magazine - Bentley Drivers Club NSW

Issue: May-June 2008
BENTLEY
Drivers Club NSW Region
magazine
Andrew Wyatt's Derby Bentley 4&1/4Ltr Drophead coupe in the foreground
with other Bentley's in the grounds of Villa Strachan at Bellawongarah
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:
June 15th: Timber Boats &
Bentleys
July 20th: Christmas in July

Chairman's
Chatter...
2008 marks the 75th Anniversary
of the first Derby
Bentley, and events to celebrate
the occasion are
planned in the UK, USA and
Australia. At this stage the
Australian event is planned
to be held from 11-13th
November in Beechworth
Victoria. It will be a great
opportunity for Derby Bentley
motor cars, owners and
enthusiasts to get together
for a very special occasion,
and there is an article in
the magazine giving further
details.
Speaking of Derby Bentleys, Graeme Ellis, along with Max
Houston in his Speed Six, provided the VIP transport at the
Richmond Polo day. Altogether, about 15 Bentleys and a
large number of members and their friends enjoyed a picnic,
while watching Australia defeat the Kiwis in a close game of
Polo. The weather was beautiful, although the gusty winds
threatened to destroy our new club marquees. Thanks to
Coralie Ogle and Carol McCormick for great organisation
as usual, and to all those members and guests who contributed
to the success of the event.
By the time you are reading this magazine, we will have
already visited the home of one of our most enthusiastic
Derby Bentley drivers, namely Tony Strachan. In our last
publication he offered trips in his 1934 3 1/2 Litre Thrupp
and Maberly to "special people". I hope that I can meet the
criteria for that privilege.
I enjoy reading the articles about our members and their
cars, and I am delighted that they are willing to share their
knowledge and experience of fine cars with us.
Regards, Bob Elliott
3
A few words from
your editor...
There has been a lot happening in the world of Bentley
motoring and indeed in our club. This issue of our magazine
gives us the opportunity to recant a number of our
recent club events which have been highly successful and
very well attended. I am of course speaking about our day
trip "Polo at Richmond" and our "South Coast Weekend".
Thanks go to Coralie Ogle for writing about the events for
this magazine and of course being such an active and
welcoming person at these events. What a fantastic asset
she is to our club and a deserved winner of last years
"Club Person of the Year". I know I certainly couldn't get
this magazine together without her enormous help.
Since writing the last club magazine, I have had the privilege
of attending the launch of the new Bentley Brooklands
at Bentley Sydney's new showroom in William St. I have
taken the opportunity to write an article about this fabulous
car and the launch event which was very enjoyable. Thanks
again to Bentley Sydney for the wonderful support they
provide to our club. Thanks also go to all our advertisers,
without their support we would not be able to print this
magazine.
I mentioned in our last magazine that club member Syd Reinhardt
had the honour of taking his 1929 Speed Six to the
Melbourne Grand Prix. Syd took part in an historic race car
demonstration,
where
he took the
old girl for
a lap or two
around the
circuit. Unfortunately
I
couldn't see
that pre race
event on TV.
In any case
Syd graciously
agreed to write something for this magazine about
the event.
In this issue we feature another one of the "Bentley Boys".
Our Bentley Boys that is. This section of the magazine is
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. I am pleased
to say that club member Robert Miles is profiled in this
issue.
So, sit back, relax and enjoy our club magazine.
Regards, Jerome Bleijie
email: bleijie@hotmail.com
mail: 96 Lucinda Ave
Wahroonga NSW 2076

Coming Events
June 2 Club Meeting
June 15 Timber Boats & Bentleys
July 20 Christmas in July
August 4 Club Meeting
August 9 Concours Prep W'shop *
August 17 All British Car Display Day
August 24 Shannons Eastern Creek
Sept 12-14 BDC National Rally in
Canberra
Sept 19-21 Speed on Tweed *^
Oct 13 Club Meeting
Oct 26 BDC (NSW) Concours
Nov 11-13 Derby Bentley Rally *^
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.
# changed date * new entry ^ event not organised by club
a bit more detail...
Timber Boats & Bentleys
C l u b M e m b e r
Miles Felstead is
inviting fellow BDC
members to join him
at ‘The Royal Motor
Yacht Club Broken
Bay’ at Newport, on
Sunday 15th June.
We’re to enjoy a
buffet lunch in the
C l u b M a r q u e e
Bistro, followed by
a run in an enclosed 55’ timber cruiser. Arrangements
have been made for our Bentleys to be guarded while we
are on the boat.
See enclosed ‘Timber Boats & Bentleys’ Flyer for further
details and booking form. Miles requires the Flyer
completed and returned by Friday 6th June.
Event Organiser: Miles Felstead Ph: 9969 7611 (W) or
Email: mail@milesfelsteadrealty.com.au
.
Christmas in July
Club Members
Barry and Carol
A s h t o n a r e
organizing our
‘ C h r i s t m a s i n
July’ event this
year in The Blue
Mountains. The
date is Sunday
20th July and
t h e v e n u e i s
‘The Mountain
Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat’, Katoomba. We’ll be
enjoying a traditional Yulefest 3 course luncheon in a private
room at ‘Jamison Views Restaurant’. Accommodation can
be arranged.
See enclosed ‘Christmas is July’ Flyer for further details and
booking form. Barry & Carol require the Flyer completed
and returned by Friday 13th June.
Event Organisers: Barry & Carol Ashton Ph: 9680 3549
or Email: b_ashton@bigpond.net.au
4

Bentley Spotting...
by Jordan Devine
Queen Elizabeth II has had four Royal carriages delivered
in the past three decades. Two from Crewe and two from
North Head, Sydney. As a Bentley driver I know you can
guess what came out of Crewe, but North Head you may
ask? Jim Frecklington OAM from Sydney, instead of pulling
pints of Bass on his working holiday drew Royal horses
and carriages. And it has stuck with him ever since. Frecklington
has constructed the magnificent Australian State
Coach that the Queen of Australia uses for formal occasions
in the UK. This Coach was presented as a gift from
Australia to the Queen celebrating Australia's bicentenary
in 1988. More recently Frecklington built a carriage called
the State Coach Britannia as Australia's gift to the Queen
on her 80th birthday. It is exquisite craftsmanship.
The Queen certainly does receive very nice gifts. Her
Majesty received another for her Golden Jubilee. It was
the 2002 Bentley State Limousine. Having a few more
horses than the six that draw the Australian State Coach,
the Bentley State Limousine is pulled by 400 horses and
they do not take up the entire length of Whitehall. They are
compressed into the 6.75 litre twin turbo V8 engine, the
same as out of the Bentley Arnage R. It produces 616lb
ft/ 835 Nm of torque and has an electronically limited top
speed of 120mph (193km/h).
The Bentley State Limousine has sheer size. It is a proper
formal limousine where it had not merely been stretched
on a wretch, but coachbuilt in proportion of length and
height. The carriage is 800mm/32 inches longer than the
Arnage it is based on, but what truly is an eye opener is
that is it 1770mm/70 inches in height. Take a look at the
photograph of the driver standing next to the car. The car
is taller. The height and length make the volume equivalent
to that of a decent sized delivery van. Certainly enough
interior space to perform the royal wave.
The Queen had input into the development of the Bentley
and a requirement was to be seen. This was achieved by
the extensive use of glass in the coach that was specially
tinted to reduce heat absorption, but not to restrict the view,
both from inside out, but more importantly from outside in.
The rear doors are rear opening and have ease of access
due to their 81 degree opening. Both rear seats are height
adjustable, so the occupants can be at the same visual
level. There is also a glass division within the car.
Other requirements centered
around protocol. The Royal
standard flag and shield is to
be displayed mounted front
and centre on the roof, and
has a special feature where
the driver can lower the flag
from inside whilst traveling at
speed to reduce wind noise.
The mascot is very much according
to protocol as well.
The Queen has her personal
mascot which is in the form of
St George on a horse poised
over a slain dragon. The mascot
was designed by the artist
The Queens mascot
Edward Seago and is mounted
on the car when the Queen is present. When the Queen is
not being driven the standard flying B is mounted, but looks
surprising small when compared to St George.
Similar to the Governer General of Australia's Rolls-Royce
Phantom VI the interior colour of the front and rear compartments
of the
car are different.
The front is
dark blue and
the rear is light
grey. A reader
of www.bentleyspotting.com
which features
a number of
articles on the
State Limousine,
kindly sent
in some close up
shots of the rear
seat of the car.
Is this a Bentley
Throne? A
loose labeling of
The rear seats are height adjustable the term could
be appropriate.
The Bentley State Limousine & driver
5
Two cars where made in 2002 as well as a full size clay
model which is on display at Crewe. The car has a planned
life cycle of 25 years. I wonder if the next royal car will be
made for the Queen of Australia?

Recent Events....
Polo at Richmond
30th March 2008
by Coralie Ogle
As per last year, 2 of our cars, this year Max Houston in his
1929 Speed 6 Le Mans and Graeme Ellis in his 1934 3½
Ltr Derby Tourer did the honours. First they collected the
VIP’s who flew in by helicopter, then with the Light Horse
they paraded the 2 teams around the grounds prior to the
game and finally at the conclusion of the game they drove
the 2 teams around to collect their trophies.
An Australian player about to swing. Our Bentley marquees and club
members in the background
This is always a great event for the Bentley Drivers Club
and this year was no exception. 55 of us gathered on
the day to watch an action packed International Polo Test
between Australia and New Zealand. As you’ll see in the
accompanying photos, the divots were flying and the pace
was intense. One horse even collapsed and was taken
off, fortunately neither horse nor rider were hurt in the
incident.
Graeme Ellis & Max Houston at the trophy presentation
The weather on the day was stunning, with a slight
breeze that at one stage threatened to run off with one of
our marquees. Champagne and wine flowed and picnic
hampers were aplenty. There was even a cappuccino tent,
so we were all catered for and happy.
Next to the Polo match, the Bentley Drivers Club was the
star attraction on the day. We had 16 Bentleys lined up
field-side with our 4 new green Club marquees shoulder to
shoulder. We were positioned opposite the Members Stand
and as the President of the Windsor Polo Club remarked,
we were a sight to behold!
A helicopter flys in some VIP guests to the Polo
Joe Quattrocchi’s lady Robyn invited friend Steve Coles
and family and Steve just happens to be a professional
photographer, so some of the photos here are thanks to
Steve. We welcomed new Club members Bill and Jacqui
Hall, who came along to their first event in their very
handsome 1964 S3 DHC.
A lineup of our cars at the event
Incidentally after 6 action packed chukkas, Australia beat
New Zealand 8 to 7. So, content in the knowledge that
our team had won, we packed our Bentleys and headed
home.
Coralie Ogle
7

Bentley Boys....
The story of B139MX
by Robert Miles
B139MX.And what
you ask is that meant
to signify?
Well, it is part of the
RR secret code that
identifies all Derby
Bentleys, not very
subtle
really ......
B = Bentley; 139 =
the 139th of the batch
being made and MX =
the batch designation.
But hold on, like most
RR things that is too
simple, RR used alternate numbers for each batch and the
preceeding batch of MR ‘s had even numbers hence MX‘s
had odd numbers and most batches were limited to 100
cars. This batch was the last made before RR turned over
all production facilities and materials to the war effort. So
B139MX was one of the last 30 cars built at Derby.
Its history is quite interesting. The chassis was ordered
some time in January 1939 by Jack Barclay of Hanover
Square in the West End of London for his stock. The
Works requisition was issued on 1st Feb 1939 and was
completed and went on test on 23rd March 1939. It was
then sent to James Young (bought out by Jack Barclay
in 1937) for the body to be fitted. They completed
it on 21st June 1939 and RR tested it again and
issued a warranty effective from 23rd June 1939. It
was depatched on the 27th June to Jack Barclay
for use as a demonstrator, with his number plate of
JB1. It was presumably laid up by Jack Barclay for
the duration of the war.
Note the ultra thin windscreen pillar and
razor edged body panels
He sold it via York Motors to R. R. Raffe, of Point Piper,
Sydney in 1954. It was then aquired by Charles Lloyd-
Jones, Mrs Tooth, and Charles Lloyd-Jones again in
Sydney. During Charles Lloyd-Jones ownership he won
the Federal Rally of 11th - 12th June for the best pre WW
II Derby Bentley. In November 1980 it appeared at George
Sevenoaks auction at Crows Nest where it was passed in at
$40,000. It was then handled by R. A. McDermott who sold
it to Murray Dewar of Flinders, Victoria who kept it for over
20 years before selling to the writer in November 2007.
B139MX has a milestone body by James Young which is
generally accepted as the forerunner of the Razor Edge
movement. There are only two other similar bodies on
4&1/4 Ltr chassis, both are in the USA. One was owned
by Briggs Cunningham and is reputed to have clocked 107
mph at Montherelery. It was lent to the New York Museum
of Modern Art in 1951 as a prime example of the razor
edge movement. This car is believed to now be in Colliers
Museum in Naples FL. The other (B145MX) is believed to
be in Minnesota.
According to Mr Bert Ward it was bought in 1948 by
J. K. Richardson (owner of B126LS) for US $14,000
on behalf of his friend T. O. Baker of Bowenville,
Queensland. It was shipped to Sydney and arrived
on the 13th October 1948. Mr Ward’s company
unpacked it and prepared it for the road. Mr Baker
then arrived to take delivery and was very pleased
with it but would not take it on bad or dusty roads.
Robert Miles Derby at Tony Strachans event
8

One unique feature of B139MX is the fairing of the front
side lights which is reminiscent of some pre war BMW’s and
post war Bristols. Another is the neat drinks compartment
hidden behind the
rear seat backrest.
Also in the back it has
purdah glass slides
to the side windows
and a blind for the
rear window to shield
ladies from inquisitive
in-lookers!
The hidden drinks cabinet
large trucks without any strain.
As an overdrive car
it is a very pleasant
long distance tourer
with a useful 3rd gear
and performance that
can keep it clear of
The change of steering box to the Ransom and Marles
design makes the steering noticeably lighter than the RR
worm and nut and avoids the “sticky” problem from which
many of these suffer at high mileages.
The boot has a hidden compartment and its lid contains a
tool tray.
The hidden tool tray
The car is
extensively
mentioned in
many books
a n d c a r
m a g a z i n e s
s u c h a s
“Bentley – The
Silent Sports
Car” Ellman
Brown; “Fifty
Years of the
M a r q u e ”
G r e e n ;
“Bentley – The 1938/1939 Overdrive Cars” Frankel/Strange;
“Rolls-Royce and bentley in The Sunburnt Country” (the
lower case “b” is NOT a mistake!) Tom C Clarke/David
Neely; in most cases photographs are included.
75th Anniversary
Rally for Derby
Bentley...
The Derby Bentley was launched in 1933 and now warrants
a big 75th celebration in Australia which has 52 Derbys,
the third highest Derby ownership in the world, after the
UK and USA.
Noel McIntosh, Bentley Registrar of VSCCA, Sydney,
and Evan Edwards are organising The Australian Derby
Bentley 75th Anniversary Rally, commemorating the launch
of the Silent Sports Car in 1933. It is supported by the
BDC NSW and RROC of Australia and many state based
Derby Owners.
The Derby Bentley 75th Anniversary Rally will be a 3 day
motoring event to be held from the 11th to 13th November
2008 in Beechworth, Victoria. Beechworth is a really
beautiful, historically interesting town with open mountain
roads. It has good accommodation, fascinating shopping,
good coffee and some great restaurants.
The tour will comprise good motoring, historical talks,
technical workshops, social gatherings and culminate in
a grand dinner. There will be routes organised for those
who want to travel together from interstate.
This event will be the first exclusive Derby Rally in Australia
and, judging by the initial response, the majority of Derby
owners are expected to enter. Overseas Derby owners
are also invited to attend.
Contact Noel McIntosh 0414 848 697 aidsys@aol.com
14 Cecil St, Gordon NSW 2072.
This car was one of 12 selected for the RROC (USA) 1992
calendar. In July 1939 it won the Ramsgate Concours
d’elegance in Kent, a very prestigous affair. It won the
Concours in its class at the RR Owners meet at Canberra
in 1966 and again in 1980.
Robert Miles - B139MX
Derbys at Tony Strachans
9

Hot Laps at the
Melbourne Grand
Prix...
by Syd Reinhardt
Few emails have given me such a buzz. Delighted, I
read: -
“Dear Syd Reinhardt
The Credential Application Process for the
2008 FORMULA 1 ING AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
continues on its success from last year with
its user-friendly on-line system. Please
read the following information carefully
to ensure you accredit all your staff and
vehicles.
ON-LINE CREDENTIAL APPLICATION FORM
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation
(AGPC) utilise an On-line Credential
Application Form that can be accessed via
the internet, allowing applications to be
submitted directly into the AGPC Credentials
Database.”
The email continued with accreditation details and
procedures. So it was official. I would be driving my Bentley
in the Historic Demonstration Race at this year’s Australian
Grand Prix and could apply on the web for accreditation
that would cover me and my support team. I had watched
the Historic Race at previous events and fantasised about
what a blast it would be to participate in the event on such
a momentous occasion. I was thrilled.
There were a few small matters to think through, like the
entry I’d already accepted to drive my MG open wheeler
racing car at the Phillip Island Historic Race Meeting,
just a week before the Grand Prix. And then there was
our entry to the VSCC Alpine Tour of Tasmania, just two
weeks later.
Because of this there were logistics to sort out, like getting
both cars fettled and ready, and getting both of them to
Melbourne just a week apart. The MG is no problem; it
goes on my race trailer. But the Bentley? I don’t have a
trailer that would carry its tonnage, let alone a tow vehicle
that could haul it. And what about the Bride?
She Who Must Be Obeyed is a sport, and when I showed
her the acceptance email she mirrored my pleasure.
We’d take our time and drive to Phillip Island, take a few
days off after the event in the Mornington Peninsula at a
fabulous B and B we’d found on a previous trip, do some
shopping in Melbourne and then take part in the Grand
Prix. It was all dropping into place. We’d leave the Bentley
in Melbourne, trailer the MG home and after a week or so
simply fly down and join the Alpine Tour of Tasmania. Now,
the logistics. It proved quite easy.
Melbourne has this thing. Sheds. Right in the heart of
Melbourne are Sheds. At least, they’re called sheds, but
most are very large, quite salubrious, airconditioned and
equipped with extensive machine tools, hoists, sophisticated
equipment, compressors and then any remaining space is
filled with collector’s vehicles and historic racers. Privately
owned, they are where true enthusiasts relax, fettle, rebuild
and store their treasures. I’ve had the privilege of visiting
a number of these boy’s toys emporiums and so I called a
good friend and inquired whether I could ship my Bentley
directly to his shed. Of course I could, and in no time I’d
arranged a door to door transporter. We could simply
swap: - leave the MG on its trailer in his shed when we
got to Melbourne, pick up the Bentley and go straight to
the circuit, just a short distance away. And despite the oil
my Bentley would drop on his pristine floor, it would be no
problem to leave my car there after the Grand Prix until
Nicki and I came back to Melbourne later to collect the
Bentley again and take part in the VSCC tour of Tasmania.
The ducks were nicely in a row and I was well pleased. I
should’ve known that when things line up so readily, the
challenges are still ahead.
Racing at Phillip Island is a blast; this is one of my favourite
circuits. It is jaw droppingly, achingly beautiful and very
hard to keep ones eyes off the glorious ocean vistas.
The Phillip Island racing circuit
However, some of the flowing corners are taken at such
high speed that they do have a way of pulling the eyes
back to the racing line, sharpening the concentration and
dragging one’s focus back to the apex. My MG ran sweetly
for the first event, then cried “enough” and promptly blew a
head gasket, introducing its coolant to its oil and turning the
contents of the sump into a gigantic volume of mayonnaise.
Pumping 15lbs of boost on the supercharger had fried the
head gasket.
11

The frustration of technical difficulties with my MG was off
set by the unbelievable mateship and the efforts to ensure
that I was back in the competition. Having decided that
given the complexity of the supercharger installation the
head gasket failure was terminal, I started loading up.
My friends saw me backing the trailer up to my Pit and
immediately wanted to know what
was up. “No WAY!” Everyone from
Sydney rallied around, and with
some amazing organisation by John
Lackey, Bentley driver and MG racer
extraordinaire, a head gasket was
found in Melbourne and rushed to
the track that night. The ‘A Team’
got to work, and by midnight the
little racer was ready for the next
day’s challenges and I was able to
go back on the race track. For a
while. Although further technical
grief resulted in my not finishing
the entire event, I had a great drive ‘on the island’. The
frustration of technical difficulties with my MG was off set
by the unbelievable mateship and my pleasure at the
friendship and the efforts to ensure that
I was up and running.
Watching all of the action on, around,
under and inside my racing car Nicki
observed that the MG must be female
because the little car enjoyed so many
male hands under her bonnet and wanted
more. Those bloody ducks weren’t
finished yet; more were waiting for me
at the Grand Prix.
Bugatti's everywhere
It was eye candy for the vehicularly afflicted, so much so
that we hardly paid attention to the Bugatti Veyron, Morgan
Aero and other exotics billeted with us. Our Speed 6 was
joined by the Speed 8 of Linton Morris, to be driven by
Tony Johns, book vendor to the motoring cognoscenti and
Austin racer supremo.
The next day, we were on! Pulling
onto the Grand Prix circuit I tried
to give myself a dose of reality.
What a privilege to be able to drive
a vintage Bentley, and what a
privilege to do so on the Grand Prix
circuit! A street circuit is somehow
special, Albert Park with its long
history doubly so.
When I drove my Bentley around
Eastern Creek, I was on a track
that I was familiar with. I knew the
lines, corners, cambers, and the nuances of the track and
I knew my car so I could easily adjust for the difference
between the modern cars I usually drive on that track to the
South of the Border, they march to the
beat of a different drum. The Phillip
Island organisers had not heard that the
80th anniversary of the first Australian Grand Prix had
already been celebrated at Goulburn in NSW some while
previously. In their ignorance, they celebrated accordingly.
As their guests, we bit our collective lips and let them have
their fun. While there may be discussion and competition
about where the first Australian Grand Prix really took
place, there could be no discussion about the wonderful
historic Grand Prix cars and Vintage cars that took part in
the commemorative tour of Cowes. They were stunning.
All too soon Phillip Island was over for another year and
we were on our way to Melbourne. Talk about HOT. We
sweated our way through remaining documentation, found
the Historic Paddock and with our Speed 6, joined an
illustrious group of superb motor cars. Ingenious Australian
specials mingled with the obligatory historic Ferraris (so
common my dear), Bugattis (dahling there were swarms
of the things), Maseratis, Alfa Romeos, Lotii, and of course
Bentleys.
Syd in the Speed Six at Turn #2
vintage car. At the Grand Prix, I had no such advantage.
So coping with learning the track, the lines and the braking
points was intensified by the unforgiving nature of a vintage
car. Oversteer in a light, responsive Lotus or Porsche or
even a vintage MG T-Type is very different to oversteer in
2 tonnes of roaring Bentley. Trying to be conservative is
difficult when all around you are roaring forward, faster and
faster. Miss a gear or a braking point and you are toast.
Talking about toast, the first practice day was even hotter
than the preceding day had been. I’d not had overheating
problems before, but had not driven as fast nor as hard
and the Bentley’s temperature needle just kept on climbing.
Concerned that I’d lose coolant, I pulled off a lap before
the end, anxious to avoid damage. Too bad that the talent
scouts from the Williams and Ferrari Formula 1 teams
would miss my performance, I was not going to break my
Bentley. Besides, now that I’m retired I no longer have the
time to take on a full time team driver job and go swanning
around the world.
12

In no time a flat-bed recovery truck had my Bentley aboard
with me still in the driver’s seat, the recovery truck’s driver
well chuffed at having a Bentley on his vehicle. To avoid
delay to the following event we tucked into a marshal’s lay
by where I enjoyed a superb view of the Porsches at play
from my elevated position sitting in the Bentley atop the
truck. My car was cooling and I had a prime spot, it could
not get any better than this.
Some technical assistance
from Grant Cowie revealed
that my coil/distributor
timing was at odds with
that of my Magneto and
with Grant’s help, I was
able to continue the next
day. Each day we had a full
session, which was really a
flat out blast for around 20
minutes. The two Bentleys
circulated with each other,
Tony and I pushing each
other as much as we felt
comfortable without being
silly. At least, I think that we
were comfortable and I don’t
think we were silly. I’m sure
that we went seriously quickly but I was too busy to see just
how fast. I was intrigued that I was approached several
times after each session
by strangers who asked
“What is that you are doing
outside the car?” Wise to
the F1 spying scandals,
I did not let on that I was
sure that those F1 spies
and talent scouts were
studying at my technique
and wanting to tell the likes
of Alonso and Hamilton. I
just smiled enigmatically
and mysteriously, as you
do. Each time I changed
t h e s u b j e c t w i t h o u t
divulging my secrets but
I’ll share it with the select
readers of this respected
journal. Well, what I was
doing was hauling upon the handbrake, right up to my
armpit, as I changed down. I needed every bit of retardation
that I could get.
Trying to drift a two tonne motor car is not for the faint
hearted. It is amazing how a drift or a slide towards
those concrete barriers lining the street circuit makes one
concentrate. Having to cope with fast fading brakes, crash
gearbox, and the complexity of a spirited drive in a vintage
car is challenging, especially with the speed differential of
the various historic racing cars
Not your average Sunday drive
Syd & Nicki flying down the straight
13
on track at the same time. The overriding impressions for
me were that the Grand Prix circuit may be fast and flowing
in a more modern car, but it is tight as a ducks underneath
in a 2 tonne Bentley. Those bloody ducks again.
Most of all, the experience on a modern race track added
to the respect that I feel towards the brave men who raced
our cars ‘for real’. The Bentley Boys hit 120 mph down
the Mulsanne Straight for
the 24 hours of Le Mans,
travelling at those speeds
during day and during the
night, and they were driving
on dirt!
Grand Prix day arrived and
the organisers were taking
no chances. This day
followed a different format,
and we were encouraged to
take as many passengers
as we had seats, but no
overtaking was allowed. It
was especially enjoyable to
be able to share the heady
Grand Prix experience with
Nicki, our son and also my
nephew. But our fifth passenger proved a bonus. As
we were leaving the paddock I spied Margaret Ealand,
understanding partner
of Roger Ealand, - he
who organises ‘Speed on
Tweed’. Roger drives a
single seater so there she
was, all alone. In no time
we’d squeezed her in as
well. Thundering between
the grandstands on a street
circuit is special, roaring
between the barriers and
waving at the crowds a
real treat. Margaret noisily
saluted the crowd with both
arms wildly waving, adding
enthusiastic rebel yells
and “WoooHooo” and her
infectious enthusiasm was
an extra bonus for us.
And the Bentley? It was strong. At Grant’s recommendation
I sent it to Simon Elliott at The Derby Works after the Grand
Prix and had the radiator flushed. I gave Simon a wish list
of the things I’d like to have done in the event that he had
the time, and he knocked over my long list, to my complete
satisfaction. A few weeks later we collected the car as
planned and toured Tasmania with the VSCC and a large
group of WO Bentleys. Ah, but that is another story.
Syd Reinhardt

Recent Events....
South Coast Weekend
3rd & 4th May 2008
by Coralie Ogle
A lineup of Derby Bentley's to celebrate the 75th Anniversary
This event proved very popular, bringing together our
Sydney and Southern Highlands based members for an
enjoyable weekend in the Shoalhaven.
Saturday 3rd May
Club Member Tony Strachan was our host for the day,
with 55 of us travelling to his unique country home at
Bellawongarah. Bentleys started arriving at 11.30am and
soon there was a long line of 18 stylish Bentleys adorning
Tony’s 14 acre property. Tony’s home was the perfect
setting for our picnic, as we took our places at tables and
chairs set up on the north facing terrace – talk about a sun
trap, no wonder Tony designed his home as a solar building!
Needless to say there was much mutual admiration of
Bentleys throughout the afternoon.
We had the pleasure of the company of two overseas
visitors on the day - the Spanish Ambassador and a
journalist from Spain’s leading newspaper ‘El Pais’.
Robert and Christine Miles drove down in their latest
acquisition, a 1939 4 ¼ litre Derby (see ‘Bentley Boys’
article), which prompted much interest and discussion.
New Club members Noel and Donna McIntosh, who are
soon to have their 1935 3 ½ litre Derby on the road, were
welcomed to their first Club event.
Louise Cole from Cambewarra Estate Winery joined us
and set up her tasting table and sampled us with a variety
of wines from her family vineyard. And so, just as the sun
was setting and after a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon we
packed our Bentleys and said our farewells.
Expansive lawns surround Villa Strachan with a
view to the sea
A b o u t
half our
group had
e l e c t e d
t o s t a y
the night
in Berry
either at
the ‘Berry
V i l l a g e
Boutique
Motel’
o r w i t h
f r i e n d s
living in the
surrounding
area. Dinner was organized at the newly refurbished ‘Berry
Hotel’, which following drinks in the bar at 6.00pm, turned
into a fun night.
Sunday 4th May
Another perfect day dawned and we were off to an early
start, with our Bentleys travelling in convoy from the Motel
to the Cambewarra Estate Winery, where we parked our
cars in the winery car park. The Bundanon Bus had been
hired for the trip to Bundanon, as when Laurie and I did the
reconnoitre for the visit we found the 9km road to be mainly
dirt and mainly corrugated! I must say the bus trip was
slightly hair-raising, as Ken the driver told us, he does this
trip 4 times a day, but usually in a 4 wheel drive! Anyway
after some white knuckles, we arrived safely at ‘Bundanon’,
the property of artist Arthur Boyd, for our guided tour of the
homestead, studio and gardens, which were conducted in
2 groups. While one group was touring, the other enjoyed
a programme on the Boyds and Bundanon, tea and coffee
in the kitchen and a stroll to the Shoalhaven River, where
Arthur found much inspiration for his paintings, especially
of Pulpit Rock.
The property encompasses 2,500 acres and is surrounded
on 3 sides by the Shoalhaven River, so is an extremely
picturesque spot. Having soaked up the atmosphere, our
party of 22 rejoined the bus for the return trip to the winery,
which proved a much more sedate affair. On arrival at
Cambewarra Estate Winery we enjoyed a glass of wine
and sat down to a pleasant lunch in beautiful surrounds
and discussed the morning’s activities.
Having had such a great time at Tony Strachan’s on
Saturday, I had completely forgotten to thank him for a
truly wonderful day, so I took the opportunity to do so
while we were all seated at lunch. Once replete we said
our farewells and headed off in our various directions
home, after what, by all accounts, had been a thoroughly
enjoyable weekend.
Our thanks again Tony, from all of us who enjoyed your
magnificent property and your charming hospitality on
Saturday, plus my special thanks for helping me organize
such a successful Bentley Drivers Club weekend.
14
Coralie Ogle

Bentley Brooklands
Launch...
by Jerome Bleijie
After finding a spot to park the Turbo R, which was
unexpectedly easy for the city of Sydney, I strolled down
William street to the new Bentley showroom. Outside the
building was an impressive lineup of new Bentley motorcars
being carefully guarded by a number of staff - but alas, no
Brooklands to be seen.......it must be inside I thought....
and sure enough it was, hidden carefully under cover as
I was greeted into the dealership. I would clearly have to
wait for the unveiling.
The room was full of expectant people enjoying a glass or
two of french champagne and various delectable canapes.
It was pleasing to see quite a number of our Bentley Drivers
Club members were invited by Bentley Sydney
to attend the event given their prior dealings &
purchases of Bentley motor cars. I noticed some
other well known Australians amongst the crowd,
including John Symonds (from Aussie Home
Loans) and Mick Doohan (Australia's former
Motorbike World Champion) to name a few.
A number of people spoke during the evening
before the car was unveiled. We heard from
Michael Darakis (Bentley Sydney's new General
Manager) to open
p r o c e e d i n g s ,
Greg Duncan (Trivett Group
Executive Chairman) spoke
eloquently and passionately
about his new involvment
with Bentley, and Bentley’s
3rd in command globally,
Geoff Dowding, Worldwide
Director of Operations, jetted
into Australia from Crewe for
a mere 48 hours specifically
to attend the event.
Greg Duncan said...“In
Australia’s largest market,
we are confident in our plans
Coralie Ogle with Greg Duncan
to return the Bentley brand to
its rightful place as one of the world’s great luxury marques,
and deserving of the highest standards in every respect.
Having already relocated the Bentley state-of-the-art
service centre into the complex in Alexandria, this new
Bentley showroom in William St has opened only metres
away from where this proud brand once resided".
After listening to Geoff Dowding speak about
Bentley's continued and undeniable success
across the globe we were then treated to the
Brooklands unveiling.
There she was. Unveiled at last, and looking resplendent
in what appeared to be a blue-ish grey metallic paint (I'm
pretty sure it is called "Meteor"). The car is large. Very large
for a coupe, and certainly in keeping with other Bentley
models.
The front of the car
matches the Arnage
front whilst the rest of
the external design of
the car resembles the
Azure. So it is very
familiar, but yet quite
different. Probably the
feature that stands out
the most are those
enormous wheels. They
are 20 inches. They
are massive particularly
Attendees at the Launch Party given many Turbo R's
came from the factory with 15 inch wheels.
15
The Bentley Brooklands unveiled at the launch
If you choose the optional extra in the brakes department,
then you will have something else to talk about with other
Bentley enthusiasts. They are carbon carbide ceramic
brakes - the kind of technology used on several other
supercars such as the Ferrari Enzo and Mercedes McLaren
SLR.Carbon ceramic brakes do not need to be hot to work.
They work optimally from cold while offering significant
weight saving over traditional iron rotors. They also have
negligible wear in normal use. I think these brakes make
sense given the Bentley would weigh a lot (weight is not
disclosed on the company website) and given the enormous
performance of the 530 bhp engine you certainly need
some strong stopping power. This engine is the most
powerful Crewe built V8 ever produced with the highest
ever torque output of any V8 automotive engine in the world
774lb ft (1050Nm). Impressive!
A grand touring coupé with classic British proportions and
a strictly limited lifetime production of 550 cars. Wonderful!
Yes please!

Bentley News...
BENTLEY FOLLOWS SALES SUCCESS WITH RECORD
PROFITABILITY
BENTLEY GOING GREEN
Geneva/Crewe, 4 March 2008
Bentley Motors today unveiled a far-reaching environmental
strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and dramatically improve
fuel economy.
Bentley will become the first manufacturer in its segment
and one of the first in the world to deliver renewable-fuel
vehicles throughout its range, along with substantial
powertrain improvements. The strategy follows years of
engineering studies and intensive product development,
exploring alternative environmental technologies in
depth. The renewable fuel programme reflects Bentley’s
commitment to the environment while maintaining vehicle
performance.
19 March, 2008
Bentley Motors has announced its financial results for the
year ending 31 December 2007, reporting record revenue
and operating profit. For the calendar year, Bentley
increased its net revenue by €36m or 2.7% compared
with 2006, to set a new record of €1.37bn. Operating
profit increased by €18m or 13.1% to a new operating
profit record of €155m. These results reflect Bentley’s
record sales performance last year when the company
surpassed the 10,000 unit mark for the first time. Global
sales increased by 7% in 2007 to reach 10,014 units.
Increases were seen in almost all major markets: +7% in
the UK, +4% in North America, +7% in Europe, +18% in
the Asia Pacific region, and +93% in China alone.
These excellent results
were driven by growth
across both the Arnage and
Continental ranges. Thanks
to the introduction of the Azure
convertible, sales grew by
45% in the Arnage line, whilst
the Continental family sales
increased by around 5%, with
the GTC convertible proving
the most popular model.
Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley Chief Executive, said: “This
is a major step in the history of Bentley, reflecting the
increasing expectation from our customers around the
world for performance motoring with fuel efficient engines.
We will set a benchmark in our segment of the industry
by making every engine capable of running on renewable
fuels, reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency
throughout our fleet.”
Efficiency improvements will be achieved first through
the application of innovative technology to its 8 and 12
cylinder engines, including enhanced engine management,
and new, improved transmissions and drivelines, as well
as through weight reduction. As part of its commitment
to reduce CO2 output on every new model, these efforts
will lead to at least a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions by
2012.
Secondly, a new powertrain will be introduced by 2012,
delivering a 40% reduction in fuel consumption, while
maintaining current levels of performance.
Thirdly, all engines across the entire range will become
compatible with the use of renewable fuels by 2012, with
the initial rollout beginning by next year.
Commenting on these financial
results, Bentley Chairman
and CEO, Dr Franz-Josef
Paefgen, said: “2007 was a
milestone in the history of Bentley
as we passed the 10,000 units
Chairman & Chief Executive
Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen
for the first time. Five years ago we were selling only 1000
units but the development of a strong product line has seen
the Company attract new customers in greater numbers.
2007 saw strong growth both in mature markets, such
as Germany, the UK and the US, as well as in emerging
markets, such as China and Russia.”
16

New Appointments
at Bentley...
Michael Darakis is
the new General
M a n a g e r o f
Bentley Sydney
and is based in
the new Bentley
Sydney Showroom
at 52-58 William
Street, Sydney.
Michael has been
with the Trivett
Group for several
years, working
until recently with
the BMW marque.
Michael will report
directly to Trivett
Michael Darakis speaking at the launch Group Executive
of the Bentley Brooklands Chairman Greg
Duncan. Bevin
Clayton remains
General Manager of Rolls-Royce and also becomes
General Manager of Bugatti, the Trivett Groups latest
dealership acquisition.
Ed Striebig has
been appointed
Regional Manager
A u s t r a l i a a n d
New Zealand by
Bentley Motors
Limited. He took
up his appointment
in January 2008
and is based in
Sydney. Ed has
been working with
Bentley Motors in
Crewe for several
years, most recently
as their Franchise
Manager. In his
new role he will
Ed Striebig at the launch
b e t r a v e l l i n g
of the Bentley Brooklands e x t e n s i v e l y
interstate and within
the Asia Pacific region. Ed reports to Geoff Dowding,
Worldwide Director of Operations.
Market Place...
Contact Miles Felstead if you would like to list items in this
section of the magazine. Club members can advertise for
free provided they are advertising their own personal cars/
parts for sale (but cannot advertise for business purposes
unless advertising is paid for).
Bentley Key Fobs
for Sale
Your chance to own a Bentley Rubber Key Fob. Club member
Greg Sanderson has donated to the club a number of
these very practical yet stylish Key Fobs. Given they are
rubber, they will not scratch your precious dashboard.
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
& Events
Treasurer
Secretary
Magazine Editor
& Website designer
Marketplace
Committee Member
Librarian
Club Website
Price is $10 each
For more details phone
Jerome Bleijie on
(02) 9487 3689
Club Contacts...
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
Liz Green 9652 1294
Ian Methven 0414 67 37 57
www.bdcnsw.com.au
17

Book Review....
Bentley Continental,
Corniche & Azure
by
Martin Bennett
Here is the complete story of the Bentley
Continental from the R Type of the fifties to
the Continental T of the late nineties, and
including those cars which were Continentals in
all but name – The Corniche and the Azure.
Within these covers not only will the reader find
a complete and heavily illustrated chronicle of
Bentley’s swift, luxurious and expensive grand
tourers from inception through many years of production and evolution, but
also much about the people who designed and built the cars to meticulously
high standards.
Beyond the eventful story of the Continental, for these readers seeking detail
information the book contains technical data on all models, details of chassis
and engine numbering systems and a list by chassis number recording every
single Continental from the first R Type to the last S3
To arrange to borrow this book please contact;
Ian Methven - Librarian 0414 67 37 57
18

Advertising
Enquiries
In this issue of our magazine we welcome three new
advertisers – ‘Paradise Garage’, ‘Spinning Wheel Tyres’
and ‘Autobookworld’ – it’s great to have you on board.
It is interesting to note that at a recent intake of new
members into the Club, of the 5 new members, 4 were
women. It’s great to see the ladies becoming members in
their own right. We believe that our more stylish magazine
is probably influencing this trend, and as Michele Bussell
(aka Mrs Bryan Inder) commented recently “the magazine
now looks so good, I pick it up and read it!”
For all Advertising Enquiries please contact Coralie
Ogle Ph: 9960 2989 or coralieogle@bigpond.com
19