Issue - Bentley Drivers Club NSW

Issue: Jan-Feb 2008
BENTLEY
Drivers Club NSW Region
magazine
Kevin Ringham's 1936 4&1/4Ltr wins "Best of Day" at Concours
Kevin Ringham's 1936 4&1/4 Ltr wins "Best of Day" at Concours
T
his magazine is produced by & for the benefit of members
of the Bentley Drivers Club (NSW Region) Inc. (the "BDC")
and is published on a bi-monthly basis. The BDC is dedicated
to promoting the ownership, preservation, sport and
pastime of motoring in a Bentley motor car. We actively
encourage participation in our club events as a way of enjoying our
motor cars and fostering friendships on a social basis.
Whilst care is taken in the preparation of information within this
magazine, the Bentley Drivers Club (NSW Region) Inc. cannot be
held responsible for any information, advertisement, advice or
transaction(s) entered into as a result of reading material or personal
opinions of individuals contained within this magazine.
EVENTS COMING SOON:
Feb 10th: Picnic at Picton
Mar 30: Polo at Richmond

Chairman's Chatter
vehicles housed there.
Another Festive Season
has passed, and I trust that
it was an enjoyable time
for all.
I n N o v e m b e r m a n y
members took advantage
of the hospitality of Bryan
and Michele in their superb
home. We are fortunate
i n d e e d t o h a v e s u c h
generosity exhibited by
our members. The event
was so popular there was
barely enough room in
the enormous garage for
all of us to sit down for
lunch amidst the wonderful
Similarly the AGM/Christmas Dinner was well attended,
with members enjoying a good meal with plenty of
conversation, and Jerome’s visual presentation in the
background. I am especially grateful to Coralie Ogle and
Carol McCormick for their hard work in the planning and
running of the event.
I would like to thank retiring Committee members Carol
McCormick, Ian Methven and Karl Lorenz, and welcome
Elizabeth and Jerome Bleijie and Liz Green to the
Committee. Thanks also to Coralie Ogle, Damien Trenouth
and Miles Felstead for their continuing membership of the
Committee.
The Committee and myself will continue to focus on the
objects of the BDC NSW, namely to promote the sport and
pastime of motoring in Bentley cars, to encourage and
promote the ownership and good keeping of Bentley cars,
and to encourage social contacts between members.
CHAIRMANS CHATTER
A few words from
your new editor...
I don't recall the exact foolish moment I willingly agreed
to become the new editor of this magazine, but I have
quickly come to realise what an enormous job it is to pull
this all together. I was supposed to be enjoying the "festive
season", but am instead locked up in my study away from
my "darling little screeching children" in the hope I can get
some peace and quiet and work on this magazine. As an
additional source of pain to myself, I had decided to put
the magazine into a new format (which sounded good at
the time!).
Anyway, I do hope you enjoy the new format and that
you find the contents are informative, interesting, and of
the quality you would expect to be associated with the
"Bentley" marque. Despite all my grumbling above, I am a
Bentley addict and it certainly is a pleasure to spend time
on something I love.
One of the things that will make this magazine a success
are the contributions club members make to stories within
the magazine. I certainly do encourage you to send me
material. It could be about a trip you have done in your
Bentley (like Nicki & Syd Reinhardt have graciously done
in this magazine), or perhaps something you have done to
your car to restore it.
Yo u w i l l
note that
we have a
new section
within
the magazine
entitled
"Bentley
Boys".
T h i s i s
designed
to profile a
club member and his/her love of the Bentley motor car. We
are looking for any interesting history of the car(s) you own
and anything interesting about the car's manufacture or use
over the years. Syd is our first "Bentley Boy" to appear in this
magazine - a story I'm certain you will find fascinating.
So, sit back, relax and enjoy our new club magazine.
Regards, Jerome Bleijie
bleijie@hotmail.com
96 Lucinda Ave
Wahroonga NSW 2076
3

Coming Events
a bit more detail...
February 4 Club Meeting
February 10 Picnic at Picton
March 30 Polo at Richmond
April 7 Club Meeting
May 10-11 South Coast Weekend
June 2 Club Meeting
June 15 Timber Boats & Bentleys
July 20 Christmas in July
Picnic at Picton
Michael Moloney has
very kindly extended
an invitation to BDC
Members to visit his
home at Picton and
enjoy a picnic in the
grounds. The date is
Sunday 10 th February
from 12 noon. There
is ample room for our
cars to be parked on
the property. You will need to bring everything you require
for a picnic. It’s a good opportunity to take the Bentley for
a run, so come along and catch up with friends and enjoy a
relaxing afternoon. See enclosed Flyer for ‘Picnic at Picton’
Booking Form. We require your completed Booking Form
by Friday 25 th January. Event Organiser: Coralie Ogle
Ph: 9960 2989 or coralieogle@bigpond.com
August 4 Club Meeting
August 17 All British Car display Day
August 24 Shannons Eastern Creek
Sept 13-14 A Touch of Culture
- Classical Music concert
Oct 13 Club Meeting
Oct 26 BDC(NSW) Concours
Nov 12 Bong Bong races
Nov 22 Christmas Dinner
Club Meetings are held at the North Ryde RSL Club,
Pittwater Rd, North Ryde. Members & visitors are welcome
to join us for dinner in the Bistro prior to the meeting. This
calendar is subject to change and members are advised
to check each issue for variations.
Polo at Richmond
This is a ritual event
for the Bentley Drivers
Club every year and is
always a great event
to attend. At this
stage, the Australian
P o l o A s s o c i a t i o n
has not yet released
the details of who
is playing (last year
we watched a very
exciting World Cup Test Match between Australia & Chile),
or the exact date of the match (it could be on either 29th
or 30th March), but we will provide the confirmed details
to you in the next club magazine.
Please bring a picnic along with you plus any tables and
chairs you require. The club has recently purchased a
number of Club Marquees which will be used to provide
some shade. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen and of
course a bottle or two of the bubbly stuff wouldn't go
astray.
Event organizers: Jerome Bleijie & Coralie Ogle
# changed date * new entry
4

Bentley Spotting...
by Jerome Bleijie
I was surfing the net one day and came across a website
(www.bentleyspotting.com) which focuses on Bentley
motor cars. I often look at the website to see interesting
photos of Bentley's and information on some of the
later model cars. I have reproduced some of the photos
and information in this section that I either find amusing
or interesting...and hopefully you will too. Thanks go to
Jordan Devine from Bentley Spotting for allowing me to
use this material.
The car above is very rare indeed. It is a special order
4-door Bentley based upon the Bentley Continental which
was commissioned for the Royal family of Brunei. Quite
a few club members would be aware that the Sultan has
commissioned many special Bentley motor cars over the
years, but photos and details of the cars are scarce. It is
believed that this car is called the Bentley Spectre.
The picture above shows the Bentley Continental range
that existed in the 1990's. Looking at the cars from the rear
of the picture and going forward, you can see the Bentley
Continental R, then the Continental T (which had wider
wheel arches), then the rare Continental SC (which had an
open roof above the driver and passenger side only and is
known as a Sedanca Coupe). Lastly, the car in front is the
Bentley Azure (which is of course a full convertible).
Another vehicle that the Royal family commissioned is
also shown above. This is also based upon the Bentley
Continental and is obviously an "Estate" version. Each of
these special coachbuilt cars have their own model name
but the exact details remain elusive.
Now to something a little different. The Picture below was
taken in the UK by my cousin (Anton van Luijk) at the 2007
RREC Concours. This young man knows a fine motor car
when he sees one! Great taste never comes too early!
5

Recent Events....
Lunch at Bryan Inder’s Home
by Coralie Ogle
We enjoyed a casual lunch of ham, chicken and salads
followed by fresh fruit platters and then tea, coffee and
chocolates.
Sunday 18 th November dawned as a perfect blue sky day
to take our Bentleys out for a run to Bryan Inders lovely
home at Warrawee. Sixty people had booked for the day
and started arriving at 12 noon and the cul-de-sac quickly
filled with an array of shining Bentleys. We were greeted
by a beaming Bryan and Michele and a very refreshing
glass of champagne. John Vawser manned the bar and
Marienne Vawser
offered snacks
a s e v e r y o n e
congregated in
the billiard room
for a catch up
before lunch.
At 1.00 pm we
were ushered
downstairs to
Bryan’s huge
10 car garage
where tables and
chairs had been
set up and our
buffet luncheon
was awaiting us.
On behalf of
those present I
thanked Bryan
and Michele for inviting us and we toasted our hosts, and
Bryan responded by welcoming us to his home.
Bryan had four of his cars on display on the day, the
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, and his collection of Bentleys
– the Corniche, the T1, and his latest acquisition, the
2007 Continental GTC – all arousing much interest and
admiration.
Many also viewed Bryan’s extensive collection of model
cars in his library, featuring Bentleys and Rolls-Royces.
Karl Lorenz taking a good look at the collection
Bryan also entertained those of us who were interested,
with details of his fine china collection in the dining room.
So our thanks to Bryan and Michele, ably assisted by
Bradley and Pru, and Marienne and John Vawser, for a
wonderfully relaxing afternoon where we were able to
catch up with good friends. It was especially pleasing to
see some members who hadn’t attended an event all year
come along and enjoy Bryans hospitality.
6

Recent Events....
Christmas Dinner & AGM
3rd December 2007
by Coralie Ogle
Robert, Jerome & Roger enjoying each others
company
The evening
commenced
at 7.00 pm in
The Grand
P i t t w a t e r
F u n c t i o n
Centre of the
North Ryde
RSL Club.
On arrival,
our party of
6 5 p e o p l e
e n j o y e d
champagne
and canapés,
and were entertained by a powerpoint presentation of
photos from our various events throughout the year.
As MC for the evening, I welcomed everyone on the
occasion of our Clubs 35 th Anniversary! Bentley Sydney
representatives – Simon Gott and Alan Gardner – were
introduced and welcomed and Sam Movizio of Currans/
Club Concours was thanked for his generous sponsorship
of the Bar for the evening. Helen Hardman was then
invited to say Grace
and the Christmas
Buffet was served
by the Chef – a
very popular choice
of menu by all
accounts.
Club Chairman, Bob Elliott, then presented the Awards
as follows:
Trophy Winners - 2007 Annual Concours:
Bentley Motors Trophy for ‘Best of the Day’ at the
Concours: Simon Gott from Bentley Sydney presented
the Trophy : Kevin Ringham - 1936 4 1/4 Derby
Kevin Ringham accepting the Bentley Motors Trophy
Class A : Vintage : Robert Miles - 1926 3 Litre
Class B : Derbys: Kevin Ringham - 1936 4 1/4
Class C : Mk VI & R Types : Jay Andrews - 1951 Mk VI
Class D : S Types : Barry Ashton - 1962 S2
Class E : T Types : Joe Quattrocchi - 1975 T1
Class F : Modern : Roger Green - 1993 Brooklands
Class G : Post War Coach Built : Keith Wherry - 1986
Continental
Ladies’ Choice : Bryan Inder - 2007 Continental GTC
Paul Samuels then
e n t e r t a i n e d u s
with a talk on ‘WO
Bentley’, followed
by the toast to ‘WO
Bentley’.
Paul Samuels speaking eloquently about WO
A table full of awards ready to be handed to recipients
7

George Green Trophy for Club Spirit : Coralie Ogle –
for her enthusiasm in organizing events and attracting
advertising and sponsorship for our Club
Peter Wilkie Trophy for Personal Care of your Bentley:
Donated by Elizabeth Champion in memory of her late
husband : Syd Reinhardt – for all the attention and time
he has given to maintaining his 1929 Speed 6
Picnic Plaque for Best Picnic : Liz Green – for the
excellent luncheon she provided for us all at our recent
Concours which was held at her luxury B&B at Glenorie
Bryan Inder then gave a very interesting talk on the ‘History
of the Bentley Drivers Club (NSW Region)’ followed by a
toast to the Club. Desserts were then served from the
Buffet.
On behalf of Bentley Sydney, I announced the location of
the new Bentley Sydney showroom in William Street and
the new partnering of Bentley Sydney with Qantas and the
Frequent Flyer scheme.
Club Chairman Bob Elliott then returned to run the AGM:
Ian Methven presented the Treasurer’s Report
Bob Elliott gave the Chairman’s Report
Bryan Inder ran the Election, announcing the new
Committee (see the list in the back of this magazine)
Bob Elliott then closed the AGM and the evening, thanking
everyone for their attendance and wishing everyone all the
best for the festive season.
Liz Green receiving award from Bob Elliot
Metcalf Shield for Female Contribution : Carol
McCormick – for all her efforts and hard work on the
Committee for the past 5 years
Carol McCormick receiving the Metcalf Shield
My final role as MC was to thank all our advertisers
and sponsors
for their support
b o t h o f t h i s
evening and
throughout the
year.
As the Event
Organiser of
the Christmas
Dinner & AGM
I would like to
t h a n k C a r o l
McCormick for
her fabulous
s u p p o r t i n
helping make
t h i s e v e n i n g
such a success,
plus I’d like to
thank Jerome
Bleijie for
his excellent Coralie Ogle holding her "George Green" trophy
powerpoint presentation.
I will also take this opportunity to say that it is great to see
so many of our members now attending events, as a Club’s
success is directly related to the number of members who
support its activities. Any ideas you may have for future
events or anything you would particularly like our Club to
do or to run, please contact one of our Committee Members
with your suggestion.
Coralie Ogle
8

Bentley Boys....
A profile of our 6&1/2 Ltr Sedanca de Ville
by Syd Reinhardt
“I’ve come for my Bentley.” The sweet young thing looked
me up and down. Clearly my still damp surfing baggies,
threadbare T shirt and ratty sandals didn’t impress her.
“Yes, indeed. Mmmm. And who might you be?”
Syd and Nicki leaving their car at the Bentley Mulliner Museum
There was only one Bentley in the auctioneer’s showroom,
and I had transferred the money for it some days previously,
- a rather large sum of money – so who did she think I was?
To be fair, I hadn’t attended the auction having bought the
car by telephone bid. Once the mystery of who I was had
been cleared up and the person responsible to hand over
ownership found, the next conversation was illuminating.
“Congratulations, you’ve made a fine purchase. It is an
important motor car” said the auctioneer “Now, where’s
your truck?” “Truck?” I asked, while thinking of an important
motor car. This was a new, indeed a foreign concept for me.
“Truck?” “Yes, aren’t you taking the car with you?” “Indeed
I am,” I replied, “Truck?” I thought I detected a nervous
twitch. “Oh, well, your driver then” came the reply. This
was not something I’d expected. “Driver?” I was starting to
feel like a parrot, albeit a parrot with an important motor car.
Slowly, the understanding dawned on the auctioneer as it
became clear to him that I intended to drive my purchase
home. The nervous twitch had developed with an erratic
eye movement and beads of perspiration “Ah, yes. So!
Aha. Yes, well, no, fine. Now then, have you driven a
Bentley before?” “No,” I said, “not ever.”
And so my baptism by fire began. A brief instruction on what
did what and approximately when this should be caused to
happen, and I set off into Sydney’s midday traffic snarl.
I would have like to have asked some more questions but
I was sure the auctioneer had started palpitations and I
became nervous that I would cause him to collapse.It was
a 40º plus day, and my new purchase was not happy with
the heat, she didn’t like what I was asking her to do, and
she was contemptuous of my attempts to drive, to say
nothing of the loud groans when I tried to understand the
delicate art that is gearshifting in an early Bentley. There
was coughing, spluttering and sneezing. Wheezing, then,
Uh Oh, was that a fart? How unladylike. Another gear
change? Vocal dismay!!!
I was all alone in the heat, in gridlock traffic with nearly
3 tonnes of self opinionated British motoring aristocracy
that wandered all over the road with a predilection to steer
herself and to dart alarmingly to the right when I applied the
brakes. 3 tonnes darting into the oncoming traffic stream?
It was a memorable trip. No wonder the auctioneer was
nervous.
I’d phoned the auctioneer before setting out, to have them
measure the height of the car as my carport is rather low.
Based upon their measurements, she would just fit under
the supporting beams. As we snorted our way up our
driveway I eyed the rafters from my lofty imperious perch
and thought “No way”. I fetched my son to check the height
clearance as I wheezed forwards. Ah well, out with the
saw. Having cut the profile of the Bentley’s roof out of the
carport rafters, I could park the car in shelter and reflect.
Syd cutting an elegant profile in his rafters
I’d just spent a shedload of money on an old motor car that
was a prima donna to drive, that steered herself alarmingly
wherever she wanted to go, that did not go particularly well,
that had hiccoughed and coughed and burped all the way
home and that stopped as poorly as it went. I’d had to
mutilate my carport and it wasn’t even the type of car that
I actually wanted.
My mind went back to a meeting with Graeme Miller a year
or so previously. We were on a VSCCA rally – the George
Green – and I’d gone to talk to him about his Bentley Speed
6 – every boy’s dream and my ideal vintage motor car.
9

He pulled out some photographs of a large brown Bentley
and said “Syd, this car is unique. It is the last surviving
6½L Bentley Sedanca de Ville in the world, and I’ve decided
that I shall sell it.” Like so many would be Bentleyists, I
wanted a Le Mans replica, British racing green of course.
But I was interested in what Graeme had to say, because
the car was so different, was in such exemplary condition,
had matching numbers, had done little mileage since being
rebuilt, and dare I say it, would form an excellent donor car.
After all, there is not a lot of mechanical difference between
my desired Speed 6 and the upgraded Sedanca.
Mr. Sibley purchased the car in 1952
Remarkably, I was later contacted by his son who now
lives in Mount Vittoria in NSW, who had noticed the car
advertised for auction and recognised it. Mr Sibly snr. was
a ship’s Pilot and he used the car until 1960 when he sold
it to a Mr Arthur Harrison in Kent for 100.00 . There’s a
fairly comprehensive ownership trail other than the period
just prior to WW 2, to the present day.
The car has had a total mechanical and body restoration
I learnt that the bodywork was built by the famous coach
building company of H.J. Mulliner especially for the 1929
Olympia Motor Show. All Bentleys had bespoke bodywork,
but unlike so many cars that were being built at the behest
of their new owners, this car was an expression of purity as
there were no idiosyncratic requirements of an aristocratic
or wealthy owner. The result was a design of exceptionally
handsome form and of superb proportions, the very best
that Mulliner could build.
One of 545 6 ½ L Bentleys including the Speed 6 variant,
our car is one of 243 to be built on the 12’6" wheelbase.
The car was immediately sold off the stand at the show
to Mr J Davie. In 1930, the car was upgraded by Bentley
to the 1930 specification which appears to have included
road springs, pistons, change in compression ratio and a
revised camshaft. There’s quite a comprehensive service
and ownership record until 1935.
I assume that fuel rationing and its large size and
considerable thirst played a part in the fact that the car was
found in Kent in 1952. It had stood, unused, at Southern
Autos since wartime. The princely sum of 60.00 secured
the purchase for a Mr Sibly.
Around 1974 the car was purchased by Adrian Garrett,
from a dealer in London - Margolies – a one man business.
The car was well used but complete, water was leaking in
and it had been standing out in the open with no shelter.
The roof was leaking so the timber frames were in need
of attention.
Otherwise the car was complete in every respect and original
when Adrian bought it. He instigated a few modifications to
make it perform better as it was his intention to use the car
for touring, basically converting it to Speed 6 specification.
He wanted to take his children or guests and friends with
him, and he was well aware that the rear seats of an open
tourer can be extremely uncomfortable for passengers,
so the Sedanca configuration was ideal. The driver could
enjoy open air motoring but could shut out the weather
in about 30 seconds, and the passengers could close off
the rear compartment should the driver wish to be stoic in
adverse weather. Adrian had much of the work done by
John Guppy, who was financed by John Goddard, - the
company so formed was called Johnard ltd. (John Goddard
is better known as Jumbo Goddard, the famous Bentley
personality.)
Jumbo had employed John Guppy, who is from a family of
Bentley restorers. After finishing Jumbo’s car, he was then
looking for another job and so Adrian gave him the some
of the work. John Guppy was keen on racing, and Adrian
wanted faster gearchanges, so he reduced the weight of the
flywheel and fitted a modern clutch. In search of Adrian’s
required performance he fitted 3 large SU’s instead of the
original Smith’s 5 jet carburettor.
10

I understand that the mechanical work was carried out by
Mackenzie Guppy. Every nut and bolt and bearing was
John Guppy restored every mechanical part
renewed, all moving components restored, the original
crank ground and balanced and new aluminium pistons,
with increased compression, were fitted. Restoration of the
body was expensive, even for that time. The timber that
was unsound was replaced with new ash, the upholstery
restored and the roof replaced. This aspect of the work was
carried out by Smith & Cave, coachbuilders of Blandford
Forum in Dorset.
During the rebuild Adrian and Jumbo also changed the diff
ratio; -Jumbo had a 2.8 rear axle, with straight cut gears,
which was very noisy, in his special. This noise wasn’t an
issue in an open car. He had a spare made which was
fitted to the Sedanca. This was not successful, and so was
changed to bevel gears made by Hoffman in Henley, still
2.8 to one. However, this differential eventually collapsed
and Graeme Miller fitted a 3.3 racing style diff.
At the Queen’s Silver Jubilee National rally of BDC in
May, 1977 held at Oulton Park in the UK the Sedanca
won first prize, the car being commended as special and
substantially original.
The Sedanca wins "Best in Show"
There are many legends about the car; one of which is
that it was then timed at over 100 Mph. On our recent trip
in England we were plagued by large trucks on a freeway,
and to pass a line of huge pantechnicons I gave the old
lady more throttle than I normally would do. I had forgotten
that we were using our satnav. On arrival at our destination
Nicki said “I think you may want to see this.” “This” was
the satnav log of our journey. Maximum speed had been
logged by the device at 87 Mph, at which speed the car
steered and drove perfectly, with lots in reserve. I’m always
mindful of the long stroke engine, the long conrods and the
many heat cycles the mechanical components have been
subjected to, over the nearly 80 years since the car was
built, so although it copes with high speeds admirably, I
normally keep the revs below 2400 rpm.
Original Bentley records show that over 80% of all Bentleys
were originally built as sedans, ie closed. Most of these are
now converted to open tourers and Le Mans replicas.
Reflecting upon my discussion with Graeme, I came to the
conclusion that here was a great way to get my Le Mans
replica. Of the 545 6&1/2 litre Bentleys, only 181 were
genuine "Speed 6" models. There was a high attrition rate
of large Bentleys, so of the standard cars that have survived
many have ended up converted to Speed specification and
wearing Le Mans type bodies.
The Sedanca had done less than 10,000 miles since its
complete rebuild in England and would make an excellent
donor car. It would need minimal mechanical work and
the original body could easily be removed, the chassis
shortened and a Le Mans body built. I visited Rod Warriner,
was impressed with what he has done, and he and I shook
hands on a deal. If I was successful at auction, he agreed
that he would rebody the car.
11

Graeme Miller protected the Sedanca for his 20 years of
ownership. He had tried to sell it with a caveat that the
new owner would not destroy this rare motor car, but no
one would be tied down to such a condition and eventually
Graeme put the car up for auction without any conditions
attached.
Now, standing in my carport angrily sawing large chunks out
of the rafters, my heart sank. Looking at the large Bentley
standing quietly hissing to herself as she industriously
peed oil and water onto my driveway, I marvelled at the
purity of line and the excellence of form, and was very, very
angry. I cut more out of my rafters and looked at the superb
wood panelling and originality of the car and its fittings,
and my anger and despair deepened. As Nicki and our
son Seth exclaimed at the comfortable soft leather seats
and spacious passenger compartment, explored the liquor
cabinet, the wind up chauffeur’s partition and discovered
the fold down occasional seats, my mood blackened still
further.
It was the realisation that here was something really
original, very beautiful and unspoilt, and I could never be
the one to destroy it, that left me feeling that smacking
myself between the eyes with a large mallet might be a
more pleasurable sensation than the responsibility that I’d
just saddled myself with. Having bought the car to rebody
it, I was having to cope with the realisation that to destroy
such an original and beautiful car to create yet another
racing green replica was not going to happen in my custody.
I had paid a lot of money for a car that actually, was not
what I wanted. I phoned Rod Warriner and asked him to
release me from our verbal contract, which he graciously
accepted. Perhaps he was relieved.Over the next two
years, I overcame my dismay as I gradually worked my
way through the Bentley’s maladies. There was nothing
seriously wrong with the car, but having been used so
seldom she was just crying out for attention. I grew to love
and enjoy what is a very special and unusual motor car,
and never fail to marvel at how much pleasure she gives
those who see her. And I have fun with the challenges of
driving such a large and ancient vehicle.
Now that the old lady has been serviced and fettled we have
undertaken many memorable journeys and had wondrous
experiences. We’ve had friends visit from overseas and
taken them on Bentley rallies and trips to places that few
Australians get to visit, let alone visitors from other lands.
After our recent tour of England and France, we left the car
in the care of Bentley Motors in Crewe, where it is parked in
their museum, right alongside the car that they built for HM
the Queen. Of the approximately 3,000 WO Bentleys built,
less than half survive. Accidents, wear and tear, bombing,
scrap metal for the war effort, and 80 years of attrition have
taken their toll. Many of the survivors have been rebodied
two or even three times.Our car is remarkable in that it still
wears its original Olympia Motor show body. Bentley were
so pleased to be able to display it that they lent Nicki and
I a Continental GT so that we could continue our trip to
Scotland in the appropriate manner and style.
The new Continental GT next to the Sedanca in front of the Museum
There’s a real delight in being able to take our friends
with us on our adventures, and to introduce them to the
pleasures and vagaries of vintage motoring and to do so
in real comfort. Now that I have a tourer as well, I’ve have
come to realise that in many ways, the Sedanca offers us
much more. And it is so truly different.
The quote that sticks in my mind was made in England,
when I commented to one of the BDC members that I was
amazed at how much attention the Sedanca enjoys, and
how much people delight in it. “That’s easily explained” said
he “if we all go to the pub for a few ales, it is remarkable
how hard members find it is to distinguish which Bentley
is their own. They are all clones of each other. Your car
is truly unusual and absolutely magnificent.”
People really enjoy her stately presence, and we have
noticed that we get many invitations to select and august
gatherings. We don’t kid ourselves; we know that the
invitations are really for the car, not for us…….
The Olympia Motor Show 1929 - Syd's car is somewhere in there!
Syd Reinhardt
12

The UK & Europe
in a 1929 Bentley...
By Nicki Reinhardt
From the sublime to the ridiculous; the tale of how Syd
and I set out to tour the UK and Europe in a 1929 Bentley
Sedanca de Ville and finished up in a 2007 Bentley
Continental GT.
Late in 2006, we encountered an odd retirement
phenomenon. Usually, it is the young who get into mischief,
slowing down and becoming more considered as they
get to be ‘old crumpets, to quote our children. Is this an
inevitable phenomenon? Not so much. With some, getting
older can cause blood to rush to the head, muddying
rational thought. It must have been those totally confused
brain synapses that caused us to suddenly find ourselves
roaring, and I mean ROARING, off a ferry at the crack of
dawn into thick fog. All of our instincts were yelling at us
to get onto the OTHER side of the road because there
MUST surely, imminently, be some mad French person,
driving a ridiculously tiny and probably diesel, ‘Noddy car,
bearing down at us on OUR side of the road, gesticulating
wildly, mouthing obscenities and honking loudly on their
horn. After all, they do drive on the wrong side of the road
over there.
So there we were being catapulted off the Ferry full tilt
onto the Bentley Drivers Club tour of France one sleepy
Sunday morning during June this year. We had picked
our Sedanca up from Elmdown at Hungerford a few days
earlier; Elmdown had done an exceptional job in preparing
it for the adventure we had planned. Of course on the way
down to Portsmouth to join up with the BDC tour to France
we couldnt resist stopping in at Brooklands, where the
Bentley legend began.
It took a while but detours over, we did finally get down to
Portsmouth to join the tour. And what a sight we all were;
customs officers and neon-yellow-vested staff of Brittany
Ferries in Portsmouth stood rooted to the spot; bemused
and amazed. Instead of the normal run of the mill caravans,
4X4s, cars and trucks lining up on the forecourt of the ferry
station, out of the balmy night came a raucous blast from
the past; 50+ Bentleys of various vintages roaring out of the
darkness to be ushered, in an extremely organised fashion,
into the bowels of the Ferry Mont St Michel heading for the
port of Caen in Normandy, France.
Syd and I arrived on the shores of France in a bit of a daze.
As exciting as the channel crossing had been, what with it
being the start of our adventure with all the excitement of
meeting new people, coaxing our old lady onto a ferry in the
dead of night, the smell of the WOs and then disembarking
the ferry without time to think after only about 3 hours sleep
on a moving mattress. Which all contributes to feeling a
bit less than sharp. Or maybe thats another ‘old crumpet
thing?
The disembarking part was every bit as purposeful as the
embarkation bit had been; everything to the clock with no
time to think, to look at maps, get organized or gather our
thoughts; thanks to Brittany Ferries we were suddenly,
thoroughly, on tour. It seemed to us that wed hardly lain
down to sleep the previous evening when we were woken
to strains of what sounded alarmingly like “Le Marsellaise”
and had to “leap to”, get to action stations, find our cars
and our papers, and light off. With hardly a moment to
blink the sleep out of our eyes there we were, driving on
the wrong side of the bloody road in an ancient vehicle
scrabbling at our tour notes and trying to make sense
of road signs in French. Organisers Bryan and Robyn
Downes presented us with a folder that was a work of art;
Bryan is an accomplished artist and Robin a map-maker
of note.
The car caused a sensation as it sat parked in front of the
Malcolm Campbell Garage even enticing the director of
the museum down for a lengthy chat with Syd; he was so
enthusiastic that he allowed us to remove the barriers and
drive onto the famous embankments. This was a great
honour for which we thank him.
We also, of course and as you do, stopped in at Goodwood
where all was bustling as the Festival of Speed event was
being dismantled. Again, the car drew a crowd and we
were very fortunate to meet the Public Relations Director,
Gary Axon, who organised special access for us to attend
the up-coming Goodwood Revival weekend, a long held
dream of Syds.
Nicki , Syd & Sedanca at the famous Brooklands circuit
13

The French welcome was remarkable; their greetings
enthusiastic and captivated, their arm-wavings helpful –
well maybe, maybe not - as their villages were invaded by
scores of large, noisy mechanical beasts. Their welcome
wasnt even dented as drivers attempted 12-point+ U-turns,
totally obstructing their narrow medieval main streets and
even narrower pavements because their navigator had
spotted a promising looking lunch stop or realised that
they had missed a turn. Their patient smiling faces were a
testament to their love of vintage cars. At one village an old
man stood at our drivers door, hands clasped just looking
at Syd with tears in his eyes. He clasped his hands over
Syds as he mumbled in incomprehensible French, almost
incoherent with delight – and for those sceptics amongst
you, NO! he didnt own the local service station.
On the road, enthusiastic truck drivers caused Syd and me
palpitations as they roared alongside us out of nowhere
hooting their delight; the French are not known for restraint
whether it is in enjoyment, anger or hysteria. Nor is Syd;
each time this happened, he let out an explosive - ‘!¥§*k -
expletive that if heard would have wounded the enthusiastic
truck driver to the core. In fact I would describe Syds
French driving vocabulary as mostly cursory and often very
descriptive; he had his hands full much of the time as we
negotiated the mountainous interior. Hats off to him for
winning the award for Best Driver of a 6L; while I could sit
back and enjoy the beauty that is the French countryside,
he had to keep his full attention on what he was doing.
Robyn and Bryan organised the tour to give us a good
days driving, averaging between 200 and 300 miles in a
day followed by one and sometimes more rest or explore
days, to be used as we chose. There was always an option
of two or three interesting routes through the countryside
to gardens, ancient villages, historically significant sites,
or vineyards – often with gourmet lunch with French wine,
on the cards. France has such an ancient history that it
was difficult to choose between what was on offer, from
crusader sites, to WW2 memorials, to modern gardens,
vineyards or engineering feats both old, such as the canal
staircase of navigable locks near Beziers or modern, such
as the stunning Millau Viaduct.
While we were given beautifully detailed tour notes
including a Michelin Guide with the whole route marked
off with a highlighter pen, our days were very flexible as
long as we reported for aperitifs by 8:00PM clean, sparkling
and ready to party. We headed off each morning, some in
groups, some leaving really early so that they could stop
for 3 course lunches..
Arriving one evening at a little village called Geniez sur
Olt nestling deep in a valley in the Lot/Aubrac region,
the car park was a sight to behold with 50+ Bentleys, the
newest a 2007 Continental GTC belonging to Terry Ward
of Melbourne, the oldest a 1922 3L.
The carpark at the end of Day 4 at St Geniez du Olt
There were a number of Van den Plas tourers and Le
Mans replica speed sixes, a number of ‘70s and ‘80s
Bentleys and a few new and modern Azures and Arnages.
We were privileged to drive alongside some very original
cars, at least 3 blower Bentleys, three Derbys, all of them
dropheads. They had transported their owners from far
and wide, many from England but also from places as
diverse as Wales, Scotland, the USA, Switzerland, Hong
Kong - and there were 8 of us from Australia.
I am always delighted at the ingenuity that surfaces when
Bentley drivers get together and open up their toolboxes
and on tour this was even more evident. Everyone who
was mobile was only too happy to give whatever help they
could to anyone who was having a hassle, be it advice,
tools or parts. Talk about teamwork! Even the Aussie
cricket team could learn a thing or two from the Bentley
fraternity. A highlight had to be when Tony Judds 1930 4
½ litre was towed in by David Rolfes equally ancient WO
Bentley; Tonys overdrive had cried “enough” on one of the
passes - the overdrive being a modern add on. Imagine
towing a car of that age over mountain passes summiting
at 1800m plus, with another of equal age! But the sequel
was even better. Alex Tanner, chairman elect of the BDC
UK, produced a complete spare drive shaft, from gearbox
to differential, universals and all, and the team had the car
going again the next day.
The impressive Millau Viaduct
14

We drove 4,500 kilometres plus from north to south and
back again, virtually all on ‘b roads and using captivating
‘off the track routes, from the fascinating though disturbing
historically significant beaches of the Normandy invasion
to the topless beaches of the Mediterranean. We drove
through the Auvergne (Cantal and Aubrac), the Grandes
Causes of the Tarn, the Languedoc, the Dordogne and
finished up in the Loire before heading up to Les Mans
on a personal pilgrimage. The formidable Central Massif,
huge mountain ranges that form a spine running through
the centre of France, provided significant challenges to both
driver and car; often requiring travel on both sides of the
road with Syd on full lock to get around the tightly twisting
passes, and even a 3 point turn to negotiate the bends.
A member of our group, Ray Spiers, - a lifelong member
of the Bentley drivers club well into his 80s driving and
navigating a ‘70s Bentley all on his own (which believe me is
no mean feat), told us with some hysteria at one stage that
he has a device in his car – he wasnt clear on what it was
or did – but one of the bits of information that it gave him at
the end of the day was the number of corners negotiated.
And according to him we did 397 on one particular day! But
then again as Bryan Downes, our tour organiser pointed
out, “We are the Bentley DRIVERS Club after all.”
Syd and I concluded our tour of France with a sobering
and thought provoking visit to the landing beaches at
Normandy, something that we recommend to all who have
the opportunity to do so. We then headed back to England
to join in the fun of a BDC UK concourse at Rousham
House, This was an extremely muddy experience but one
that showed the steel of the British who turned out in force.
Suitably clothed in gumboots and galoshes. And with the
mandatory champagne and strawberries in hand inclement
weather not withstanding. We were privileged to see the
recently restored Old # 2, Old # 1 and EXP 2 all of which
were on show to our great delight. We felt that seeing we
were there we should put the Sedanca on show. Which
we did, coming away with a ‘Commended ribbon.
Like a red rag to a bull!
We were also fortunate enough to attend the opening of
the new clubhouse at Wroxton near Bunbury, Oxfordshire
which was graciously officiated over by HRH Prince Michael
of Kent, a committed supporter of the BDC in the UK.
A few weeks later found us at the Goodwood Revival, a
must for anyone who loves vintage motoring. Motoring in
general in fact. And fashion and fun. This is a rare thing
in motoring terms, an event for both sexes with the whole
weekend a re-creation of the amazing spirit of motoring and
aviation spanning the 1940s, ‘50s and early ‘60s pioneered
by Lord March. Historic race cars competing ‘full bottle
on the track while vintage aircraft flew overhead were the
main drawcard but the atmosphere was incredible with
everyone dressed in period fashion, the scene beautifully
set with actors playing the part of those who would have
been wandering the streets during that time, ATM machines
in period post boxes for example, a beautifully crafted
environment all perfectly in tune with the period. And the
picnic in the carpark should not be missed. In fact the car
park is an event in itself.
After attending the 19 th annual International weekend in
Norwich Syd and I headed for Crewe where Bentley was
keen that we loan our Sedanca to the Mulliner museum.
And Bentley returned the favour by giving us a treat. A
loan of a new Bentley Continental GT to tour Scotland.
Which we did. And what a magnificent car that is. It hugs
the road like the niftiest sports car and when you put your
foot down, even at 160ks an hour, it takes off like a rocket.
Thanks to our lime green mean machine we met an array
of colourful characters including Ken a trucking magnate
living on the island of Islay, an absolute delight of a man
full of enthusiasm and love of life; we even bumped into
Mohammed al Fayed, father of Dodi, up at the Falls of Shin
in the highlands of Scotland, where we were so lucky to be
able to spend an hour or so watching the salmon heading
upstream to spawn.
So, how do we feel about this adventure which began
towards the end of last year as we sat idly sipping a cup of
tea, as ‘old crumpets tend to do, enjoying the latest copy
of the BDC (Bentley Drivers Club of the UK) magazine,
enticed by an invitation to join the BDC on a tour to France.
“Shall we do it?” he had said. “Sure” I had replied. Syd
will tell you that the driving was ‘no mean feat, in fact it was
absolutely and hugely very much of a feat. He will also tell
you that he has arrived home with the physique of a Greek
god having hauled his WO over so many mountain passes,
through countless roundabouts and hairpin bends.
Are we glad we did it? You bet! We are over the moon that
we did. What an amazing adventure it was; believe me
you should welcome that rush of blood any time you feel it
coming on. You will have the privilege of meeting the most
amazing people, visit the most wonderful places; it will lead
you into a wonderland of incredible adventures.
Nicki Reinhardt
15

Market Place...
A number of cars and parts are for sale by members.
Please take a good look and make contact if you are
interested. Contact Miles Felstead if you would like to list
items in this section of the magazine.
Bentley Turbo R, Immaculate 1989 model
FEATURES:
* Black with Parchment Leather Trim,
* Burr Walnut fascia and Red carpeting,
* Alloy Wheels, Cruise Control,
* Stereo with CD,
* Central remote door locking,
* Electric Seats & Electric Windows
* Two Level Air Conditioning,
* Picnic Tables
* Mudflaps
* Mesh Grille
* Stowage Compartment in Rear Armrest and
under Front Armrests.
*Full Service History by Bentley Agents,
*Avon tyres,
*Australian Delivery.
For more details and viewing please ring
Charles Chelliah on 0422 255 222
WO Camshafts
being manufactured
Vintage Bentley
camshafts have
b e e n i n v e r y
short supply, or
very expensive,
or both, for some
years. They are
quite complex and
not easy to make.
Simon Elliott has
arranged for a batch of 4-cylinder camshafts (suitable
for both 3 and 4-litre cars) to be made by CliveCams in
Melbourne at a price expected to be less than $2,000.
If you need a camshaft, or think you will need one soon,
now is the time to place your order. Please contact Simon
at thederby@bigpond.net.au or on 03 9803 2300 for more
details.
The Committee,
Bentley Drivers Club of Australia
Club Contacts...
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
& Events
Treasurer
Secretary
Magazine Editor
& Website designer
Marketplace
Librarian
Committee Member
Club Website
Bob Elliot 9634 7978
Coralie Ogle 9960 2989
coralieogle@bigpond.com
Elizabeth Bleijie 9487 3689
Damien Trenouth 9557 1463
Bentley Drivers Club
PO Box 313
Camperdown NSW 1450
Fax 9557 1366
Jerome Bleijie 9487 3689
bleijie@hotmail.com
Miles Felstead 9969 7611 (B)
0418 287 388 9417 8192
mail@milesfelsteadrealty.com.au
Ian Methven 0414 67 37 57
Liz Green 9652 1294
www.bdcnsw.com.au
16

Book Review....
Bentley
Fifty Years of the
Marque
Letters to the
Editor...
by
Johnnie Green
Over eighty years have now
passed since WO Bentley
designed and built the first
3-Litre Bentley in a mews
off Baker Street, London.
A car and a name were created which were to catch the
imagination of millions and which today still inspire the envy
of these superb machines, whether Cricklewood, Derby or
Crewe made.
”Bentley - Fifty Years of the Marque” is mainly a pictorial
tribute to the excellent motor-car written by Johnnie Green,
a great car enthusiast, whose devotion to Bentleys is
unsurpassed, and a member of the Bentley Drivers Club,
from whose files a mass of material was obtained.
Nearly 600 photographs follow the development of Bentley
from the ”Number One” 3-litre of 1919 to the T series of
1969. The bulk of these photographs had never before been
published: over 250 vintage Bentleys, over 200 Derby and
more the 100 Crewe cars are illustrated.
The Library has two copies of this book, one a first Edition
1969 and a third Edition.
If interested please contact;
Ian Methven - Librarian 0414 67 37 57
This letter is to thank and congratulate Bryan Inder and
Michele Bussell on the success of their recent Bentley
lunch gathering at Bryans Warrawee home. It was truly a
tremendous affair due to a combination of superb hospitality
and great Sydney spring weather. Sixty plus Bentley Club
members descended on Bryans home, filling the outside
street with an assortment of Club cars. The house had been
converted into an entertainment area, with tables and chairs
provided for a sit down lunch in the immense 10 car garage.
Professional caterers were shunned as Bryan, Michele,
Bradley and Pru, assisted by John and Marienne Vawser,
prepared the complete meal, plus appropriate service.
On a slightly more serious note I must report that a few
(male) members did not observe what I would consider
a reasonable ‘dress code for attendance at a private
luncheon. In future the BDC Committee should encourage
a ‘minimum dress code of open neck sports shirt and full
length trousers/slacks, along with enclosed foot wear, for
men at indoor events. Surely this is the least we can do to
uphold the desirable Bentley Drivers Club image that our
cars themselves display. Fortunately on this occasion no
outsiders or media were present to record these oversights.
The BDC is currently enjoying a long overdue revival. Lets
keep it that way.
Sincerely, Laurie Ogle
17

Membership
Renewal Reminder
Thank you to all those who have sent in their ‘2008
Membership Renewal’ forms and cheques. For those who
haven’t as yet, we’ve enclosed a Flyer for you to complete.
You’ll notice we have a new Treasurer – Elizabeth Bleijie
- so all forms and cheques should be posted to her at the
address on the Flyer. If you prefer a Bank Transfer, details
are also available on the Flyer.
You will notice subscriptions for 2008 are $65.00 per
member. Subscriptions have been held at $55.00 for 5
years, from 2003 to 2007 inclusive, but with the CPI running
at 3% per annum and all our costs rising, subs have had
to be raised. Our subs remain competitive with other car
clubs.The advertising revenue we are now bringing in from
our Magazine was structured to cover the cost of taking
our Magazine to a larger format with more colour, without
taking additional monies from subs. Our advertising costs
are competitive with other car club publications.
Advertising
Enquiries
With this our first issue for 2008 we welcome two new
advertisers to our Magazine – ‘Bonhams and Goodman’
and ‘Vintage Motor Garage’ – it’s great to have you join us
for the launch of our ‘new look’ Magazine.
It’s a new year, we have a new Editor and a new front cover
and format to start the year. The new front cover has a more
professional appearance, befitting the Bentley marque,
and the new format includes more and varied articles of
particular interest to Bentley owners and enthusiasts.
We welcome your feedback. For all Advertising Enquiries
please contact Coralie Ogle Ph: 9960 2989 or coralieogle@bigpond.com
18