"This car can be viewed in person from 14th to 18th July 2020 at our the auction site, Windsorview Lakes, Datchet, SL3 9HY
One of 16 examples built by Halse Engineering of Lewes, West Sussex in 1974. It is believed that only two examples remain in the UK, this and chassis number B443FU which recently exchanged hands in excess of £40,000 at auction. The remaining thirteen examples reside in the USA, with one further afield in Bermuda.Based on an original Bentley Mk. VI chassis, 4¼ litre engine and running gear from a 1950 Mk. VI saloon onto which the Halse engineers skilfully blended and handbuilt the traditional 1928 Bentley Le Mans styling, the design was the inspiration of the famous Harry Rose one of the stalwart behind the B.O.D.C. Along with the 13 others still residing in the USA, we believe this car spent the first 11 years of its life in America, in the corrosion-free climate of California to be precise, where the then owner clocked up a mere 12,000 miles. The car was then sold to a UK buyer and reimported it into the UK. The original registration number FVD 400 was returned to the car and still sits with it today.Acquired by an enthusiast in 2006 who has enjoyed a number of days out with the car during his tenure. Unfortunately, paperwork for servicing prior to 2006 was mislaid but a copy of the advert from Arun Cars of West Sussex for a price of £69,995 is present, accompanying this is a small folder of sundry bills and receipts including, importantly, one from Bentley specialists Michael Hibberd for an engine rebuild in 2011 surmounting to £23,000 with the odometer at 15,676 and several MoT test certificates. It is now, of course, Tax and MoT exempt. We are informed that the car starts on the button and runs sweetly, the vendor explains ‘it's an absolute hoot to drive and draws admiring glances and waves wherever you go’. The car is in great condition showing a patina fitting for its age and would sit proud and handsomely in any collector’s garage.The value in such a car is largely in the chassis and original 4¼ litre engine although there are many other rare and sought after adornments such as the Bentley and Smiths clocks, Lucas P100 headlights, Bentley radiator, Bentley Driver's Club and Brooklands badges, not to mention the Fortnum & Mason picnic basket. This car is priced competitively and ready to be toured and enjoyed.
The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to Government guidelines throughout viewing and auction day."