The most deeply original and ‘proper’ Derby Bentley one could ever hope to find….

Ours is a fully matching numbers motorcar, boasting its original registration and charming Park Ward Saloon coachwork in Black.  It is offered in the most mechanically robust condition and remains just wonderful throughout.  “Patinated” doesn’t even begin to describe this car, nor will it necessarily be for everybody, but to us, this is just perfect.

Incredibly, this “H” Series car has had only four owners from new, the current since 1990, and the one prior to him for 33 years before that.  This exceptional motorcar has been kept in the most beautiful original condition, with everything working as it should, even the self-lubricating pedal-operated system which almost always misbehaves.

Our Bentley is offered with a host of early history including copies of really lovely original factory build sheet records, original handbook and continuation buff log book confirming that this car has truly only had four owners since registration in December 1936, and even a FIVA identity card, dated 2001.

This car was purchased from auction in 1990.  The auctioneers at that time described “vehicles of this type and condition are becoming increasingly rare” – and that was thirty years ago!

Shortly after acquisition, the new owner of this car invested more than £4,500 in the overhaul of front axle and damper brackets including king pins, ball pins, studs, top bearings and brake cross shafts by Fiennes Engineering of Oxfordshire, November 1994.  Much later, in 2016, the rear axle would be even more thoroughly overhauled by meticulous craftsman, and recognised Derby Bentley gearbox and axle specialist, Christopher Carnley.  In exchange for more than £6,000, and utilising parts supplied by Fiennes Engineering yet again, the rear axle was extensively rebuilt to include the fitment of a 3.6/1 crown wheel and pinion and Fiennes driving dogs, plus, overhaul of rear brakes and handbrake, including new linings.  The fitment of this high-ration cwp which is better suited to modern road use gives our “H” Series Bentley a similar top speed and cruising ability of the later “MX” Series cars which had overdrive.  What this means in real terms is that, if pushed, our car could almost certainly manage 100mph, but will cruise untroubled at 70mph at a shade under 3000rpm.

Further benefitting our car is the incredibly significant and equally thorough full engine rebuild undertaken by Ristes Motor Company of Nottingham in October of 1999.  This comprised of full overhaul of engine, including repair to cylinder block, replacement new cast iron cylinder head, full set of main bearings, big end bearings, crankshaft regrind, inlet and exhaust valves, and full radiator overhaul at a total cost in excess of £20,000.  Thankfully, despite Ristes request to repaint and decorate the engine before replacement this was resisted, further adding to the glorious authenticity of this car.  The performance and road manners of this engine on the road today is exemplary.

Within the generous history file are further maintenance receipts, including from Ristes Motor Co. again, and more besides.  If you’d like to come and view this car please budget enough time to see it all.

This is not a motorcar that every household in Britain would aspire to own, for many simply would not ‘get it’ but this categorically is the motorcar that every true enthusiast would gravitate toward in the car park at Goodwood.  Just glorious.