24 minute read
QUICK PIT STOP
Designs from yesteryear still inspire the design cues of today – from the S Type Continental to the Continental R and Brooklands
Prior to the design studio being set up, designs had been produced as hand-painted watercolour artworks – such as this Mk VI drawn by styling guru John Blatchley in 1946
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models, with accuracy down to hundredths of a millimetre, and provide data as either numeric printouts or cloud data uploaded directly within the design studio for instant virtual reference.
The latest era of design is now highly computer dependant and can be represented in virtual reality. Designers can now sketch in a virtual world and can hold design reviews, assess details, alternate texture, choose colour, swap materials and yet still achieve their deadlines.
Despite all these new tools and techniques, once a design has reached full maturity a full-size model will still be made, ensuring all of the fine details are perfect before release for production.
Darren Day, Head of Interior Design, joined Bentley’s design team 27 years ago and was one of five. Today the design team has
Designers now sketch and create in a virtual world allowing them to constantly and instantly refine all manner of design detailing
Bentley Home furniture employs the same state-of-the-art design capabilities for its leather and wood finishes as used in the company’s vehicles
grown significantly and now boasts more than 50 members covering design aspects for the interior, exterior, user experience, colour and materials, bespoke requests and collaborations.
Bentley Motors’ design team is now busy working on creating the marque’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), which must translate and reshape those classic forms and details to a truly future-focused design. Not only that, the car must be sustainable in more ways than just being electric – so the company is exploring sustainable materials, recyclability and new ways of working to ensure the car has a low carbon footprint throughout its life.
Andreas Mindt, Bentley’s Director of Design, said that leading the next evolution of Bentley’s design DNA would be a “true honour – especially after so many decades of exquisite design in our studio in Crewe.”
And he was quick to stress the past would not be forgotten: “There are iconic Bentleys that were created here – beautiful cars that have stood the test of time, and which inspire our styling cues to this day.”
HOME COMFORTS
Bentley’s cutting-edge design capabilities now stretch beyond luxury vehicles – their techniques and inherent principles provide lifestyle options too.
For instance, Bentley Home furniture (pictured above) can be tailored to meet a customer’s personal tastes, and customised in the finishes, including exquisite leathers and wood veneers, that have made the British brand unique.
Indeed, the iconic shapes of Bentley models new and old, alongside the precious materials that characterise vehicle interiors, can be witnessed in the design language of Bentley Home’s pieces.
If bespoke furniture is not enough, the world’s first Bentley Residences will be unveiled in Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, in 2026 (pictured). The project (https://bentleyresidences.com) is a collaboration between the Bentley design team and Dezer Development.
Built to suit luxury car owners, each of the 200 opulent residences in the 749ft tall, 60-storey tower will include an in-unit multi-car garage and a patented car elevator. Sustainable materials will be featured throughout.
Michael Dacre’s award-winning 1927 3 Litre works Le Mans Team Car
Salon Privé
1-5 SEPTEMBER 2021
Michael Dacre’s storied 3 Litre works Le Mans Team Car led a trio of BDC models which were recognised with awards at Blenheim Palace, as Review reports. Photos: Courtesy of Organisers
Proud new owner Michael Dacre had reason to crack open the champagne bottle when his 1927 3 Litre works Le Mans Team Car earned another award, this time at Salon Privé.
Michael, who recently bought the illustrious and ‘remarkably original’ car from fellow BDC Member Bob Moggridge, picked up the runner-up prize in the Pre-War Sports class at Blenheim Palace.
This was the latest award for the last built 3 Litre which, when owned by Bob, was named as a Bentley Centennial Class winner at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2019.
The car had experienced a less satisfying time at the Le Mans 24 Hours, however, when it crashed out of the 1927 race when being driven by Baron Andre d’Erlanger
Best Interior award Duke of Marlborough award
and George Duller; it also raced at Brooklands for 10 years prior to World War II and later at BDC Silverstone.
Also recognised with Honorary Awards were two more Members: Dean Kronsbein and Yohan Poonawalla.
Dean’s striking 1947 Mk VI Cabriolet by Franay garnered the Best Interior award, while new Member Yohan, proprietor of the eclectic YZP Collection in India (see Review Issue 333), earned the Duke of Marlborough award with his colourful 1949 Mk VI Light Touring Saloon by Hooper & Co.
Aside from the award winners, Nevada-based Club Member Joel Laub displayed his 1929 4½ Litre Le Mans which was once owned by none other than former BDC President Woolf Barnato, the threetime Le Mans-winning Bentley Boy.
Other Bentleys adorning the lawns included a 1925 Super Sport by Short, a 1931 8 Litre Park Ward Four-Door Sports Saloon and a rare 2006 Zagato-bodied Continental GTZ.
Best of Show was a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A Sindelfingen.
Quick Pit Stop
TRACK-TION CONTROL!
Winter’s just kicked in – so the Continental GT owners among you may need to start thinking of preparing your car for the icy roads... we’re not sure if Bentley Motors will offer these tracks as an optional extra though! Image: Courtesy of Internet
North-East September Weekend
24-27 SEPTEMBER 2021
The quintessential surroundings of TV’s Heartbeat country in North Yorkshire provided the perfect backdrop for Members to enjoy a welcome post-lockdown get-together, as Liz Bower reports. Images: Courtesy of Stephen Ward
This being the first big gathering for the NorthEast Region since the Covid-19 lockdown ended, we all arrived at Gisborough Hall Hotel, located on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, in anticipation of a great weekend. We were not to be disappointed.
We began on the Friday with a reception in The Glass House, a tastefully built conservatory which basted us in sunshine as if to bless the forthcoming weekend. A wonderful start, meeting our friends that we had not seen for nearly 18 months, and a superb dinner followed in the Madoc Suite.
Next day, we started on our Heartbeat route through Great Ayton and Hutton-le-Hole to Goathland on a challenging drive across countryside affording us fabulous views of the North York Moors National Park. On the way some of us looked round the James Cook Schoolroom Museum telling the story of his early life growing up in Great Ayton and his later adventures on the high seas. A number of our cars also stopped at the Ryedale Folk Museum, enjoying a variety of heritage buildings, gardens, animals and vintage farming equipment.
We were lucky to arrive in Goathland a little early for our Yorkshire cream tea which enabled us
Alex & Angela Tanner’s 1963 S3 Continental heads a convoy across Heartbeat country
to see the steam locomotive Tornado on the rails in Goathland station, although we had to be careful not to run over the numerous onlookers and photographers who had set themselves up on the narrow bridge!
There was a slight emergency at the Inn on the Moor Hotel as the electricity had gone off two hours earlier. Oh no! However, we were told by staff that they were trying their best to have our tea ready by 2pm. True to their word it was on time and excellent.
In the North-East Region, a tradition has arisen of having a fancydress theme for our Saturday evening dinner. This year the theme was 1960s and Heartbeat. A number of hippies descended on our gathering together with police men and women, a particularly distinctive Beatle and many characters from Heartbeat including Lords of the Manor and Gina, the barmaid. Austin Powers look-a-likes were out and about as was a very effective Cilla Black along with the accent to match. We were all wondering what had happened to Chairman Karen Mahony and finally realised that she had transformed into Cilla accompanied by a long haired, moustached man who we later found out was husband Simon.
On Sunday, a majority of the group headed to the Scarborough Fair Collection & Vintage Transport Museum at Lebberston, where the vintage fairground was offering rides, and most took advantage of that. Some other members of the group visited Sandsend and Whitby, with its imposing abbey and many shops although it was very busy due to the beautiful weather. Others enjoyed Scarborough itself.
Eventually, most of the group descended on Thornton-le-Dale with its superb chocolate shop and Baldersons café where a band was playing in the garden, which made
Brian Gore aboard his 1924 Freestone & Webb 3 Litre
it feel like a true holiday break. We also visited Mathewsons classic car auction room and souvenir shop but, unfortunately, the museum section was closed. From Thornton-le-Dale we skirted Dalby Forest with an option to visit the Hole of Horcum, a huge natural amphitheatre 400 feet deep and more than half a mile across.
On our return to Gisborough Hall Hotel, we enjoyed a superb black tie/BDC jacket evening meal, at the conclusion of which Ray Cook organised a raffle, raising £700 for a dementia sufferers charity. This was followed by a three-piece band playing jazz and lounge music, featuring a particularly accomplished pianist. Ken & Janet Lech were outstanding on the dance floor for several numbers, and Douglas Paterson was also nifty on his pins and managed to gather up several ladies to join him. Finally, the floor was filled with couples enjoying the last dance of the evening.
Sadly, on Monday after breakfast, we had to bid our farewells and get back to our everyday lives. Thank you to Karen & Simon Mahony for organising the weekend. It was enjoyed by all who attended with weather so good that we could have been in the height of summer. Until our next outing…
Jean Hague enjoys a vintage fairground ride at Scarborough Fair Collection & Vintage Transport Museum
Peace and love, man! Cilla Black (Karen Mahony) makes friends with three hippies (Simon Mahony, Alan Green and Kay Tweddle) Cheers! Mike & Sarah Smith A mop-topped Beatle (Ray Cook) meets a checks-bedecked lady (wife Muriel)
The stripey crowd! (clockwise from left) Graham Brierley, Nigel Myers, Peter Harrington, Simon Mahony, Warner Bower, Tony Henley, Alex Tanner, David Lawson and Stephen Ward Warner & Liz Bower, Suzie Harrington, Sandra Ward and hippy Alan Green enter into the 1960s party spirit
Western US
Driving Tour
19-25 SEPTEMBER 2021
Members enjoyed the thrills of the scenic open road during a fantastic driving tour of five western US states, organised by the South (Texas) Region, as Sneed Adams reports. Images: Courtesy of Author
The six-day autumn tour Day one: We visited the Mount covered a distance of 1,500 Rushmore National Memorial miles and started in Rapid where the images of four American City, South Dakota, before Presidents are sculpted from the ending almost a week later in Estes mountain scape. After 90 minutes Park, Colorado. of viewing, and a terrific group
The six-day tour passed through the spectacular Grand Teton National Park
photograph, we drove through South Dakota’s Custer State Park which winds through the mountains with many sharp turns along its 6,000-foot elevation scenic roadway. The park’s six tunnels were crafted 100 years ago when cars were a bit smaller – today it’s a good idea to fold in the mirrors!
Tour organisers Sneed & Anne Adams
Day two: We headed northwest and down the main drag of Sturgis, South Dakota. Sturgis is home to the annual Harley Davidson motorcycle event where more than 200,000 bikes descend on the small 7,000-population community.
Onward to another South Dakota landmark: the legendary wild west community of Deadwood, immortalised in the movies. After getting separated and lost in the small village, our eager Bentley drivers found the hallowed ground where one of America’s favourite Western heroes, Wild Bill Hickok, lies at rest in Mount Moriah cemetery – a visit to his grave required a short hike up the hillside. Next to him is Calamity Jane, whose dying wish was “Bury me next to Wild Bill”.
Onward westward into Wyoming and a visit to the Devils Tower National Monument remote geological phenomenon – an extinct volcano core rises 867ft from base to the summit which is 5,112ft above sea level. We had a quick lunch here before motoring on across countless miles of remote Wyoming which brought us to Buffalo for a night’s stop. Day three: We drove north and west to cross the Big Horn Mountain range. The scenery did not disappoint as the weather was perfect, the sky deep blue and the mountain pass at 9,430ft provided outstanding vistas of Wyoming outback for miles in all directions. These roadways are remote and only see traffic in the warmer months as they remain closed in winter since it is not possible to keep the snow at bay.
Ric & Linda Masten’s R Type squeezes through one of the small one-way tunnels along the Custer State Park drive
Spencer & Vicki Silverbach’s Mk VI at the foot of the Devils Tower National Monument
Following a quick lunch stop in Cody, we made the long run across western Wyoming to pass over the Absaroka mountain range along the eastern border of Yellowstone National Park. The Sylvan Pass was 8,500ft and the fresh snowfall a welcome surprise to most cars as they had never seen snow! We motored quickly into Montana for the night stop. Day four: We got moving early to catch the sunrise at Old Faithful geyser and the expected 9.32am blow. We breakfasted at the Old Faithful Inn and obtained some great group photos. Old Faithful actually let loose at 9.40am and we enjoyed a front-row seat for the spectacular display. Quite amazing.
Soon it was back on the trail to the Grand Teton National Park and a striking drive along the eastern edge of some rugged and rocky 13,000ft mountains. The roadway was a 6,800ft elevation which made the mountains seem much taller. The morning sun lit up the mountain scape and we got carried away stopping and taking photos. We encountered a majestic bull elk and his lady herd moving across a meadow – another traffic jam on a small roadway as several million photos were taken.
Lunch was taken in Jackson, and then it was more Wyoming scenic roadway as we drove to Rock Springs for the overnight pause. Day five: Friday’s sunrise was brilliant as we drove out of Wyoming and into Utah to visit the Dinosaur National Monument. The exhibition showed countless dinosaur bones embedded in the uplifted sedimentary layers. Very educational.
After a brief lunch in Vernal, it was a dash across miles of Colorado farm and ranch land to the western edge of the Rocky mountain range and Steamboat Springs, a major ski area in winter, for the night’s rest. Day six: The day dawned with an incredibly bright sun and 30˚F temperatures which left frost on the
cars. A late start began with a short drive to Estes Park over the Rockies.
We enjoyed a long lunch stop in Grand Lake – where it seemed that half of Colorado had showed up for lunch in the small village. We then discovered the Park Service was restricting entry because of traffic congestion and we had to wait until 2.45pm to gain entry. It was only 34 miles from the 6,800ft high Grand Lake, Colorado, to the Rocky Mountain National Park peak at 12,000ft above sea level; however, 30 mph was the quickest anyone could muster. It was almost bumper to bumper at the top and not a parking space within a hundred miles. No automobile photo opportunities today.
Two large male Rocky Mountain sheep crossed the highway at the peak and shut down traffic completely as every camera went into warp speed – incredible to see creatures thriving at such an elevation.
The 25-mile downhill run to Estes Park was squeaky brakes, lower gears and ‘dodge ball’ with cars trying to avoid people riding bicycles downhill at 35mph! One unfortunate fellow in a small car lost it and careened through a parking spot before finding a pine tree to arrest his pending airborne exit of Colorado…
Arriving in random fashion at the famous Stanley Hotel we snapped a few shots out front of the picturesque encampment. • To see more photos of the tour, visit https://sneedadams.smugmug.
com/2021-BDC-Pix/BDC-TourSeptember-2021/n-jSWq6k/
Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park lets off some steam…
The winding road ascending to the top of the Rocky Mountain National Park, some 12,000ft above sea level
Magnificent line-up in the shadow of the Devils Tower National Monument (l-r): Mulsanne (of Ric & Nancy MacDonald and Myles), R Type (Ric & Linda Masten), Mk VI (Spencer & Vicki Silverbach), two Continental GTCs (Tom Sward & Christine Vetrano and Denise LeClair-Robbins), Bentayga (Sneed & Anne Adams), Continental GTC (Ramon Garcia), Brooklands (James & Yvonne Klein), Continental GTC (Bob Oates) and Flying Spur (Gerard Bulhon)
Differential centre caked in sludge and years of baked-on oil before benefiting from extensive cleaning and refurbishment This image shows what can go wrong…
Dead, dead whine
Do you suffer from a raucous rear end? Mike Haig imparts expert advice on how to silence your Bentley’s noisy axle and differential. Images: Courtesy of Author
AQantas jumbo jet had just flown in from London and was coming to a halt on the runway at Sydney Airport. One of the ground staff shouts to a colleague, “Bruce, can you hear that whining noise coming from the engines?” “No, that noise is not coming from the engines, it’s coming from inside the plane – it’s full of Poms,” he replied.
Yes, I know it’s an old joke but I remembered it when a friend asked me to investigate a whining noise coming from the rear of his S1 Continental. As a would-be amateur comedian, I couldn’t resist asking him if the whining was only evident when his wife was in the car with him! Fortunately, both are good friends and sports, and we all had a good laugh about it together. Thank goodness most of us of a certain age have not been influenced by the woke brigade yet…
Anyway, enough of the jokes and back to the noisy back axle. On driving the car the noise was evident even at low speed and increased dramatically as the speed increased. At 70mph it was very, very noisy indeed and clearly something was seriously amiss. Unfortunately, finding the cause of this din is no easy matter as it usually means stripping down the axle. I promised that I would look into what were the possible causes and find someone to do the job.
With lockdown eased, I had reason to visit South Wales on business and I remembered seeing an advertisement in the Advertiser & Diary for a company in Swansea that specialises in rebuilding Bentley post-war diffs. Fortunately, they were open on the day I was travelling down, and I made an
R Type casings after a pre-clean and before bead blasting and finishing
A brand-new crown wheel and pinion. These items take enormous abuse New stainless steel pinion bearing housing with taper rollers, and hardened and ground spacers fitted to every reconditioned axle. This example is from an S1
appointment to visit and find out more about these mysterious beasts.
On the appointed day I met up with Gregg Morgans at his business, Differential Class, to discuss all things relating to post-war Bentley diffs. Before we go into the nuts and bolts of things let me tell you a little about Gregg’s background. For me this is very important as I have heard horror stories about so-called experts making a right pig’s ear of trying to rebuild these complex units.
Gregg told me that he had been an indentured apprentice in tool and gear making, and had worked in precision engineering for over 28 years, including a spell at a well-known Bentley restoration business. Best of all he had received instruction in how to build and set up these units from the now retired Norman Geeson, the acknowledged guru.
It’s fair to say that Gregg knows what he is talking about, and is one of the few experts about with the knowledge and the correct factory tools to service and rebuild these diffs and axles.
Discussing my friend’s axle he said, as I had already guessed, that it would need stripping down to investigate. He told me that the main causes of problems are, unsurprisingly, poor or non-existent maintenance and old age. We all know of owners of our type of car who literally boast that their pride and joy seems to run for ever, without ever seeing a spanner. Although Bentleys are inherently very tough, correct and regular maintenance is paramount. Because of the awkwardness in gaining access to the axle pumpkin this may well lead to it being left on to the ‘jobs to be done later’ list.
An inherent weakness in the design of these axles is the comparatively small capacity of oil they contain compared to the size of the pumpkin. Over time, dust and
Gregg sets the differential centre stars gears to 0.000” thou backlash dirt can infiltrate the axle usually via the breather. This mixes with the lubricant and morphs into a muddy sludge. Obviously this kills the lubricating qualities of the oil which inevitably leads to very high temperatures and excessive wear in the gears and bearings; this, of course, can lead to broken teeth and other unwanted maladies.
Another culprit is wear in the hub bearings which leads to the half-shaft moving about in the diff – not good. As previously stated, if your diff is noisy have it investigated properly. If one has had to have the axle taken out it may be a good time to consider upgrading to a higher ratio. Many owners are doing this as it allows for higher cruising speeds at lower engine revs, equating to better fuel consumption and less wear and tear on the engine.
Gregg says this is a very worthwhile option especially if one’s car is a keeper. His advice to owners is to make sure the oil is changed in the diff at least once a year and the rest of the axle is serviced according to the factory service manual. It goes without saying that the correct oils and lubricants must be used.
My friend’s whining diff? On inspection, sure enough it was exactly as Gregg had thought: full of sludge and a small piece of metal from a chipped crown wheel tooth which was moving around causing that awful row. The rebuilt axle has since been reinstalled in the car and what a difference it has made.
Graham & Marina Goodwin continued their fine season with more success as BDC crews flew the Bentley flag both at home and abroad, reports Review. Photos: Courtesy of Gerard Brown/Rally the Globe and Will Broadhead/Blue Passion
Graham & Marina Goodwin cracked open the champagne after winning the Vintage class, and finishing fourth overall, in their 1929 4½ Litre Le Mans on the Highland Thistle rally (left).
Also competing in the Vintage class were fellow Club Members Carl-Peter and Carl-Ferdinand Forster (1926 3/4½ Litre), who
Classic Endurance
rallying SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021
John & Daisy Pyle’s 4½ Litre carefully negotiates a narrow cliffside lane during the Highland Thistle rally
came home 24th overall, and John & Daisy Pyle (1928 4½ Litre), who were classified 28th overall within the 35-crew field.
Organised by Rally the Globe (RtG), of which Graham is a founder, the five-day event covered more than 1,125 miles of challenging but scenic minor roads across the Scottish Highlands, and included around 10 regularities and tests along the way.
The rally started and finished at St Andrews, and visited the Cairngorms (the UK’s largest national park), Tay Bridge, Oban, The Quiraing, Skeabost and Achnagairn.
Meanwhile, Graham & Marina, this time at the wheel of a 1927 3/4½ Litre Corsica, were again the toast of the BDC field when they finished 13th overall, fourth in the Vintage class, on the Carrera Italia rally.
Just behind were Clint & Dawn Smith (1925 3/4½ Litre), who finished 14th (fifth in class), following 10 days and 2,400km of competitive motoring which included regularities and tests. Hugh & Lesley Apthorp (1931 4½ Litre Blower) were classified 33rd (eighth in class) of the 38 finishers after suffering frustrating oil-related issues.
Also organised by RtG, the event started and finished in Sanremo, and took in testing mountain roads and lakeland areas along with race tracks, such as the Circuito Tazio Nuvolari. Crews passed through beautifully scenic areas such as Lake Como, the Dolomites, the Ligurian Sea and the Adriatic coast, with a little Tuscany and San Marino thrown in for good measure.
Elsewhere, Andy Buchan, partnered by Roy Buchan, determinedly upheld Bentley honour on the Scottish Malts rally with a sterling performance.
The duo’s 1928 4½ Litre Le Mans was the oldest entry in the 58-car field, which also included a 1976 Corniche. Andy and Roy were classified 40th overall, and ninth in the pre-1958 class, of the 49 finishers.
Organised by HERO-ERA, the rally saw crews tackle 930 miles of challenging yet scenic Scottish roads, with tests and regularities thrown in, across five days.
The rally started from and finished at Dalmahoy Hotel near Edinburgh, and visited Pitlochry, Inverness, Aberdeen and Crieff.
