Ordering coffee to go.

Would you like a lid with your T or without.



No, I don't need a lid. It's too hot today.

Happy New Year from Melbourne Australia. It's 42 deg C today, or 108 deg F where it is the hottest day of the year in the hottest year every recorded.

Cheers to global warming. I'll just turn up the A/C which is run from a coal power station, nice. LPG works quite well in Rolls Royce and Bentley cars.

Discreet Cloud

Here is one discreet car to take out for your New Year Eves party.

No one will notice you at all.



It is painful to look at. One needs to know when to edit their work when it comes to any creative effort. Or maybe I'm thinking a little too deep about it.

Hooper Coachbuilt Model Photos

Some one had a bit too much eggnog on Christmas day.

Let my explain.

Bidding whilst drunk is not the best idea, as there is a chance that you can go a little over board. That is why logging on to ebay after a few sometimes may not be the best idea.

Lets take ebay Item number: 250198922409. The auction ended on Christmas day.

The item was titled "ROLLS ROYCE & BENTLEY HOOPER COACHBUILDERS MODEL PHOTOS"

Here it is.



What it is is a black folder of photos of Hooper coach built cars.

Lets open it and have a look inside.



Great they are A4 size colour photos of Hooper examples. I would certainly love to have it. It would definitely be another 25 or so Bentley Spotting articles.

Look, it's the press photo of the Hooper Empress II written about many times before.



Now to the actual text of the ad.

"Offered For Bid, Is A Photographic Presentation From Hooper & Co. Coachbuilders, To A Dealership, Featuring Some Of Their Rare & Unusual Models. These Photos Were Presented In A Black, Vinyl, 9 3/8" x 12 3/8", Binder. The Photos Are Stored In Clear Vinyl Pockets, With The Company Letterhead Attached As A Background. In Total, There Are 31, 7 3/4" x 10", Full Color Photos. The Cover Of The Binder Features The Business Card Of The International Sales Representative. This Binder Was Sent To A Rolls/Bentley Dealership In Columbus, Circa 1985. All Photos Are In Excellent Condition."

So up for grabs is 31 pictures of Rolls Royce and Bentley tinkered cars from the 1980's. It is up my alley.

But how much is it worth? It had a reasonable starting price of US $14.95 with no reserve. Quite reasonable.

So what did the 31 pictures go for?

I do like this picture, rear sunroofs are something else.



Bidding was hot, and the final hammer price for these pictures was US $760.00.

Quite something else.

Here is something interesting that caught my eye. Have a look at the rear lights on this Camargue. Never seen that before. I seek more info!



As it happens, I did actually notice that a bidder was a Bentley Spotting reader, and in the past people have sent in photos from this folder before. So hopefully over time they will slowly appear on Bentley Spotting.

Here is a high resolution example that came from this folder. Fingers crossed I will be receiving more!

Bentley Continential T Talamo Special

The Bentley Continential T Talamo Special was developed after the Mulliner Project 116 special made for Carlo Talamo, the Italian importer and retailer of Bentley Motor cars at the time.

The idea was to make a racing version of the Bentley Continential T, and this was done by a serious weight loss diet for the car. 200kgs in fact.

Power and torque improvements were mainly intended to put extra sparkle in performance between 50mph and 115mph. Nonetheless, P116 reached 60mph in 5.5 sec and can hit 160mph.

Here is the original P116 car.



More pictures and information on P116 can be found here. The car currently resides in the storage complex of Bentley Milano.

What happened however, is a couple of customers wanted the Project 116 special as well. So what did Carlo Talamo do? Customer satisfaction of course and commissioned two more to be made.

It is presumed the Talamo made these two Specials himself, and sold them to eager customers. One was red and the other black. They had the same interior and were on the same weight loss programme.

Car spotter Yo was able to capture the red Bentley Continential T Talamo Special on the street, and here it is.



Mesh headlights and bonnet vents certainly make this Special look the part, not to mention the polished aluminium bonnet.

Photo courtesy (Johann Petit, Supercar Photo Collection) Used with permission.

Bentley Mk VI Special for Christmas

So you would like to have a special Christmas? Well how about a special Bentley? Currently on ebay UK there are three Bentley Mk VI Specials for sale.

Here is the first. Ebay Item number: 290188675352

1949 Bentley Mk VI Special by Padgett

First Registered September 1949 / Reg. No. JNX 71. Chassis No. B 20 FV / Eng. No. B193 K (18th built)



Converted from an original saloon bodied car by Allan Padgett in 1976 in the style of a sports tourer and now sporting the Padgett / Watson 2 seater Body.

The car has a 108" wheelbase with a front track of 57" and a rear track of 59"

The engine is 4257cc with a bore of 88.9mm and stroke of 114.3mm. Compression ratio 6.4:1. It runs on an original exhaust manifold and twin SU type H4 1 1/4" choke.



The gearbox and rear axle are the original MK VI type with a Borg & Beck dry plate clutch.

The rear springs are set down 2" and has adjustable Armstrong shock absorbers allowing a ground clearance of 6"

At £47,995 and with its 90mph + performance this attractive open sports car offers all the fun of vintage motoring at a fraction of the cost.



For further information about the Bentley Special phone us on 01274 659336.

The second, Ebay Item number: 250199730758

1947 Bentley Mk VI Special with R Type Engine by Hofmann.

This car was built in the late 50's by Hofmann's who were renowned Bentley special builders at the time & knew how to get the body proportions just right.



The car has just been fitted with the more powerful R Type engine which has been remanufactured to factory new spec at vast expense.



This is a real bugs in the teeth type car Perfect for Goodwood this coming summer.



She is completely sorted & trouble free. When you start her up she sounds like a spitfire.



On the road she pulls strongly & is lively to say the least. I have never driven a car that attracts more attention & thumbs up from other road users.



She comes taxed for a year & with a full MOT.

This is a stunning car, very driveable & will make an excellent long term investment whilst providing immense enjoyment for the owner.



Ask for Richard to arrange a viewing & test drive.

The pictures really do not do her justice. You need to see her in the flesh to appreciate what she is all about.



She has a lovely vintage patina to her & affords vintage Bentley motoring at a fraction of the price of a '30s blower Bentley.



Not for the faint of heart or shy retiring type!!!! Flying Jacket & goggles are required Kit!!! £54,000 (T) Prestige Cars Tel: 01442 236711 or 07967 260673



She is Located in Henley at the Homann's showroom who originaly built her & have since then maintained her.


Presenting the final Bentley Special for Christmas, Ebay Item number: 120196724878

1947 Bentley Mk VI with Bentley Eight Engine by Overtons of Leigh

Bentley SRH5 - Bentley Special by Overtons of Leigh.



This vehicle has been wonderfully built and crafted with no expense spared or corner cut, a truly marvellous individual motor car. It is no surprise then that it has been maintained and looked after to an equally high standard.



The vehicle was built around a 1947 Bentley Mk6 chassis (center section), with a 6.75 litre V8 engine, taken from a Bentley 8, as are it's powersteering, automatic gearbox and brake system.

It has adjustable suspension for racing and has been raced on the continent. However, driven socially it is extremely economical for the size of engine.



The body is aluminium and has been hand rolled specifically for this special Bentley. All parts on this vehicle are either genuine Bentley or hand crafted by skilled professionals. There are also 2 seats in the rear for short journeys.



It is a stunningly beautiful motor car with classic Bentley looks which is very pleasurable and rewarding to drive.



Must be seen to be truly appreciated! £95,000.00 GBP

It is surprising to see Bentley Azure wheels in a Mk VI, but you can do what you like with a special, that is the beauty of them.

Merry Christmas, and a safe holiday and festive season from Bentley Spotting.

Jankel Provenance Estate Car

I am a fan of Rolls Royce and Bentley estate cars or station wagons. They are just so practical.

The coach builder Jankel actually made two different versions of their well know Silver Spirit/Turbo R based estate cars.

One was called the Val d'Isere and the other the Provenance.

Here is the design of the Provenance.



This is the only known picture of the Provenance and it comes from the Jankel brochure. Please sent in more if they are out there.



This is the extract from the brodchure that explains the difference between the Val d'Isere and the Provenance.



Yes it is extended or stretched in the cargo section of the vehicle. Quite an ingenious idea.

As it has been a difficult task to find pictures of this car, I decided to photoshop what some more would look like.

Here is the first.



And another version. Stretched in the cargo section.



I would take one.

Bentley Caravan

I am not really a true fan of caravans, but when Rolls-Royce und Bentley Enthusiast Ulrich Baumewerd sent these pictures in to Bentley Spotting, you just have to admire.



Ulrich runs the website www.rolls-royce-bentley.de and these are his favourite pictures.



Not the most usual thing to pull with a Le Mans Bentley, but convenient if you do, if you know what I mean.



Definitely cosy.

Sultan of Brunei Bentley Continential R Special

Bentley Spotting has become known for the amount of modern coach built cars that get reported on, and for the individualisations people make to their Bentleys.

The most popular article has been about the Royal family of Brunei with their vast collection of coach built Rolls Royce and Bentley cars. There has been an expansion to other Royalty, particularity the Middle East as well as the occasional celebrity.

On a side note, does anyone have pictures of the Bentleys owned by African playboy quasi-Prince Teodorín Nguema Obiang who's father is Dictator of oil rich Equatorial Guinea? He is in the clan the apparently Sir Mark Thatcher was embroiled in with a coup attempt in 2004. He has charted Paul Allen's mega yacht, purchased a $35 Million Malibu property and invested $25 Million into a rap music label, and used to go out with the rapper Eve. Unlike Brunei however, his people still live on less than $1 per day and there are only 500,000 of them. I think they could do with better advisers. Read more in this LA Weekly article.

With Royalty and celebrities this is a reminder that this is a super market isle blog by the way, not a prestigious peer reviewed publication, so a bit of trash is allowed.

Now back to the current Bentley.

This is a Royal Family of Brunei Bentley Continential R Special. Most likely made for Prince Jefri.

Just look at those shark like bonnet vents. Just Great. Right on for a special Bentley.



It as for sale at Balmoral and here is the advertisement.

1993 Bentley Continental R (Special)

Specifications
Finished in Cobalt Blue with French Navy Hide, French Navy Top and Knee Roll, Royal Blue Wilton Carpets.

Believed to be 1 of only 2 made for the Sultan of Brunei, upgrades include Twin Intercoolers, Water Injection, Special Louvered Vents, 17" Bentley Alloy Wheels and Azure Seats.



Full Build Specification available along with Documented Service History.



Mileage
26,500

Price
£54,950



From the list of Bentley and Rolls Royce cars built for the Royal Family of Brunei it has been determined that the two cars referred to in the advertisment are the following:

SCBZB04D7PCH00207 Bentley Continental R JB3
SCBZH04D0PCH00208 Bentley Continental R 1 H



From the VIN these are 1993 Sultan Special Bentley Continental R's that were built together and both share UK registration.



The registration plates have since been transferred to another coach built Bentley Special owned by the Royal Family of Brunei.

More to come as always.

Bentley Stand at the Bologna Motor Show

Here is a fast run down of the Bentley stand at the recent Bologna Motor Show.

A yellow Bentley Continential GTC with black wheels, the Bentley Brooklands with different alloys wheels, and the Bentley Continential GT Speed.

Bentley Alloy Wheels

If only it was this easy to select new Bentley alloy wheels for your Turbo R.



I want that one. Or that one.

Photo courtesy Terry Walker of The Rolls-Royce Owners' Club of Australia, Western Australia Branch Inc (RROCWA). Used with permission.

Bentley Brooklands Photoshoot

Out the front on the factory in Crewe is the first registered Bentley Brooklands.

Com'on burnout!

Spiegel Bentley Continential GT Speed Review

I can not speak or read German.

However I do like reading German car reviews, as they are quite distinct, if not a bit peculiar. Culturally different one might say.

Take this Spiegel piece on the Bentley Continential GT Speed. It really is different.

They do things like record the sound on the indicator, record the horn, and even the sound of the warning beep. It is really quite surprising.

The article is here in German.



This is an English translation by yahoo here but it is a bit of a joke, as the title is 'Place deer factor ten' what ever that means. A little lost in translation.

Coming soon, Bentley with body by Zagato

I have been predicting for quite a while that coachbuilding is the new trend in modern automobile manufacturing.

People want to individualise there cars that they continually spend more time in. Why have something standard that resembles a domestic washing machine?

That is why it is no surprise that Italian coach builder Zagato is rumoured to be building a body for a modern Bentley.

Here is what they did to a modern Aston Martins DB 7. A total of 100 were made. Highly desirable.



Italiaspeed has reported on it here, and I will endeavour to obtain pictures as soon as they surface.

I still think that this coach build Bentley Buccaneer built for the Sultan of Brunei is designed by Zagato.



It is not known which car they are building a body for. Bets are on for the Continential GT, but they would be able to charge a lot more money if it was based on an Arnage. A Zagato Azure would certainly be nice.

1966 Press Photo

Rolls Royce and Bentley press photography always repeats itself. Just like fashion.

Here is the standard comparison between the old and the new. New for 1966.

Still looks great!



Crewe still use the same TU number plates today. The P1 number plate is a tad bit rarer though.

Mesh or Vains

When Bentley Turbo R's are side by side, sometimes it is hard to pick. Should I have the Bentley with a mesh grill or the Bentley with vains?



Hard choice.

Flying Mascots

Heavens above, flying Mascots!





Now the new mascot for 2007. It is electronically retractable. Similar to the modern Rolls Royce Phantom.



Congratulations to the photographer I do not recall.

Corniche Roadster

"This custom-built two-seater was commissioned by the late Dr. Erle Heath of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Heath was an avid Rolls-Royce collector and veteran Rolls-Royce Owners Club member nearly his entire life. Dr. Heath in collaboration with the designers at Niko Michael, created the concept of a modern day two-seater roadster. The car began life as a brand-new 1977 Rolls-Royce Corniche, and with just 125 miles on the odometer, the transformation began. After endless hours of brainstorming and three years of painstaking work, this masterpiece was unveiled. This very special automobile immediately gained the respect of Rolls-Royce enthusiasts around the world. Driven mainly to shows and exhibitions, it has only 25,000 miles on the odometer since new."



Dr. Erle Heath was also a patron of the Classic Car Club of American which has a museum that is located on the campus of the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan, United States of America.

Bentleys on Whitehall

I do really enjoy it when readers send in article suggestions. Especially when it is about their own cars.

Stephen Fabman-Beker the secretary of the RREC South Eastern Section has done just that, and I have decided to post the article as is.


Dear Sir,

Last year my two Bentleys were used to launch the London Motorshow. At the end of the drive through London and past Nelsons Column and into Whitehall, I stopped in the middle of the road outside Downing Street, my partner driving the other Bentley stopped beside me and we got out and took photographs. The police became agitated and tried to move us on but we stayed there for 20 minutes in this privileged place as a few other classic cars stopped to join us.

Here is an interactive satellite image of the exact place where the photographs were taken. Zoom in and move around to orientate yourself.

View Larger Map

Now to the photographs.



The Bentley nearest the camera is a Bentley S3 Touring Limousine with division by James Young. It was ordered in January 1965, the chassis was delivered to James Young in Bromley in July 1965 and finally delivered to the customer, Lord Ronson in January 1966. This car is one of just three Bentley SCT 100's built and the only one in England. The other two are known to me, one in America and the other in New Zealand.



The second Bentley furthest away from the camera is a Bentley S Type 1959. Bought new by Ted Robbins and kept until his death in 1988 when his wife continued to use the car, when she died in 1998 and with just 33,000 recorded I bought the car. Ted Robbins company dealt with processed recalcitrant chalk used in manufacturing the paint for white lines on roads. His company painted the white lines on the M1 when it was first built.

Best regards

Stephen Fabman-Beker
secretary of the RREC South Eastern Section
www.rrec-se.co.uk

So readers, please do sent in suggestions and stories about your cars and have them published on www.bentleyspotting.com

Manly entrance into Vintage Bentley

Previously on Bentley Spotting we have seen ladies entering Bentleys here. Now it is a mans turn.

Certainly a sporting entry into a sporting car.

Video from the The Avengers episode 'Return of the cybernaughts'.

Bentley Final Series

I am thinking like the advertising creative.

I have got a new great idea! I will draw a picture of the car, write down the new bits, and with a ruler point to where the new bit go.



That is a great idea! I have never thought of that before. Let's do it. It will be a revolutionary way to demonstrate change to the Final Series of the Bentley Continential R and the Azure.



That could have happen in 2003, when the final series of this classic Bentley was released.





These three photographs accompanied the press release. Not really much choice here for the editor.



And here it is. The text from the press release

"Based on the current range, both the Continental R and Azure Final Series models will feature a series of performance-orientated additions designed to complement the already extensive Bentley Mulliner specification, further enhancing the car's 420bhp appeal. Both models, considered to be the most complete expression of two designs that were originally launched in 1991 (Continental R) followed four years later by the Azure, are set to become highly sought after collectors' items.

Since their respective debuts, 1533 Continentals R's and 1235 Azures have been built at the Crewe factory, confirming their enduring appeal as the ultimate expression of dynamic, yet luxurious high-speed tourers.

The Continental R will feature sporting five-spoke wheels and high-performance Bentley branded brake calipers finished in bright red. Wide wheel arches accommodate the 18 x 9.5J wheels and tyres. The lower front bumper has been restyled and incorporates three meshed air intakes to match the front quarter panel wing vents. As befits the elegant Azure, five-spoke 18-inch wheels have been specified. A 'Mulliner' badge on each front wing pays discreet tribute to the coach built heritage of the two-door range. Inside, special attention has been paid to developing a unique Bentley Mulliner crafted interior that echoes the marque's sporting traditions.

The most distinctive feature is a stacked central instrument cluster that includes a turbo boost gauge, with chromed bezels and a red starter button. The sporting theme continues with a chromed and leather finished gear lever and drilled alloy pedals.

Diamond quilted sports seats and door inserts are complemented by a choice of either dark stained walnut veneer or black lacquered finish. In the former instance, the winged Bentley motif features on the waist rails to complete the highly detailed interior.

An upgraded Alpine audio system with MP3 playback and CD multi-changer also forms part of the interior specification.

"Both the Continental R and Azure form an integral part of Bentley's development as an independent marque. These Final Series models are the purest expression of two cars that combine the uniquely Bentley blend of hand-crafted luxury with supreme performance," said Adrian Hallmark, Bentley Motor's member of the board for sales & marketing.

In the best and unrivalled traditions of the marque customers are able to specify over and above the features offered, to develop their own unique finish in conjunction with Bentley Mulliner, the specialist coachbuilding and bespoke craftsmanship, styling and engineering team at Bentley Motors."

Text & Photos: Bentley Motors

I shouldn't really be so cynical.

Rolls Royce Phantom Stretch Limousine

Genaddi Design Group have made some interesting designs over the years. Previously Bentley Spotting has featured the Bentley Continental GT/LM racing car that was really just a photoshop.



Now this Rolls Royce by Genaddi Design Group car is real. It is shown along with the GT/LM in the company banner.



With some not so flattering 1980's high waisted underwear is the not so discreet Rolls Royce Phantom Stretch Limousine.



The images are in high resolution for a close up look at umm, the car.



Quoting from a recent Rolls Royce advertisement, "A Rolls Royce Phantom has only one serious rival. The person who owns it."



In this case however, a black shirt, pony tail, goatee beard and double breasted suit - I don't think really rivals the car. There is a reason why you pay for models.



Can you please take your hand off the mascot. I don't want to think how many services that has done. Probably unprotected.

Bentley Spotting in Zurich

Youtube user coolsims5 is a bit of a car spotter. He likes the exotics.

In Zurich one day he was walking down the street and saw three Bentleys park randomly on the same street.

Like a good boy, and to keep us entertained, he pulled out his camera phone and pressed the record button.

Here it is.

A Bentley Continential GT, a Bentley Continential GTC and a Bentley Continential R.

The Emperor State Limousine by Hooper

Straight from the brochure, "The Hooper State limousine has balance, proportion and style".

I simply have to agree.



This style of limousine is near identical to the Park Ward style, and I am currently hard pressed to find any external difference.

In high resolution.





This is what Hooper had to say about this beautiful car.



Pictures (Hooper & Co)

The Bentley Cemetery

This Bentley Cemetery is in South Dakota.



These Bentley Turbo R's are from the UK.







Everyone should always be appreciative of organ donors.

Non English Bentley Arnage Reviews

Lets watch a couple of Bentley Arnage reviews that are not in English

Bentoretabo

Not sure what Bentoretabo means? Well say it with a Japanese accent.

Bent-or-e--ta-bo. ベントレーターボ Hopefully I have copied the correct characters. It is Bentley Turbo if you are lost in translation.

The largest auction site in Japan is yahoo.jp auctions, and there are always a few interesting Rolls Royce and Bentley cars up for grabs.



Something that does not make sense is that many cars left hand drive, in the right hand drive market. It was, and could be still in fashion to have all import cars left hand drive - simply to prove that they are imports.

It is a bit pointless for English cars, as they are originally right hand drive for the home market. But a lot of fashion is pointless.



Now take a look at these cars. That is most likely a Jankel limousine at the rear. Now look at the bumper bars. That's right, they are after market and look really impressive.

It is a case of off with the old, and in with the new style. They are full plastic moulds with rear skirts as well. Very impressive. That I have not seen before is the very discrete rear spoiler on the boot. It is just a little lip spoiler, but it does make these cars a lot sportier.



I am a fan.

Bentley GTC Birkin Edition by MTM

Sir Henry Ralph Stanley "Tim" Birkin, 3rd Baronet (26 July 1896 – 22 June 1933) was one of the original "Bentley Boys" of the 1920s.



The German tuning company Motoren Technik Mayer have released this tuned version of the Bentley Continential GTC and named the car after him.



Unlike Mansory, MTM twiddle with the engine and obtain serious upgrades in specifications as an outcome.



In the spec, MTM conjures up an increase from 560 bhp to 650 bhp / 478 kW from the 6-liter W12 engine, and manage to obtain a staggering 795 Nm of torque compared to the production version of 650 Nm. That is certainly serious figures from this Bentley.



An MTM-modified Continential GT at the Nardo oval in Italy was able to produced a proven 331 km/h, making it the fastest Bentley ever built. That is 220 mph.



MTM are also working on the Bentley Continental GT Speed. They are preparing the car for tuning to 750 hp (551 kw) where it is claimed that the top speed of 340 km/h is possible!

That is a one fast Bentley.