£300k Bentley rusting away in family garage
FOR 30 years the vintage Bentley had been quietly gathering dust in the family’s barn.
But the owner knew it was a special car and thought that, even in its dilapidated condition, it might worth around £30,000.
So he was astonished to be told that it is ‘one of the finds of the decade’ – and could make £300,000 at auction.
The Bentley 4½ was built in 1929 and, six years later, bought by the grandfather of the current owner. He would take the luxury saloon on family holidays, even towing a caravan behind.
It has remained in the same family but in 1985 was taken off the road and parked in the barn in Surrey. A few weeks ago the owner, who does not want to be named, contacted auction house Bonhams, which sent car specialist Rob Hubbard to examine the vehicle.
He was staggered when he opened the door of the barn to see the Bentley, likening it to the discovering a Rembrandt. He said: ‘To collectors, this really is the holy grail. The chassis, engine, axle, gearbox, steering box numbers are all present. The body and trim are in remarkable order. This will be back on the road without too much work.’
Bonhams has given it an estimate of £150,000 to £250,000, but Mr Hubbard believes it could fetch £300,000. He added: ‘The interior is original, in wonderful green patinated leather. In its day it was a real gentleman’s express.’ The Bentley 4½ is one of 665 built between 1927 and 1930 for ‘discriminating motorists to whom the joy of motoring lies in fascinating acceleration, high speed and Bentley design’.
The car will be sold by Bonhams at its Collectors’ Motor Cars & Motorcycles sale in Beaulieu, Hampshire, on September 5.