A Matching Pair

James Edward Hanson, later to become Lord Hanson, was a famous British industrialist, who along with his business partner, Lord White, was feared for his reputation as a ruthless "corporate raider" and "asset stripper."

One of Hanson Group's most successful deals was the acquisition of the Imperial Tobacco group encompassing brands such Davidoff, West, Montecristo, Golden Virgina & Rizla. Less successful was an infamous attempt to buy the ICI Group, at that time the UK's 3^rd largest business.

 

As a Captain of Industry, Lord Hanson chose to be chauffeured between meetings in Rolls-Royce & Bentleys, and two of his former cars are currently for sale.

Both are 1996 models, and the similarities between them suggest that either he wanted a matching pair of Rolls-Royce and Bentley, or he couldn't decide which marque to order. Given his reputation as a decisive businessman, the former explanation seems more likely...

 

First, a 1996 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur, described as being finished in Oporto with a black everflex roof, and with 32,000 miles from new:

And next, a matching 1996 Bentley Brooklands Lwb, also finished in special finish Oporto with a black everflex roof. Interestingly, it seems that Lord Hanson specified it with Rolls-Royce suspension fittings, and a column (rather than floor mounted) gear shift. It has completed 39,000 miles from new:

The Silver Spur is on offer at GBP 26,950, and the Brooklands Lwb is priced at GBP 21,995 – the choice is yours...

Photo credits to Hanwells of London and Classic Car Warehouse.