Highlights

Bentley B81 6.5-litre straight-eight engine, refurbished by the military
Incredible dashboard clad in copper from HMS Victory's hull, dated October 1888
Authentic period parts including original Bentley radiator cowl, Zeiss headlamps, and chronometric Smiths/Jaeger instruments
10-year build by a professional Design Engineer with master craftsman assistance
Unique aviation components including Hurricane control grip and Mosquito door handles and Spitfire parts.

The Appeal

One-offs - combining engineering genius, madness and pure passion in equal verve. Some of the greatest cars ever to enter auction have been exactly that, clad in specially-sourced materials and carrying a unique reverence of their own. Some recapture the rules, some rewrite the rules, and some balance heritage and inventiveness perfectly. This remarkable car is a culmination of all three.

The look, a tribute to those fabulous W.O. Bentleys of Le Mans, this example is built on a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 chassis. This handsome period-looking roadster evokes the spirit of early Bob Petersen Speed Six creations while veering down its own, incredibly unique path. The remarkable heritage from top to bottom goes far deeper than the age of the chassis - parts of HMS Victory's Hull are incorporated into the dash, as are parts from the Hawker Hurricane and the De Havilland Mosquito. The cellulose paint and mellowed nickel plating all come together with this to create a deeply fascinating vehicle, loaded with details and secrets. If you're after intrigue, you'll have trouble finding a more intriguing special than this one.

The designer and vendor, who has an automotive heritage of their own, commenced work in 2010, and completed the car by 2020. Aided by a series of master craftsmen, many of whom were specialists in the world of luxury old timers, it has since carried pride of place at multiple car shows, and now comes to us as a true connoisseur's car.

The vendor notes:

"The aim with this car was to produce something that has a very authentic, period look to it. I had the good fortune to be able to spend huge amounts of time on all the little details and sourcing the parts that make a big difference. A luxury the professional producers of Bentley replicas just can’t afford.

"It is very easy to drive with effortless performance. Everywhere I go people stop, look and smile. So do I!

"I have found everyone I have dealt with or met so very helpful and enthusiastic about this project, particularly those in the Vintage car business, including Bentley owners and experts.

"My greatest pleasure is watching people at shows and vintage meetings walking past real Bentleys and professional replicas, giving them a quick glance, then stopping at mine for a good, long look. It’s that sort of car. It appeals equally to knowledgeable experts and those who have never owned an old car.

"It is a bit different to anything else. Not everyone will want that. But there are those who will value what it has to offer."

History and Paperwork

1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 chassis (GUB69) registered as WXG117, previously AYE82
Built over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2020 by a professional Design Engineer
First registered on new plate in 2015
Registered as a Rolls-Royce 20/25 with Historic Vehicle status
Construction supported by vintage car restoration professionals
Body based on drawings by A.F. (Tony) Robinson from the late 1960s in Vanden Plas design
Includes original owner's instruction manual and engine service manual

The Condition

Body presents as a two-door Vanden Plas design with reverse sweep rear section
Cellulose paint finish provides period-correct appearance
Mellowed nickel plating throughout
Interior trimmed in leather
Hood, tonneau, and hood bag in double duck material
Dashboard clad in copper from HMS Victory's hull, stamped Oct 1888
Original Bentley radiator cowl with new aluminium core
Period-correct lighting including Zeiss headlamps, Rubbolite rear lights, and Brolt sidelights
Authentic instrumentation featuring chronometric Smiths and Jaeger gauges
The hubs and wheel nuts are also original Rolls-Royce items
The eared Bentley wheel spinners are covers over the Rolls-Royce products
Wheels rebuilt or refurbished by Motor Wheel Services
Fitted with Blockley tyres running at 40-45 PSI
Unique features include a Hurricane control column top, Mosquito door handles, and a Spitfire starter button

It's hard to take in the remarkable level of detail with this unique car - almost imposingly so. The cellulose paintwork perfectly suits its distinctive period lines, with the curvy, original Bentley cowl proudly sitting exactly as it would have some ninety years ago with an authentic '30s racer. This level of originality expands to the Ziess headlamps, Bentley & Draper front dampers, period Smith / Jaeger dials, hubs and more. The Lighting switch is an original Bentley item, the dashboard lights are the proper type fitted to LeMans team cars, as is the screen wiper motor, etc - the vendor humbly notes it 'It took a very long time to find this little lot!'

While the car's exterior is impeccable - we're particularly pleased by the appearance of the marvellous Mr. Toad - the interior is a particularly incredible bit of work. Picked out in handsome green leather, the dashboard glimmers with a highly unique, bespoke finish. This burnished copper is taken from the HMS Victory's Hull, back when the legendary ship was re-clad in 1888. The October 1888 stamp is particularly fitting, considering it was W.O.Bentley's birthday. Meanwhile, we can see plenty of marks and patina, thanks to the effects of life on the Ocean waves. The stamped monograms are for Pascoe and Williams of Swansea, who made the sheets, while the arrows are government markings and the 28 is for the thickness of the copper. All materials from the Victory have since been sold back to the ship's trust, so these are remarkably rare and have provenance in the car's paperwork file. The gearknob also stems from the ship - being a treenail, an oak dowel from the ship's ribs and cladding.

The top of the handbrake is equally unique - this is a control column-top from a Hawker Hurricane, with the machine gun button sounding the car's unique claxon horn. The impressive door handles are from the crew door of a De Havilland Mosquito, sourced from the collection of Wing Commander Peter Henley, who was the last to fly the only original. airworthy Mosquito left before it crashed in 1996.

The claxon can also be sounded by the 'Jettison Bombs' button, believed to be taken from an Avro Lancaster, and the engine start button has been sourced from a WW2 fighter, which the vendor believes may be from a Spitfire. Keeping up appearances suitably are the pedals, which are replica items but suit the rest of the car's handsome array to the ground.

While the vendor, out of respect for the team, doesn't wish to put their names publicly online, all of this has been assembled by a top-link crew that has created an incredible vehicle, with a full credits list accompanying the car and detailing every individual contribution. It's truly been a labour of love, and we'd credit it as one of the most deeply interesting classic cars to reach Car & Classic.

The Mechanics

6.5-litre Rolls-Royce B81 mark 5H straight-eight engine
Five-speed fully synchronised Tremec T3650 transmission with right-hand shift conversion
Engine converted with four HD6 SU carburettors, civilian exhaust, distributor and front timing chest
Lucas special equipment dynamo as fitted to the Mk6
Original Rolls-Royce 20/25 chassis, axles, wheels and steering
Front brakes are 14-inch diameter by 2-inch wide hydraulic twin leading shoe design
Rear brakes are original Rolls items converted to hydraulic operation
Suspension modified with springs adjusted for reduced weight
Fitted with Bentley and Draper front dampers and Andre Hartford rear dampers
Telescopic shock absorbers are discreetly fitted all round
Exhaust silencer bypass pipe with valve installed
Double SU fuel pump system with 20-gallon capacity 20/25 fuel tank
Lubricated by grease nipples, rather than the original lubrication pump

The car's pioneering spirit continues underneath the bonnet. It's powered by a remarkably capable Rolls-Royce B81 Mk5H 6.5 litre straight eight, which was refurbished by the military and, upon purchase, was practically 'as new'. Indeed, when it was brought into the assembly area, it was done so out of its equipment crate. The car has since been converted with four HD6 SU carbs, a civilian exhaust, distributor and front timing chest.

The car's gearbox is a five-speed fully synchromeshed Tremec T3650, as fitted to Ford Mustangs. The same source goes for the clutch, prop shaft and geared starter motor. In order to aid comfort and reduce side swing, it's been converted to a right-hand shift, and reportedly proves a firm, tactile, but free-spirited shift that perfectly engages the driver.

The suspension and steering are as Rolls-Royce built them in 1934, and the vendor highlights that it's proven a very tight set-up, riding and cornering with little fuss. The springs were modified to accommodate the car's lighter weight and have proven perfectly suited as a result. The vendor adds that the torque reaction from the improved brakes is controlled by cables in the style of vintage racing Bentleys, and telescopic shock absorbers are discreetly fitted all round.

This car has been rebuilt, even the clock keeps time. It has also done enough miles since its completion for all the wrinkles to be ironed out. It comes thoroughly recommended.

How does it drive? The vendor elaborates:
"The driving experience is fantastic. So much effortless torque!"

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.