Classic & Sports Car - December 2015 UK

E&R Classics,Kleiweg 1
5145NAWaalwijk, Holland

Tel: 0031416 751393
[email protected]

OPENINGTIMES

Mondaytill Saturday

09:00- 17:00

1st sundayof the month

12:00- 16:00

WE BUY

CLASSIC

CARS

WWW.ERCLASSICS.COM

250 classiccarsin our showroom

Alfa Romeo6C BoneschiMinisteriale

1949

1 of 27 built

Mercedes-Benz280SL

1970

Very GoodConditionLongtimeone hollandowner

JaguarE-Type S1

1966

matchingnumbers,BritishRacingGreen,restored

WETESTTHE CLASSICSTHATYOU CANBUY

This glorious-lookingBentleywas supplied,early in 1935,by Jack Barclay

to the sixth Earl of Carnarvon at HighclereCastle(the settingforDownton

Abbey). It retainsits originalPark Ward body,thoughit was first painted

blackand whitewith ared chassis,accordingto the copybuild sheet.

Apartfrom the paint and the driver’sseat hide, whichhas been replaced,

it’s very original,now exhibitingashabbychic.The doorscloseand fit well,

and the slidingsunroofstill works perfectly.The blue paint is starredand

fading on the doors,but the blackwingsare holdingup nicely.The plating

to the radiatorshell and the headlightsis good,thoughthe left lamp glass

is cracked. It has decentlytreadedAvons all round,with the sameon the

spare.The chassisis sound,with plentyof lubricationpresentaroundthe

kingpinsand joints,so the one-shotoilingsystemmust still be working,

Inside,the front carpethas disappearedand the passengerseat is

distressed–presumablythe driver’s side was worse beforeit was done.

The rear leatheris less worn –nicelypatinated–whilethe door trimsand

headliningare smart.The timberon the facia and door cappingsis in fine

order, too, the only issueon the dash beingone lightbulband lens missing.

The motoris tidy, with evidenceof asmallcoolantleak above the water

pump.Its fluidsare cleanand to levels, plus the Bentleystill has its jack,

handleand startinghandle,as well as the flask-stylesparebulb kit.

The 3889cc‘six’ startsreadilywith alittle ignitionretardand runs

silently.There’s no play in the steering,whichis as fluid as it shouldbe, the

gearchangeis slick and positiveand the brakes haveafirm, progressive

feel, pullingup well.Temperatureis steadyat 65-70ºCand oil pressure,

warm,is 35psiat 2000rpm.The ride is smoothand there’s torqueas deep

as abarrelof treacle.This old Bentleybehaves superblyand eventhe

semaphoreindicatorswork. Interestingly,someof the correspondence

referstoan inspectionby Will Fiennesof FiennesRestoration,who felt

that it mightwell be alow-mileagecar,and the way it drives bearsthis out.

SUMMARY

EXTERIOR

∑Tired paint,lovely chrome

INTERIOR

∑Excellentwood and headlining;

someleatherupholsterypoor

MECHANICALS

∑Healthy,goes reallywell

VALUE★★★★★★★✩✩✩

ForWonderfullyoriginal;possibly

low mileage;performsbeautifully

AgainstScruffypaint and interior

SHOULDI BUYIT?

If drivingis moreimportantthan

shinypaintwork, then this couldbe

the one. It doesn’tlook expensive,

althoughresprayingit would be

CASE HISTORIES

December 2015 Classic&SportsCar 209

BENTLEY 31 / 2 -LITREPARKWARD

Ye ar of manufacture 1934 Recordedmileage22,895

Askingprice£42,000VendorThornleyKelham,near Cirencester,

Gloucestershire;tel: 01285869791;www.thornleykelham.com

WHENIT WAS NEW

Price£1100(chassis)Maxpower105bhpMaxtorquen/a

0-60mph20.4 secsTop speed90mphMpg16-18

WE TEST THE CLASSICS THAT YOU CAN BUY

BENTLEY 31 / 2 -LITRE PARK WARD