magazine - Bentley Drivers Club NSW
magazine - Bentley Drivers Club NSW
magazine - Bentley Drivers Club NSW
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Issue: May-June 2008<br />
BENTLEY<br />
<strong>Drivers</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>NSW</strong> Region<br />
<strong>magazine</strong><br />
Andrew Wyatt's Derby <strong>Bentley</strong> 4&1/4Ltr Drophead coupe in the foreground<br />
with other <strong>Bentley</strong>'s in the grounds of Villa Strachan at Bellawongarah<br />
T<br />
his <strong>magazine</strong> is produced by & for the benefit of members<br />
of the <strong>Bentley</strong> <strong>Drivers</strong> <strong>Club</strong> (<strong>NSW</strong> Region) Inc. (the "BDC")<br />
and is published on a bi-monthly basis. The BDC is dedicated<br />
to promoting the ownership, preservation, sport and<br />
pastime of motoring in a <strong>Bentley</strong> motor car. We actively<br />
encourage participation in our club events as a way of enjoying our<br />
motor cars and fostering friendships on a social basis.<br />
Whilst care is taken in the preparation of information within this<br />
<strong>magazine</strong>, the <strong>Bentley</strong> <strong>Drivers</strong> <strong>Club</strong> (<strong>NSW</strong> Region) Inc. cannot be<br />
held responsible for any information, advertisement, advice or<br />
transaction(s) entered into as a result of reading material or personal<br />
opinions of individuals contained within this <strong>magazine</strong>.<br />
EVENTS COMING SOON:<br />
June 15th: Timber Boats &<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong>s<br />
July 20th: Christmas in July
Chairman's<br />
Chatter...<br />
2008 marks the 75th Anniversary<br />
of the first Derby<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong>, and events to celebrate<br />
the occasion are<br />
planned in the UK, USA and<br />
Australia. At this stage the<br />
Australian event is planned<br />
to be held from 11-13th<br />
November in Beechworth<br />
Victoria. It will be a great<br />
opportunity for Derby <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
motor cars, owners and<br />
enthusiasts to get together<br />
for a very special occasion,<br />
and there is an article in<br />
the <strong>magazine</strong> giving further<br />
details.<br />
Speaking of Derby <strong>Bentley</strong>s, Graeme Ellis, along with Max<br />
Houston in his Speed Six, provided the VIP transport at the<br />
Richmond Polo day. Altogether, about 15 <strong>Bentley</strong>s and a<br />
large number of members and their friends enjoyed a picnic,<br />
while watching Australia defeat the Kiwis in a close game of<br />
Polo. The weather was beautiful, although the gusty winds<br />
threatened to destroy our new club marquees. Thanks to<br />
Coralie Ogle and Carol McCormick for great organisation<br />
as usual, and to all those members and guests who contributed<br />
to the success of the event.<br />
By the time you are reading this <strong>magazine</strong>, we will have<br />
already visited the home of one of our most enthusiastic<br />
Derby <strong>Bentley</strong> drivers, namely Tony Strachan. In our last<br />
publication he offered trips in his 1934 3 1/2 Litre Thrupp<br />
and Maberly to "special people". I hope that I can meet the<br />
criteria for that privilege.<br />
I enjoy reading the articles about our members and their<br />
cars, and I am delighted that they are willing to share their<br />
knowledge and experience of fine cars with us.<br />
Regards, Bob Elliott<br />
3<br />
A few words from<br />
your editor...<br />
There has been a lot happening in the world of <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
motoring and indeed in our club. This issue of our <strong>magazine</strong><br />
gives us the opportunity to recant a number of our<br />
recent club events which have been highly successful and<br />
very well attended. I am of course speaking about our day<br />
trip "Polo at Richmond" and our "South Coast Weekend".<br />
Thanks go to Coralie Ogle for writing about the events for<br />
this <strong>magazine</strong> and of course being such an active and<br />
welcoming person at these events. What a fantastic asset<br />
she is to our club and a deserved winner of last years<br />
"<strong>Club</strong> Person of the Year". I know I certainly couldn't get<br />
this <strong>magazine</strong> together without her enormous help.<br />
Since writing the last club <strong>magazine</strong>, I have had the privilege<br />
of attending the launch of the new <strong>Bentley</strong> Brooklands<br />
at <strong>Bentley</strong> Sydney's new showroom in William St. I have<br />
taken the opportunity to write an article about this fabulous<br />
car and the launch event which was very enjoyable. Thanks<br />
again to <strong>Bentley</strong> Sydney for the wonderful support they<br />
provide to our club. Thanks also go to all our advertisers,<br />
without their support we would not be able to print this<br />
<strong>magazine</strong>.<br />
I mentioned in our last <strong>magazine</strong> that club member Syd Reinhardt<br />
had the honour of taking his 1929 Speed Six to the<br />
Melbourne Grand Prix. Syd took part in an historic race car<br />
demonstration,<br />
where<br />
he took the<br />
old girl for<br />
a lap or two<br />
around the<br />
circuit. Unfortunately<br />
I<br />
couldn't see<br />
that pre race<br />
event on TV.<br />
In any case<br />
Syd graciously<br />
agreed to write something for this <strong>magazine</strong> about<br />
the event.<br />
In this issue we feature another one of the "<strong>Bentley</strong> Boys".<br />
Our <strong>Bentley</strong> Boys that is. This section of the <strong>magazine</strong> is<br />
designed to profile a club member and his/her love of the<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> motor car. We are looking for any interesting history<br />
of the car(s) you own and anything interesting about<br />
the car's manufacture or use over the years. I am pleased<br />
to say that club member Robert Miles is profiled in this<br />
issue.<br />
So, sit back, relax and enjoy our club <strong>magazine</strong>.<br />
Regards, Jerome Bleijie<br />
email: bleijie@hotmail.com<br />
mail: 96 Lucinda Ave<br />
Wahroonga <strong>NSW</strong> 2076
Coming Events<br />
June 2 <strong>Club</strong> Meeting<br />
June 15 Timber Boats & <strong>Bentley</strong>s<br />
July 20 Christmas in July<br />
August 4 <strong>Club</strong> Meeting<br />
August 9 Concours Prep W'shop *<br />
August 17 All British Car Display Day<br />
August 24 Shannons Eastern Creek<br />
Sept 12-14 BDC National Rally in<br />
Canberra<br />
Sept 19-21 Speed on Tweed *^<br />
Oct 13 <strong>Club</strong> Meeting<br />
Oct 26 BDC (<strong>NSW</strong>) Concours<br />
Nov 11-13 Derby <strong>Bentley</strong> Rally *^<br />
Nov 12 Bong Bong Races<br />
Nov 22 Christmas Dinner<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Meetings are held at the North Ryde RSL <strong>Club</strong>, Pittwater<br />
Rd, North Ryde. Members & visitors are welcome to join us for<br />
dinner in the Bistro prior to the meeting. This calendar is subject<br />
to change and members are advised to check each issue for<br />
variations.<br />
# changed date * new entry ^ event not organised by club<br />
a bit more detail...<br />
Timber Boats & <strong>Bentley</strong>s<br />
C l u b M e m b e r<br />
Miles Felstead is<br />
inviting fellow BDC<br />
members to join him<br />
at ‘The Royal Motor<br />
Yacht <strong>Club</strong> Broken<br />
Bay’ at Newport, on<br />
Sunday 15th June.<br />
We’re to enjoy a<br />
buffet lunch in the<br />
C l u b M a r q u e e<br />
Bistro, followed by<br />
a run in an enclosed 55’ timber cruiser. Arrangements<br />
have been made for our <strong>Bentley</strong>s to be guarded while we<br />
are on the boat.<br />
See enclosed ‘Timber Boats & <strong>Bentley</strong>s’ Flyer for further<br />
details and booking form. Miles requires the Flyer<br />
completed and returned by Friday 6th June.<br />
Event Organiser: Miles Felstead Ph: 9969 7611 (W) or<br />
Email: mail@milesfelsteadrealty.com.au<br />
.<br />
Christmas in July<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Members<br />
Barry and Carol<br />
A s h t o n a r e<br />
organizing our<br />
‘ C h r i s t m a s i n<br />
July’ event this<br />
year in The Blue<br />
Mountains. The<br />
date is Sunday<br />
20th July and<br />
t h e v e n u e i s<br />
‘The Mountain<br />
Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat’, Katoomba. We’ll be<br />
enjoying a traditional Yulefest 3 course luncheon in a private<br />
room at ‘Jamison Views Restaurant’. Accommodation can<br />
be arranged.<br />
See enclosed ‘Christmas is July’ Flyer for further details and<br />
booking form. Barry & Carol require the Flyer completed<br />
and returned by Friday 13th June.<br />
Event Organisers: Barry & Carol Ashton Ph: 9680 3549<br />
or Email: b_ashton@bigpond.net.au<br />
4
<strong>Bentley</strong> Spotting...<br />
by Jordan Devine<br />
Queen Elizabeth II has had four Royal carriages delivered<br />
in the past three decades. Two from Crewe and two from<br />
North Head, Sydney. As a <strong>Bentley</strong> driver I know you can<br />
guess what came out of Crewe, but North Head you may<br />
ask? Jim Frecklington OAM from Sydney, instead of pulling<br />
pints of Bass on his working holiday drew Royal horses<br />
and carriages. And it has stuck with him ever since. Frecklington<br />
has constructed the magnificent Australian State<br />
Coach that the Queen of Australia uses for formal occasions<br />
in the UK. This Coach was presented as a gift from<br />
Australia to the Queen celebrating Australia's bicentenary<br />
in 1988. More recently Frecklington built a carriage called<br />
the State Coach Britannia as Australia's gift to the Queen<br />
on her 80th birthday. It is exquisite craftsmanship.<br />
The Queen certainly does receive very nice gifts. Her<br />
Majesty received another for her Golden Jubilee. It was<br />
the 2002 <strong>Bentley</strong> State Limousine. Having a few more<br />
horses than the six that draw the Australian State Coach,<br />
the <strong>Bentley</strong> State Limousine is pulled by 400 horses and<br />
they do not take up the entire length of Whitehall. They are<br />
compressed into the 6.75 litre twin turbo V8 engine, the<br />
same as out of the <strong>Bentley</strong> Arnage R. It produces 616lb<br />
ft/ 835 Nm of torque and has an electronically limited top<br />
speed of 120mph (193km/h).<br />
The <strong>Bentley</strong> State Limousine has sheer size. It is a proper<br />
formal limousine where it had not merely been stretched<br />
on a wretch, but coachbuilt in proportion of length and<br />
height. The carriage is 800mm/32 inches longer than the<br />
Arnage it is based on, but what truly is an eye opener is<br />
that is it 1770mm/70 inches in height. Take a look at the<br />
photograph of the driver standing next to the car. The car<br />
is taller. The height and length make the volume equivalent<br />
to that of a decent sized delivery van. Certainly enough<br />
interior space to perform the royal wave.<br />
The Queen had input into the development of the <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
and a requirement was to be seen. This was achieved by<br />
the extensive use of glass in the coach that was specially<br />
tinted to reduce heat absorption, but not to restrict the view,<br />
both from inside out, but more importantly from outside in.<br />
The rear doors are rear opening and have ease of access<br />
due to their 81 degree opening. Both rear seats are height<br />
adjustable, so the occupants can be at the same visual<br />
level. There is also a glass division within the car.<br />
Other requirements centered<br />
around protocol. The Royal<br />
standard flag and shield is to<br />
be displayed mounted front<br />
and centre on the roof, and<br />
has a special feature where<br />
the driver can lower the flag<br />
from inside whilst traveling at<br />
speed to reduce wind noise.<br />
The mascot is very much according<br />
to protocol as well.<br />
The Queen has her personal<br />
mascot which is in the form of<br />
St George on a horse poised<br />
over a slain dragon. The mascot<br />
was designed by the artist<br />
The Queens mascot<br />
Edward Seago and is mounted<br />
on the car when the Queen is present. When the Queen is<br />
not being driven the standard flying B is mounted, but looks<br />
surprising small when compared to St George.<br />
Similar to the Governer General of Australia's Rolls-Royce<br />
Phantom VI the interior colour of the front and rear compartments<br />
of the<br />
car are different.<br />
The front is<br />
dark blue and<br />
the rear is light<br />
grey. A reader<br />
of www.bentleyspotting.com<br />
which features<br />
a number of<br />
articles on the<br />
State Limousine,<br />
kindly sent<br />
in some close up<br />
shots of the rear<br />
seat of the car.<br />
Is this a <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
Throne? A<br />
loose labeling of<br />
The rear seats are height adjustable the term could<br />
be appropriate.<br />
The <strong>Bentley</strong> State Limousine & driver<br />
5<br />
Two cars where made in 2002 as well as a full size clay<br />
model which is on display at Crewe. The car has a planned<br />
life cycle of 25 years. I wonder if the next royal car will be<br />
made for the Queen of Australia?
Recent Events....<br />
Polo at Richmond<br />
30th March 2008<br />
by Coralie Ogle<br />
As per last year, 2 of our cars, this year Max Houston in his<br />
1929 Speed 6 Le Mans and Graeme Ellis in his 1934 3½<br />
Ltr Derby Tourer did the honours. First they collected the<br />
VIP’s who flew in by helicopter, then with the Light Horse<br />
they paraded the 2 teams around the grounds prior to the<br />
game and finally at the conclusion of the game they drove<br />
the 2 teams around to collect their trophies.<br />
An Australian player about to swing. Our <strong>Bentley</strong> marquees and club<br />
members in the background<br />
This is always a great event for the <strong>Bentley</strong> <strong>Drivers</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
and this year was no exception. 55 of us gathered on<br />
the day to watch an action packed International Polo Test<br />
between Australia and New Zealand. As you’ll see in the<br />
accompanying photos, the divots were flying and the pace<br />
was intense. One horse even collapsed and was taken<br />
off, fortunately neither horse nor rider were hurt in the<br />
incident.<br />
Graeme Ellis & Max Houston at the trophy presentation<br />
The weather on the day was stunning, with a slight<br />
breeze that at one stage threatened to run off with one of<br />
our marquees. Champagne and wine flowed and picnic<br />
hampers were aplenty. There was even a cappuccino tent,<br />
so we were all catered for and happy.<br />
Next to the Polo match, the <strong>Bentley</strong> <strong>Drivers</strong> <strong>Club</strong> was the<br />
star attraction on the day. We had 16 <strong>Bentley</strong>s lined up<br />
field-side with our 4 new green <strong>Club</strong> marquees shoulder to<br />
shoulder. We were positioned opposite the Members Stand<br />
and as the President of the Windsor Polo <strong>Club</strong> remarked,<br />
we were a sight to behold!<br />
A helicopter flys in some VIP guests to the Polo<br />
Joe Quattrocchi’s lady Robyn invited friend Steve Coles<br />
and family and Steve just happens to be a professional<br />
photographer, so some of the photos here are thanks to<br />
Steve. We welcomed new <strong>Club</strong> members Bill and Jacqui<br />
Hall, who came along to their first event in their very<br />
handsome 1964 S3 DHC.<br />
A lineup of our cars at the event<br />
Incidentally after 6 action packed chukkas, Australia beat<br />
New Zealand 8 to 7. So, content in the knowledge that<br />
our team had won, we packed our <strong>Bentley</strong>s and headed<br />
home.<br />
Coralie Ogle<br />
7
<strong>Bentley</strong> Boys....<br />
The story of B139MX<br />
by Robert Miles<br />
B139MX.And what<br />
you ask is that meant<br />
to signify?<br />
Well, it is part of the<br />
RR secret code that<br />
identifies all Derby<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong>s, not very<br />
subtle<br />
really ......<br />
B = <strong>Bentley</strong>; 139 =<br />
the 139th of the batch<br />
being made and MX =<br />
the batch designation.<br />
But hold on, like most<br />
RR things that is too<br />
simple, RR used alternate numbers for each batch and the<br />
preceeding batch of MR ‘s had even numbers hence MX‘s<br />
had odd numbers and most batches were limited to 100<br />
cars. This batch was the last made before RR turned over<br />
all production facilities and materials to the war effort. So<br />
B139MX was one of the last 30 cars built at Derby.<br />
Its history is quite interesting. The chassis was ordered<br />
some time in January 1939 by Jack Barclay of Hanover<br />
Square in the West End of London for his stock. The<br />
Works requisition was issued on 1st Feb 1939 and was<br />
completed and went on test on 23rd March 1939. It was<br />
then sent to James Young (bought out by Jack Barclay<br />
in 1937) for the body to be fitted. They completed<br />
it on 21st June 1939 and RR tested it again and<br />
issued a warranty effective from 23rd June 1939. It<br />
was depatched on the 27th June to Jack Barclay<br />
for use as a demonstrator, with his number plate of<br />
JB1. It was presumably laid up by Jack Barclay for<br />
the duration of the war.<br />
Note the ultra thin windscreen pillar and<br />
razor edged body panels<br />
He sold it via York Motors to R. R. Raffe, of Point Piper,<br />
Sydney in 1954. It was then aquired by Charles Lloyd-<br />
Jones, Mrs Tooth, and Charles Lloyd-Jones again in<br />
Sydney. During Charles Lloyd-Jones ownership he won<br />
the Federal Rally of 11th - 12th June for the best pre WW<br />
II Derby <strong>Bentley</strong>. In November 1980 it appeared at George<br />
Sevenoaks auction at Crows Nest where it was passed in at<br />
$40,000. It was then handled by R. A. McDermott who sold<br />
it to Murray Dewar of Flinders, Victoria who kept it for over<br />
20 years before selling to the writer in November 2007.<br />
B139MX has a milestone body by James Young which is<br />
generally accepted as the forerunner of the Razor Edge<br />
movement. There are only two other similar bodies on<br />
4&1/4 Ltr chassis, both are in the USA. One was owned<br />
by Briggs Cunningham and is reputed to have clocked 107<br />
mph at Montherelery. It was lent to the New York Museum<br />
of Modern Art in 1951 as a prime example of the razor<br />
edge movement. This car is believed to now be in Colliers<br />
Museum in Naples FL. The other (B145MX) is believed to<br />
be in Minnesota.<br />
According to Mr Bert Ward it was bought in 1948 by<br />
J. K. Richardson (owner of B126LS) for US $14,000<br />
on behalf of his friend T. O. Baker of Bowenville,<br />
Queensland. It was shipped to Sydney and arrived<br />
on the 13th October 1948. Mr Ward’s company<br />
unpacked it and prepared it for the road. Mr Baker<br />
then arrived to take delivery and was very pleased<br />
with it but would not take it on bad or dusty roads.<br />
Robert Miles Derby at Tony Strachans event<br />
8
One unique feature of B139MX is the fairing of the front<br />
side lights which is reminiscent of some pre war BMW’s and<br />
post war Bristols. Another is the neat drinks compartment<br />
hidden behind the<br />
rear seat backrest.<br />
Also in the back it has<br />
purdah glass slides<br />
to the side windows<br />
and a blind for the<br />
rear window to shield<br />
ladies from inquisitive<br />
in-lookers!<br />
The hidden drinks cabinet<br />
large trucks without any strain.<br />
As an overdrive car<br />
it is a very pleasant<br />
long distance tourer<br />
with a useful 3rd gear<br />
and performance that<br />
can keep it clear of<br />
The change of steering box to the Ransom and Marles<br />
design makes the steering noticeably lighter than the RR<br />
worm and nut and avoids the “sticky” problem from which<br />
many of these suffer at high mileages.<br />
The boot has a hidden compartment and its lid contains a<br />
tool tray.<br />
The hidden tool tray<br />
The car is<br />
extensively<br />
mentioned in<br />
many books<br />
a n d c a r<br />
m a g a z i n e s<br />
s u c h a s<br />
“<strong>Bentley</strong> – The<br />
Silent Sports<br />
Car” Ellman<br />
Brown; “Fifty<br />
Years of the<br />
M a r q u e ”<br />
G r e e n ;<br />
“<strong>Bentley</strong> – The 1938/1939 Overdrive Cars” Frankel/Strange;<br />
“Rolls-Royce and bentley in The Sunburnt Country” (the<br />
lower case “b” is NOT a mistake!) Tom C Clarke/David<br />
Neely; in most cases photographs are included.<br />
75th Anniversary<br />
Rally for Derby<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong>...<br />
The Derby <strong>Bentley</strong> was launched in 1933 and now warrants<br />
a big 75th celebration in Australia which has 52 Derbys,<br />
the third highest Derby ownership in the world, after the<br />
UK and USA.<br />
Noel McIntosh, <strong>Bentley</strong> Registrar of VSCCA, Sydney,<br />
and Evan Edwards are organising The Australian Derby<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> 75th Anniversary Rally, commemorating the launch<br />
of the Silent Sports Car in 1933. It is supported by the<br />
BDC <strong>NSW</strong> and RROC of Australia and many state based<br />
Derby Owners.<br />
The Derby <strong>Bentley</strong> 75th Anniversary Rally will be a 3 day<br />
motoring event to be held from the 11th to 13th November<br />
2008 in Beechworth, Victoria. Beechworth is a really<br />
beautiful, historically interesting town with open mountain<br />
roads. It has good accommodation, fascinating shopping,<br />
good coffee and some great restaurants.<br />
The tour will comprise good motoring, historical talks,<br />
technical workshops, social gatherings and culminate in<br />
a grand dinner. There will be routes organised for those<br />
who want to travel together from interstate.<br />
This event will be the first exclusive Derby Rally in Australia<br />
and, judging by the initial response, the majority of Derby<br />
owners are expected to enter. Overseas Derby owners<br />
are also invited to attend.<br />
Contact Noel McIntosh 0414 848 697 aidsys@aol.com<br />
14 Cecil St, Gordon <strong>NSW</strong> 2072.<br />
This car was one of 12 selected for the RROC (USA) 1992<br />
calendar. In July 1939 it won the Ramsgate Concours<br />
d’elegance in Kent, a very prestigous affair. It won the<br />
Concours in its class at the RR Owners meet at Canberra<br />
in 1966 and again in 1980.<br />
Robert Miles - B139MX<br />
Derbys at Tony Strachans<br />
9
Hot Laps at the<br />
Melbourne Grand<br />
Prix...<br />
by Syd Reinhardt<br />
Few emails have given me such a buzz. Delighted, I<br />
read: -<br />
“Dear Syd Reinhardt<br />
The Credential Application Process for the<br />
2008 FORMULA 1 ING AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX<br />
continues on its success from last year with<br />
its user-friendly on-line system. Please<br />
read the following information carefully<br />
to ensure you accredit all your staff and<br />
vehicles.<br />
ON-LINE CREDENTIAL APPLICATION FORM<br />
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation<br />
(AGPC) utilise an On-line Credential<br />
Application Form that can be accessed via<br />
the internet, allowing applications to be<br />
submitted directly into the AGPC Credentials<br />
Database.”<br />
The email continued with accreditation details and<br />
procedures. So it was official. I would be driving my <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
in the Historic Demonstration Race at this year’s Australian<br />
Grand Prix and could apply on the web for accreditation<br />
that would cover me and my support team. I had watched<br />
the Historic Race at previous events and fantasised about<br />
what a blast it would be to participate in the event on such<br />
a momentous occasion. I was thrilled.<br />
There were a few small matters to think through, like the<br />
entry I’d already accepted to drive my MG open wheeler<br />
racing car at the Phillip Island Historic Race Meeting,<br />
just a week before the Grand Prix. And then there was<br />
our entry to the VSCC Alpine Tour of Tasmania, just two<br />
weeks later.<br />
Because of this there were logistics to sort out, like getting<br />
both cars fettled and ready, and getting both of them to<br />
Melbourne just a week apart. The MG is no problem; it<br />
goes on my race trailer. But the <strong>Bentley</strong>? I don’t have a<br />
trailer that would carry its tonnage, let alone a tow vehicle<br />
that could haul it. And what about the Bride?<br />
She Who Must Be Obeyed is a sport, and when I showed<br />
her the acceptance email she mirrored my pleasure.<br />
We’d take our time and drive to Phillip Island, take a few<br />
days off after the event in the Mornington Peninsula at a<br />
fabulous B and B we’d found on a previous trip, do some<br />
shopping in Melbourne and then take part in the Grand<br />
Prix. It was all dropping into place. We’d leave the <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
in Melbourne, trailer the MG home and after a week or so<br />
simply fly down and join the Alpine Tour of Tasmania. Now,<br />
the logistics. It proved quite easy.<br />
Melbourne has this thing. Sheds. Right in the heart of<br />
Melbourne are Sheds. At least, they’re called sheds, but<br />
most are very large, quite salubrious, airconditioned and<br />
equipped with extensive machine tools, hoists, sophisticated<br />
equipment, compressors and then any remaining space is<br />
filled with collector’s vehicles and historic racers. Privately<br />
owned, they are where true enthusiasts relax, fettle, rebuild<br />
and store their treasures. I’ve had the privilege of visiting<br />
a number of these boy’s toys emporiums and so I called a<br />
good friend and inquired whether I could ship my <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
directly to his shed. Of course I could, and in no time I’d<br />
arranged a door to door transporter. We could simply<br />
swap: - leave the MG on its trailer in his shed when we<br />
got to Melbourne, pick up the <strong>Bentley</strong> and go straight to<br />
the circuit, just a short distance away. And despite the oil<br />
my <strong>Bentley</strong> would drop on his pristine floor, it would be no<br />
problem to leave my car there after the Grand Prix until<br />
Nicki and I came back to Melbourne later to collect the<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> again and take part in the VSCC tour of Tasmania.<br />
The ducks were nicely in a row and I was well pleased. I<br />
should’ve known that when things line up so readily, the<br />
challenges are still ahead.<br />
Racing at Phillip Island is a blast; this is one of my favourite<br />
circuits. It is jaw droppingly, achingly beautiful and very<br />
hard to keep ones eyes off the glorious ocean vistas.<br />
The Phillip Island racing circuit<br />
However, some of the flowing corners are taken at such<br />
high speed that they do have a way of pulling the eyes<br />
back to the racing line, sharpening the concentration and<br />
dragging one’s focus back to the apex. My MG ran sweetly<br />
for the first event, then cried “enough” and promptly blew a<br />
head gasket, introducing its coolant to its oil and turning the<br />
contents of the sump into a gigantic volume of mayonnaise.<br />
Pumping 15lbs of boost on the supercharger had fried the<br />
head gasket.<br />
11
The frustration of technical difficulties with my MG was off<br />
set by the unbelievable mateship and the efforts to ensure<br />
that I was back in the competition. Having decided that<br />
given the complexity of the supercharger installation the<br />
head gasket failure was terminal, I started loading up.<br />
My friends saw me backing the trailer up to my Pit and<br />
immediately wanted to know what<br />
was up. “No WAY!” Everyone from<br />
Sydney rallied around, and with<br />
some amazing organisation by John<br />
Lackey, <strong>Bentley</strong> driver and MG racer<br />
extraordinaire, a head gasket was<br />
found in Melbourne and rushed to<br />
the track that night. The ‘A Team’<br />
got to work, and by midnight the<br />
little racer was ready for the next<br />
day’s challenges and I was able to<br />
go back on the race track. For a<br />
while. Although further technical<br />
grief resulted in my not finishing<br />
the entire event, I had a great drive ‘on the island’. The<br />
frustration of technical difficulties with my MG was off set<br />
by the unbelievable mateship and my pleasure at the<br />
friendship and the efforts to ensure that<br />
I was up and running.<br />
Watching all of the action on, around,<br />
under and inside my racing car Nicki<br />
observed that the MG must be female<br />
because the little car enjoyed so many<br />
male hands under her bonnet and wanted<br />
more. Those bloody ducks weren’t<br />
finished yet; more were waiting for me<br />
at the Grand Prix.<br />
Bugatti's everywhere<br />
It was eye candy for the vehicularly afflicted, so much so<br />
that we hardly paid attention to the Bugatti Veyron, Morgan<br />
Aero and other exotics billeted with us. Our Speed 6 was<br />
joined by the Speed 8 of Linton Morris, to be driven by<br />
Tony Johns, book vendor to the motoring cognoscenti and<br />
Austin racer supremo.<br />
The next day, we were on! Pulling<br />
onto the Grand Prix circuit I tried<br />
to give myself a dose of reality.<br />
What a privilege to be able to drive<br />
a vintage <strong>Bentley</strong>, and what a<br />
privilege to do so on the Grand Prix<br />
circuit! A street circuit is somehow<br />
special, Albert Park with its long<br />
history doubly so.<br />
When I drove my <strong>Bentley</strong> around<br />
Eastern Creek, I was on a track<br />
that I was familiar with. I knew the<br />
lines, corners, cambers, and the nuances of the track and<br />
I knew my car so I could easily adjust for the difference<br />
between the modern cars I usually drive on that track to the<br />
South of the Border, they march to the<br />
beat of a different drum. The Phillip<br />
Island organisers had not heard that the<br />
80th anniversary of the first Australian Grand Prix had<br />
already been celebrated at Goulburn in <strong>NSW</strong> some while<br />
previously. In their ignorance, they celebrated accordingly.<br />
As their guests, we bit our collective lips and let them have<br />
their fun. While there may be discussion and competition<br />
about where the first Australian Grand Prix really took<br />
place, there could be no discussion about the wonderful<br />
historic Grand Prix cars and Vintage cars that took part in<br />
the commemorative tour of Cowes. They were stunning.<br />
All too soon Phillip Island was over for another year and<br />
we were on our way to Melbourne. Talk about HOT. We<br />
sweated our way through remaining documentation, found<br />
the Historic Paddock and with our Speed 6, joined an<br />
illustrious group of superb motor cars. Ingenious Australian<br />
specials mingled with the obligatory historic Ferraris (so<br />
common my dear), Bugattis (dahling there were swarms<br />
of the things), Maseratis, Alfa Romeos, Lotii, and of course<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong>s.<br />
Syd in the Speed Six at Turn #2<br />
vintage car. At the Grand Prix, I had no such advantage.<br />
So coping with learning the track, the lines and the braking<br />
points was intensified by the unforgiving nature of a vintage<br />
car. Oversteer in a light, responsive Lotus or Porsche or<br />
even a vintage MG T-Type is very different to oversteer in<br />
2 tonnes of roaring <strong>Bentley</strong>. Trying to be conservative is<br />
difficult when all around you are roaring forward, faster and<br />
faster. Miss a gear or a braking point and you are toast.<br />
Talking about toast, the first practice day was even hotter<br />
than the preceding day had been. I’d not had overheating<br />
problems before, but had not driven as fast nor as hard<br />
and the <strong>Bentley</strong>’s temperature needle just kept on climbing.<br />
Concerned that I’d lose coolant, I pulled off a lap before<br />
the end, anxious to avoid damage. Too bad that the talent<br />
scouts from the Williams and Ferrari Formula 1 teams<br />
would miss my performance, I was not going to break my<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong>. Besides, now that I’m retired I no longer have the<br />
time to take on a full time team driver job and go swanning<br />
around the world.<br />
12
In no time a flat-bed recovery truck had my <strong>Bentley</strong> aboard<br />
with me still in the driver’s seat, the recovery truck’s driver<br />
well chuffed at having a <strong>Bentley</strong> on his vehicle. To avoid<br />
delay to the following event we tucked into a marshal’s lay<br />
by where I enjoyed a superb view of the Porsches at play<br />
from my elevated position sitting in the <strong>Bentley</strong> atop the<br />
truck. My car was cooling and I had a prime spot, it could<br />
not get any better than this.<br />
Some technical assistance<br />
from Grant Cowie revealed<br />
that my coil/distributor<br />
timing was at odds with<br />
that of my Magneto and<br />
with Grant’s help, I was<br />
able to continue the next<br />
day. Each day we had a full<br />
session, which was really a<br />
flat out blast for around 20<br />
minutes. The two <strong>Bentley</strong>s<br />
circulated with each other,<br />
Tony and I pushing each<br />
other as much as we felt<br />
comfortable without being<br />
silly. At least, I think that we<br />
were comfortable and I don’t<br />
think we were silly. I’m sure<br />
that we went seriously quickly but I was too busy to see just<br />
how fast. I was intrigued that I was approached several<br />
times after each session<br />
by strangers who asked<br />
“What is that you are doing<br />
outside the car?” Wise to<br />
the F1 spying scandals,<br />
I did not let on that I was<br />
sure that those F1 spies<br />
and talent scouts were<br />
studying at my technique<br />
and wanting to tell the likes<br />
of Alonso and Hamilton. I<br />
just smiled enigmatically<br />
and mysteriously, as you<br />
do. Each time I changed<br />
t h e s u b j e c t w i t h o u t<br />
divulging my secrets but<br />
I’ll share it with the select<br />
readers of this respected<br />
journal. Well, what I was<br />
doing was hauling upon the handbrake, right up to my<br />
armpit, as I changed down. I needed every bit of retardation<br />
that I could get.<br />
Trying to drift a two tonne motor car is not for the faint<br />
hearted. It is amazing how a drift or a slide towards<br />
those concrete barriers lining the street circuit makes one<br />
concentrate. Having to cope with fast fading brakes, crash<br />
gearbox, and the complexity of a spirited drive in a vintage<br />
car is challenging, especially with the speed differential of<br />
the various historic racing cars<br />
Not your average Sunday drive<br />
Syd & Nicki flying down the straight<br />
13<br />
on track at the same time. The overriding impressions for<br />
me were that the Grand Prix circuit may be fast and flowing<br />
in a more modern car, but it is tight as a ducks underneath<br />
in a 2 tonne <strong>Bentley</strong>. Those bloody ducks again.<br />
Most of all, the experience on a modern race track added<br />
to the respect that I feel towards the brave men who raced<br />
our cars ‘for real’. The <strong>Bentley</strong> Boys hit 120 mph down<br />
the Mulsanne Straight for<br />
the 24 hours of Le Mans,<br />
travelling at those speeds<br />
during day and during the<br />
night, and they were driving<br />
on dirt!<br />
Grand Prix day arrived and<br />
the organisers were taking<br />
no chances. This day<br />
followed a different format,<br />
and we were encouraged to<br />
take as many passengers<br />
as we had seats, but no<br />
overtaking was allowed. It<br />
was especially enjoyable to<br />
be able to share the heady<br />
Grand Prix experience with<br />
Nicki, our son and also my<br />
nephew. But our fifth passenger proved a bonus. As<br />
we were leaving the paddock I spied Margaret Ealand,<br />
understanding partner<br />
of Roger Ealand, - he<br />
who organises ‘Speed on<br />
Tweed’. Roger drives a<br />
single seater so there she<br />
was, all alone. In no time<br />
we’d squeezed her in as<br />
well. Thundering between<br />
the grandstands on a street<br />
circuit is special, roaring<br />
between the barriers and<br />
waving at the crowds a<br />
real treat. Margaret noisily<br />
saluted the crowd with both<br />
arms wildly waving, adding<br />
enthusiastic rebel yells<br />
and “WoooHooo” and her<br />
infectious enthusiasm was<br />
an extra bonus for us.<br />
And the <strong>Bentley</strong>? It was strong. At Grant’s recommendation<br />
I sent it to Simon Elliott at The Derby Works after the Grand<br />
Prix and had the radiator flushed. I gave Simon a wish list<br />
of the things I’d like to have done in the event that he had<br />
the time, and he knocked over my long list, to my complete<br />
satisfaction. A few weeks later we collected the car as<br />
planned and toured Tasmania with the VSCC and a large<br />
group of WO <strong>Bentley</strong>s. Ah, but that is another story.<br />
Syd Reinhardt
Recent Events....<br />
South Coast Weekend<br />
3rd & 4th May 2008<br />
by Coralie Ogle<br />
A lineup of Derby <strong>Bentley</strong>'s to celebrate the 75th Anniversary<br />
This event proved very popular, bringing together our<br />
Sydney and Southern Highlands based members for an<br />
enjoyable weekend in the Shoalhaven.<br />
Saturday 3rd May<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Member Tony Strachan was our host for the day,<br />
with 55 of us travelling to his unique country home at<br />
Bellawongarah. <strong>Bentley</strong>s started arriving at 11.30am and<br />
soon there was a long line of 18 stylish <strong>Bentley</strong>s adorning<br />
Tony’s 14 acre property. Tony’s home was the perfect<br />
setting for our picnic, as we took our places at tables and<br />
chairs set up on the north facing terrace – talk about a sun<br />
trap, no wonder Tony designed his home as a solar building!<br />
Needless to say there was much mutual admiration of<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong>s throughout the afternoon.<br />
We had the pleasure of the company of two overseas<br />
visitors on the day - the Spanish Ambassador and a<br />
journalist from Spain’s leading newspaper ‘El Pais’.<br />
Robert and Christine Miles drove down in their latest<br />
acquisition, a 1939 4 ¼ litre Derby (see ‘<strong>Bentley</strong> Boys’<br />
article), which prompted much interest and discussion.<br />
New <strong>Club</strong> members Noel and Donna McIntosh, who are<br />
soon to have their 1935 3 ½ litre Derby on the road, were<br />
welcomed to their first <strong>Club</strong> event.<br />
Louise Cole from Cambewarra Estate Winery joined us<br />
and set up her tasting table and sampled us with a variety<br />
of wines from her family vineyard. And so, just as the sun<br />
was setting and after a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon we<br />
packed our <strong>Bentley</strong>s and said our farewells.<br />
Expansive lawns surround Villa Strachan with a<br />
view to the sea<br />
A b o u t<br />
half our<br />
group had<br />
e l e c t e d<br />
t o s t a y<br />
the night<br />
in Berry<br />
either at<br />
the ‘Berry<br />
V i l l a g e<br />
Boutique<br />
Motel’<br />
o r w i t h<br />
f r i e n d s<br />
living in the<br />
surrounding<br />
area. Dinner was organized at the newly refurbished ‘Berry<br />
Hotel’, which following drinks in the bar at 6.00pm, turned<br />
into a fun night.<br />
Sunday 4th May<br />
Another perfect day dawned and we were off to an early<br />
start, with our <strong>Bentley</strong>s travelling in convoy from the Motel<br />
to the Cambewarra Estate Winery, where we parked our<br />
cars in the winery car park. The Bundanon Bus had been<br />
hired for the trip to Bundanon, as when Laurie and I did the<br />
reconnoitre for the visit we found the 9km road to be mainly<br />
dirt and mainly corrugated! I must say the bus trip was<br />
slightly hair-raising, as Ken the driver told us, he does this<br />
trip 4 times a day, but usually in a 4 wheel drive! Anyway<br />
after some white knuckles, we arrived safely at ‘Bundanon’,<br />
the property of artist Arthur Boyd, for our guided tour of the<br />
homestead, studio and gardens, which were conducted in<br />
2 groups. While one group was touring, the other enjoyed<br />
a programme on the Boyds and Bundanon, tea and coffee<br />
in the kitchen and a stroll to the Shoalhaven River, where<br />
Arthur found much inspiration for his paintings, especially<br />
of Pulpit Rock.<br />
The property encompasses 2,500 acres and is surrounded<br />
on 3 sides by the Shoalhaven River, so is an extremely<br />
picturesque spot. Having soaked up the atmosphere, our<br />
party of 22 rejoined the bus for the return trip to the winery,<br />
which proved a much more sedate affair. On arrival at<br />
Cambewarra Estate Winery we enjoyed a glass of wine<br />
and sat down to a pleasant lunch in beautiful surrounds<br />
and discussed the morning’s activities.<br />
Having had such a great time at Tony Strachan’s on<br />
Saturday, I had completely forgotten to thank him for a<br />
truly wonderful day, so I took the opportunity to do so<br />
while we were all seated at lunch. Once replete we said<br />
our farewells and headed off in our various directions<br />
home, after what, by all accounts, had been a thoroughly<br />
enjoyable weekend.<br />
Our thanks again Tony, from all of us who enjoyed your<br />
magnificent property and your charming hospitality on<br />
Saturday, plus my special thanks for helping me organize<br />
such a successful <strong>Bentley</strong> <strong>Drivers</strong> <strong>Club</strong> weekend.<br />
14<br />
Coralie Ogle
<strong>Bentley</strong> Brooklands<br />
Launch...<br />
by Jerome Bleijie<br />
After finding a spot to park the Turbo R, which was<br />
unexpectedly easy for the city of Sydney, I strolled down<br />
William street to the new <strong>Bentley</strong> showroom. Outside the<br />
building was an impressive lineup of new <strong>Bentley</strong> motorcars<br />
being carefully guarded by a number of staff - but alas, no<br />
Brooklands to be seen.......it must be inside I thought....<br />
and sure enough it was, hidden carefully under cover as<br />
I was greeted into the dealership. I would clearly have to<br />
wait for the unveiling.<br />
The room was full of expectant people enjoying a glass or<br />
two of french champagne and various delectable canapes.<br />
It was pleasing to see quite a number of our <strong>Bentley</strong> <strong>Drivers</strong><br />
<strong>Club</strong> members were invited by <strong>Bentley</strong> Sydney<br />
to attend the event given their prior dealings &<br />
purchases of <strong>Bentley</strong> motor cars. I noticed some<br />
other well known Australians amongst the crowd,<br />
including John Symonds (from Aussie Home<br />
Loans) and Mick Doohan (Australia's former<br />
Motorbike World Champion) to name a few.<br />
A number of people spoke during the evening<br />
before the car was unveiled. We heard from<br />
Michael Darakis (<strong>Bentley</strong> Sydney's new General<br />
Manager) to open<br />
p r o c e e d i n g s ,<br />
Greg Duncan (Trivett Group<br />
Executive Chairman) spoke<br />
eloquently and passionately<br />
about his new involvment<br />
with <strong>Bentley</strong>, and <strong>Bentley</strong>’s<br />
3rd in command globally,<br />
Geoff Dowding, Worldwide<br />
Director of Operations, jetted<br />
into Australia from Crewe for<br />
a mere 48 hours specifically<br />
to attend the event.<br />
Greg Duncan said...“In<br />
Australia’s largest market,<br />
we are confident in our plans<br />
Coralie Ogle with Greg Duncan<br />
to return the <strong>Bentley</strong> brand to<br />
its rightful place as one of the world’s great luxury marques,<br />
and deserving of the highest standards in every respect.<br />
Having already relocated the <strong>Bentley</strong> state-of-the-art<br />
service centre into the complex in Alexandria, this new<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> showroom in William St has opened only metres<br />
away from where this proud brand once resided".<br />
After listening to Geoff Dowding speak about<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong>'s continued and undeniable success<br />
across the globe we were then treated to the<br />
Brooklands unveiling.<br />
There she was. Unveiled at last, and looking resplendent<br />
in what appeared to be a blue-ish grey metallic paint (I'm<br />
pretty sure it is called "Meteor"). The car is large. Very large<br />
for a coupe, and certainly in keeping with other <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
models.<br />
The front of the car<br />
matches the Arnage<br />
front whilst the rest of<br />
the external design of<br />
the car resembles the<br />
Azure. So it is very<br />
familiar, but yet quite<br />
different. Probably the<br />
feature that stands out<br />
the most are those<br />
enormous wheels. They<br />
are 20 inches. They<br />
are massive particularly<br />
Attendees at the Launch Party given many Turbo R's<br />
came from the factory with 15 inch wheels.<br />
15<br />
The <strong>Bentley</strong> Brooklands unveiled at the launch<br />
If you choose the optional extra in the brakes department,<br />
then you will have something else to talk about with other<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> enthusiasts. They are carbon carbide ceramic<br />
brakes - the kind of technology used on several other<br />
supercars such as the Ferrari Enzo and Mercedes McLaren<br />
SLR.Carbon ceramic brakes do not need to be hot to work.<br />
They work optimally from cold while offering significant<br />
weight saving over traditional iron rotors. They also have<br />
negligible wear in normal use. I think these brakes make<br />
sense given the <strong>Bentley</strong> would weigh a lot (weight is not<br />
disclosed on the company website) and given the enormous<br />
performance of the 530 bhp engine you certainly need<br />
some strong stopping power. This engine is the most<br />
powerful Crewe built V8 ever produced with the highest<br />
ever torque output of any V8 automotive engine in the world<br />
774lb ft (1050Nm). Impressive!<br />
A grand touring coupé with classic British proportions and<br />
a strictly limited lifetime production of 550 cars. Wonderful!<br />
Yes please!
<strong>Bentley</strong> News...<br />
BENTLEY FOLLOWS SALES SUCCESS WITH RECORD<br />
PROFITABILITY<br />
BENTLEY GOING GREEN<br />
Geneva/Crewe, 4 March 2008<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> Motors today unveiled a far-reaching environmental<br />
strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and dramatically improve<br />
fuel economy.<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> will become the first manufacturer in its segment<br />
and one of the first in the world to deliver renewable-fuel<br />
vehicles throughout its range, along with substantial<br />
powertrain improvements. The strategy follows years of<br />
engineering studies and intensive product development,<br />
exploring alternative environmental technologies in<br />
depth. The renewable fuel programme reflects <strong>Bentley</strong>’s<br />
commitment to the environment while maintaining vehicle<br />
performance.<br />
19 March, 2008<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> Motors has announced its financial results for the<br />
year ending 31 December 2007, reporting record revenue<br />
and operating profit. For the calendar year, <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
increased its net revenue by €36m or 2.7% compared<br />
with 2006, to set a new record of €1.37bn. Operating<br />
profit increased by €18m or 13.1% to a new operating<br />
profit record of €155m. These results reflect <strong>Bentley</strong>’s<br />
record sales performance last year when the company<br />
surpassed the 10,000 unit mark for the first time. Global<br />
sales increased by 7% in 2007 to reach 10,014 units.<br />
Increases were seen in almost all major markets: +7% in<br />
the UK, +4% in North America, +7% in Europe, +18% in<br />
the Asia Pacific region, and +93% in China alone.<br />
These excellent results<br />
were driven by growth<br />
across both the Arnage and<br />
Continental ranges. Thanks<br />
to the introduction of the Azure<br />
convertible, sales grew by<br />
45% in the Arnage line, whilst<br />
the Continental family sales<br />
increased by around 5%, with<br />
the GTC convertible proving<br />
the most popular model.<br />
Franz-Josef Paefgen, <strong>Bentley</strong> Chief Executive, said: “This<br />
is a major step in the history of <strong>Bentley</strong>, reflecting the<br />
increasing expectation from our customers around the<br />
world for performance motoring with fuel efficient engines.<br />
We will set a benchmark in our segment of the industry<br />
by making every engine capable of running on renewable<br />
fuels, reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency<br />
throughout our fleet.”<br />
Efficiency improvements will be achieved first through<br />
the application of innovative technology to its 8 and 12<br />
cylinder engines, including enhanced engine management,<br />
and new, improved transmissions and drivelines, as well<br />
as through weight reduction. As part of its commitment<br />
to reduce CO2 output on every new model, these efforts<br />
will lead to at least a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions by<br />
2012.<br />
Secondly, a new powertrain will be introduced by 2012,<br />
delivering a 40% reduction in fuel consumption, while<br />
maintaining current levels of performance.<br />
Thirdly, all engines across the entire range will become<br />
compatible with the use of renewable fuels by 2012, with<br />
the initial rollout beginning by next year.<br />
Commenting on these financial<br />
results, <strong>Bentley</strong> Chairman<br />
and CEO, Dr Franz-Josef<br />
Paefgen, said: “2007 was a<br />
milestone in the history of <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
as we passed the 10,000 units<br />
Chairman & Chief Executive<br />
Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen<br />
for the first time. Five years ago we were selling only 1000<br />
units but the development of a strong product line has seen<br />
the Company attract new customers in greater numbers.<br />
2007 saw strong growth both in mature markets, such<br />
as Germany, the UK and the US, as well as in emerging<br />
markets, such as China and Russia.”<br />
16
New Appointments<br />
at <strong>Bentley</strong>...<br />
Michael Darakis is<br />
the new General<br />
M a n a g e r o f<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> Sydney<br />
and is based in<br />
the new <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
Sydney Showroom<br />
at 52-58 William<br />
Street, Sydney.<br />
Michael has been<br />
with the Trivett<br />
Group for several<br />
years, working<br />
until recently with<br />
the BMW marque.<br />
Michael will report<br />
directly to Trivett<br />
Michael Darakis speaking at the launch Group Executive<br />
of the <strong>Bentley</strong> Brooklands Chairman Greg<br />
Duncan. Bevin<br />
Clayton remains<br />
General Manager of Rolls-Royce and also becomes<br />
General Manager of Bugatti, the Trivett Groups latest<br />
dealership acquisition.<br />
Ed Striebig has<br />
been appointed<br />
Regional Manager<br />
A u s t r a l i a a n d<br />
New Zealand by<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> Motors<br />
Limited. He took<br />
up his appointment<br />
in January 2008<br />
and is based in<br />
Sydney. Ed has<br />
been working with<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> Motors in<br />
Crewe for several<br />
years, most recently<br />
as their Franchise<br />
Manager. In his<br />
new role he will<br />
Ed Striebig at the launch<br />
b e t r a v e l l i n g<br />
of the <strong>Bentley</strong> Brooklands e x t e n s i v e l y<br />
interstate and within<br />
the Asia Pacific region. Ed reports to Geoff Dowding,<br />
Worldwide Director of Operations.<br />
Market Place...<br />
Contact Miles Felstead if you would like to list items in this<br />
section of the <strong>magazine</strong>. <strong>Club</strong> members can advertise for<br />
free provided they are advertising their own personal cars/<br />
parts for sale (but cannot advertise for business purposes<br />
unless advertising is paid for).<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> Key Fobs<br />
for Sale<br />
Your chance to own a <strong>Bentley</strong> Rubber Key Fob. <strong>Club</strong> member<br />
Greg Sanderson has donated to the club a number of<br />
these very practical yet stylish Key Fobs. Given they are<br />
rubber, they will not scratch your precious dashboard.<br />
Chairperson<br />
Vice Chairperson<br />
& Events<br />
Treasurer<br />
Secretary<br />
Magazine Editor<br />
& Website designer<br />
Marketplace<br />
Committee Member<br />
Librarian<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Website<br />
Price is $10 each<br />
For more details phone<br />
Jerome Bleijie on<br />
(02) 9487 3689<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Contacts...<br />
Bob Elliot 9634 7978<br />
Coralie Ogle 9960 2989<br />
coralieogle@bigpond.com<br />
Elizabeth Bleijie 9487 3689<br />
Damien Trenouth 9557 1463<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> <strong>Drivers</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
PO Box 313<br />
Camperdown <strong>NSW</strong> 1450<br />
Fax 9557 1366<br />
Jerome Bleijie 9487 3689<br />
bleijie@hotmail.com<br />
Miles Felstead 9969 7611 (B)<br />
0418 287 388 9417 8192<br />
mail@milesfelsteadrealty.com.au<br />
Liz Green 9652 1294<br />
Ian Methven 0414 67 37 57<br />
www.bdcnsw.com.au<br />
17
Book Review....<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong> Continental,<br />
Corniche & Azure<br />
by<br />
Martin Bennett<br />
Here is the complete story of the <strong>Bentley</strong><br />
Continental from the R Type of the fifties to<br />
the Continental T of the late nineties, and<br />
including those cars which were Continentals in<br />
all but name – The Corniche and the Azure.<br />
Within these covers not only will the reader find<br />
a complete and heavily illustrated chronicle of<br />
<strong>Bentley</strong>’s swift, luxurious and expensive grand<br />
tourers from inception through many years of production and evolution, but<br />
also much about the people who designed and built the cars to meticulously<br />
high standards.<br />
Beyond the eventful story of the Continental, for these readers seeking detail<br />
information the book contains technical data on all models, details of chassis<br />
and engine numbering systems and a list by chassis number recording every<br />
single Continental from the first R Type to the last S3<br />
To arrange to borrow this book please contact;<br />
Ian Methven - Librarian 0414 67 37 57<br />
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Advertising<br />
Enquiries<br />
In this issue of our <strong>magazine</strong> we welcome three new<br />
advertisers – ‘Paradise Garage’, ‘Spinning Wheel Tyres’<br />
and ‘Autobookworld’ – it’s great to have you on board.<br />
It is interesting to note that at a recent intake of new<br />
members into the <strong>Club</strong>, of the 5 new members, 4 were<br />
women. It’s great to see the ladies becoming members in<br />
their own right. We believe that our more stylish <strong>magazine</strong><br />
is probably influencing this trend, and as Michele Bussell<br />
(aka Mrs Bryan Inder) commented recently “the <strong>magazine</strong><br />
now looks so good, I pick it up and read it!”<br />
For all Advertising Enquiries please contact Coralie<br />
Ogle Ph: 9960 2989 or coralieogle@bigpond.com<br />
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