and sits low, and a tonneau cover. Very promising mechanically too, driving particularly well, with delightfully light steering, decent brakes, and getting better and better with use, after being laid up for about a decade in recent years. We have just carried out some re-commissioning service work and fitted a brand new cylinder head, adding to the car’s appeal (and value) and at the same time giving confidence and security for the future and contributing to the cool-running that the car enjoys. Complete with the aforementioned history file, two impressive, original tool trays, mounted either side of the boot interior, and we have now been successful in having the original, very appropriate, registration number, GY 4050, re-allocated to the car. We are unlikely to ever be able to again offer an opportunity such as this. Offered newly MoT tested. In addition to the video below, we have added a walk around as well, which can be seen here: https://youtu.be/ZBsfAVEAAFI?si=4byur5n0ymNhvQDC

£195,000.

Snippets:

The first private owner of 28MS was Robert Edwin McAlpine (1907/1990) the grandson of Sir “Concrete Bob” MacAlpine. The chassis cards show that in 1932 Archibald Henry Pass (of Pass & Joyce Ltd) drove 28MS along the Stelvio Pass in order to “determine whether a 1932 Continental Phantom Rolls-Royce would negotiate the Stelvio Pass at the speed requisite for the Alpine Trial in view of the 44 hair-pin bends”. The trip was undertaken with A.H. Pass driving, Geoffrey Smith of Autocar as co-driver and G.W. Hancock from the RR experimental dept – the distance covered was some 2,300miles at an average of 9miles per gallon! 28MS was then sold to R. E. McAlpine as a 2nd hand car with the extra bonus of having a few extras plus already run in! In the 1930s Robert McAlpine purchased Lyttel Hall in Nutfield and registered 28MS there in 1937, the car was later, possibly during WWII, rebodied as a shooting brake & was apparently taken to West Africa by Dr Geoffrey Cuthbert Tooth (1908/98) who used it as a mobile surgery (more research needed here)! Dr Tooth was a qualified MRCS and a LRCP but he later specialised in the field of psychology with particular interest in juvenile delinquency; he produced several papers on Studies of Mental Illness in the Gold Coast. During WWII Geoffrey served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. In 1958, two years after 28MS returned to the UK, Geoffrey Tooth had not only relocated to Teheran but he had also married a member of the Russian Royal family – Princess Xenia Andreevna, whose paternal grandfather was the 4th son of Grand Duke Michael, a grandson of Tsar Nicholas I; Princess Xenia’s paternal grandmother was Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna – she was the eldest daughter of Tsar Alexander II and the sister of Tsar Nicholas II. Now that is what you call a pedigree! In 1956, after having been imported by J. O. Auclair the PII became the property of Major Cyril Edward Darlington who in 1949 was mistaken for Captain Charles Evan Darlington & it was reported erroneously that Cyril had had the Legion of Merit, Degree of Legionnaire conferred upon him by Harry Truman, President of the United States! A rebuttal notice was placed in The London Gazette to correct the error! By 1960 28MS was with H. R. Wilkins, the family firm of Wilkins & Mitchell dates from the early 1900s and at one stage the firm employed over 1,000 people. Wilkins & Mitchell produced machine tools, power presses and later in 1929 washing machines – Servis Domestic Appliances.

New price. A chance to own a unique Bentley with great history and provenance which we believe holds a very significant place in the history of Bentley and Rolls-Royce Motors. Used as a test bed during WWII on official business, with every journey logged, it enabled the all new MKVI to be launched in 1946 when most manufacturers were re-hashing pre-war designs. The MKVI was closely followed by the Silver Wraith in 1947 and the Silver Dawn in 1949. We had previously thought that the B60 engine was a post war development but 3B50 was fitted with B60 engine No.4 originally, later replaced with No.11 as per logbook entry which is still in place to this day. We have copies of the three very comprehensive logbooks which not only record every journey but also who was driving and every modification carried out. These logbooks run from 1939 to 1950 during which time the car covered almost 200,000 miles before escaping the fate of most experimental cars by being ‘passed to Rm’ – the Chief Engineer who took the car for his personal transport. The car’s life is well-documented, and included with it are copies of Ian Rimmer’s seminal work on the Experimental cars and ‘Silver Ghosts and Silver Dawn’ the fascinating autobiography of W. A. Robotham. Also various other interesting related articles, magazines and books. During our ownership 3B50 has had a brake overhaul, re-cored radiator and numerous other jobs. Now very sound, a bit scruffy, running well, very much on the road and MoT tested.. Can be used as an ‘oily rag’ as is or improved cosmetically to the new owner’s taste. A very important part of Bentley history, now even more attractive at the new price!

New Price £65,000

Snippets:

Rm was the code name for William Arthur Robotham (1899/1980) – after serving as an artillery officer during WWI he decided that he wouldn’t join his father’s legal firm but to apply for an apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce (family connections played a part) and he duly started with the company as a “Premium Apprentice”. In 1923 he became a junior technician under Ernest Hives (code name Hs) in the Experimental section where Rm worked on not just cars but also the aero section when needed. He was heavily involved in the road testing of the cars which meant that he travelled throughout Europe and whilst he was staying at the Hotel de France in Chateauroux he assisted Madame Olga Cousino Lyon whose Silver Ghost had “failed to proceed”, her family’s wealth came from silver mining & wine in Chile and home was a palace in Santiago! More local testing runs were held at Shotton Steel works in North Wales and he along with Geoffrey & Dick Summers would race their cars over a ½ mile standing start sprint with a ¼ of a mile pull up section – the cars varied from an Aston Martin, Lancia, Hispano Suiza, Bentley, Vauxhall, Chrysler, Rolls-Royce – all in the name of performance evaluation. Such fun. Rm married twice – firstly to Winifred Thompson whose father Henry was a pioneer farmer with estates in Lincolnshire, Norfolk & Scotland & the owner of a Rolls-Royce Phantom I (78DC). One of Henry’s Scottish crops was the Golden Wonder potato & as they were not available in the Midlands Rm’s father-in-law sent him some 6 tons which Rm managed to sell to the Rolls-Royce staff! His second wife was Jeanne Ekins who used to accompany the famous Italian Tenor Beniamino Gigli on piano! After Rm’s retirement he & Jeanne bought a farm in Kent and produced hops, potatoes, corn, plums, apples and pears.

Price Reduced! A very striking car which incorporates various unusual and very appealing design features. Sporty in appearance, sharp and lovely in condition and running very well. One of the very first Derby Bentleys built, originally bodied by Park Ward, the current Barker body was built for a slightly later 3½ Litre in 1935, but transferred to this car in the 1950s. The car features very sleek wing design, shallow windscreen, some very attractive body mouldings and swage lines to the scuttle and bonnet (which are also louvred), the rear quarters and the doors, too have sweeping, curved lines, enhanced by colour division. Early photos of the body when mounted on B178DG, although black & white, suggest a very similar colour scheme to that still on the car. These photos, together with shots of various documentation, an old logbook, etc, can be seen below. The paintwork, chrome plating, upholstery, woodwork and cosmetics generally are all excellent, and the fitment of a full set of ‘Ace’ wheel discs and a ‘clam shell’ spare wheel cover, correct P100 headlights,the facility for mounting luggage on the lid of the already quite spacious boot, all add to the car’s practicality. Excellent, probably unique and a very rare opportunity to acquire such a special specimen. The car has a recent aluminium cylinder head and we have just fitted five new tyres and heavy duty tubes. Unusually, the car is still fitted with its exhaust ‘cut out’ device, operated from a lever inside, offering the opportunity for sporting sounds, and added performance. In most cases, this is long gone, so it’s good to see one in working order! Serviced, prepared and offered MoT tested. As well as the video below, you can see a walk round here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyf4PrPVLlY

New Price £110,000

Snippets: The Embiricos & Lady Dorothy Roll

The first owner of B17AE was A H Embiricos a scion of the Greek shipping & finance family whose brother Andre M. Embiricos commissioned & raced the Paulin designed & Pourtout built Bentley.  The love of cars ran in the Embiricos family as their cousin Nicholas raced an ERA alongside a Bugatti Type 57S!  From 1934 / 1936 B17AE was owned by Lyonel Francis Stone, he was a Captain in the Coldstream Guards and as such registered the car at his club at 41 Brook Street.  His mother was a direct descendant from the Plantagenets and she was christened with the following names: Lyona Decima Veronica Esyth Undine Cyssa Hylda Rowena Viola Adele Thyra Ursula Ysabel Blanche Lelias Dysart Plantagenet Tollemache-Tollemache.

During WWII B17AE was converted to a Utility Van for use by Messrs Mash & Austin Ltd of Covent Garden – the earliest reference found to them is from the early 1800s when an Admiral in Lord Nelson’s fleet owed the sum of £3/7/6d to Mr. Joseph Mash!  The firm’s name was changed in August 1873 when Henry John Mash of Beaulieu married the wealthy Miss Lucy Austin of Beaconsfield, thus enabling them to acquire two farms where they grew their own produce enabling them to widen their customer base to include hotels & restaurants. 

In 1947 Hugh Curtis, a vet from Hungerford acquired B17AE and in 1958 the car (with the Utility body) was used by Hugh at the Police Motor Driving School in Hendon – this was an annual event comprising of concours events and driving ability tests in which B17AE took place as participant Nr. 20!  The current bodywork on B17AE was originally on B178DG which Mr. Curtis also owned – B178DG had been built to the exacting specifications of Lady Dorothy Roll.  Lady Dorothy was the widow of Howell Thomas Ball – he was killed in 1915 during WWI & in 1927 Dorothy married Sir Cecil Roll.  By June 1932 Sir Cecil had placed a notice in The Times that he would not be responsible for any contracts & expenditure entered to his accounts by her – this did not appear to stop her buying B178DG in 1935 and a photo of the car is shown in the Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic News.  When Sir Cecil died in 1938 his estate was circa £460,000 and the majority of it was divided between his 3 sons and not his extravagant widow……  prior to Sir Cecil’s death she had ordered a Rolls-Royce 25/30 – GAR22 & shortly after his death a Wraith – WLB2!