Bentley Specials SIG

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Tue Jun 07, 2016 3:28 pm

The club's first SIG (Special Interest Group) was launched with the sending of its first (E)newsletter today. The title of the group is "Bentley Specials", which reflects the clubs's ethos of being inclusive rather than exclusive. A more prescriptive title would have excluded some cars for no reason.

We have managed to track down 199 (mostly Crewe) cars thus far, however the club's database has many specials listed as standard cars. If you have a special and haven't received the newsletter, then please let me know and I'll add you to the email list. If you have pals with specials, perhaps you could ask them if they've heard of the SIG?

Stephen

David Cocking · Post by **David Cocking** » Tue Jun 07, 2016 8:13 pm

Many thanks for this Stephen. Old Bentleys being what they are, with numerous personal touches, body changes, mods, restorations, replacements etc. over the years, do you have a definition for what would constitute a "Special"?

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Tue Jun 07, 2016 8:49 pm

Hi David.

For the time being, I'm planning on evading that question by saying that if the owner thinks it's a special, then it's a special.

I suppose at some point we'll have to come up with a working definition, however there are other priorities for the SIG's limited resources. Maybe the definition conundrum will get sorted on a similar timescale to the time from the first MKVI specials appearing in the Review to the SIG being formed, which was 50 years? A policy of evolution rather then revolution has served the club well.

Stephen

Mark Taxis · Post by **Mark Taxis** » Tue Jun 07, 2016 8:51 pm

hi Stephen
I did not receive the news letter ,
Do you have my email address?

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 7:28 am

Hi Mark,

For reasons which aren't clear, your name was not added to the list of special owners despite your entry in the database having the letters SPL in the car's description. At some point I'm going to have to find the time to go through Members etc and do a manual check. Computers, eh?

I've forwarded you the newsletter and will add your details to the list so you should get the next one one, around the 7.7.16.

Regards,

Stephen

Mark Taxis · Post by **Mark Taxis** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 7:33 am

Thank you Stephen

David Cocking · Post by **David Cocking** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 8:04 am

"If the owner thinks it's a special, then it's a special." Great definition, job done! Thanks Stephen

Andrew Collier · Post by **Andrew Collier** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 11:47 am

David Cocking wrote:"If the owner thinks it's a special, then it's a special." Great definition, job done! Thanks Stephen

Seconded.

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Thu Jun 09, 2016 10:36 am

Hi Stephen

I too did not get the email

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Thu Jun 09, 2016 10:44 am

Hi Gary,

Are you a recent member? You don't appear on the automated search from HQ and you're not in Members etc 2015 so I haven't got your email address.

Could you please let me have it, either by email or pm?

I'm going to do another mail shot for new additions to the list, hopefully today sometime.

Best wishes

Stephen

AnthonyEssington8982 · Fri Jun 10, 2016 9:19 pm

id like to be in on this Stephen,
Anthony

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Sat Jun 11, 2016 7:31 am

Will do.

There's about another 30 to add to the list since the first newsletter. I'm going to send a copy of the newsletter to the new group members today, once I've worked out how.

Best wishes,

Stephen

Peter Boxer · Post by **Peter Boxer** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 1:26 pm

Re. the definition of a Special: my MkVI is rated as a "Special" by my insurance company, because it has a 'box-o'-bits' S1-Continental-type* 4.9 with (just to make things more interesting!) an SC1 block (& thus SC-series engine serial no.).

As far as your otherwise-excellent "if the owner think it's a special.." definition is concerned, though, I don't think I'd qualify: to me B63PU is a MkVI with surprising performance (for a SS MkVI, that is!). Its handling is also improved due to stiffer front anti-roll bar, and a Harvey Bailey rear anti-roll bar kit. Again, though, I look upon these mod.s as simply making the standard car's handling more civilised, rather than qualifying as anything more spectacular.

Sorry - none of this is very interesting in its own right, but I wondered if it still might help towards a definition of "Special" - if only perhaps by eliminating the use of the word in cases where the body, chassis, and suspension are all essentially unchanged...and in spite of my insurance company's general view of the matter!

Peter

(*i.e. more-or-less big-valve cylinder-head & 2" carbs)

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 6:06 pm

How special is this beauty?

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 7:46 pm

I'm so pleased to see that the club's first SIG is up an running. Well done chaps! Now how can I buy back my beloved S1 engined Donington so I can join up?

David Cocking · Post by **David Cocking** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 9:02 pm

Chris, that's seriously Special - stunning!

Peter Boxer · Post by **Peter Boxer** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 9:27 pm

It certainly is!!

Amazing...

Peter

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 3:17 am

if im not mistaken thats a racing green mk 6 chassis based special.

it amazes me how many specials are around or under construction

considering the limited number of mk 6 cars made

Andrew Whittaker · Post by **Andrew Whittaker** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 5:46 am

Stephen

I have not been included in your group (can't think why) my Mark VI Special LXO762 was awarded a Highly Commended Rosette at 2013 Concours.

DVLA Matters... Your group should be aware that the FBHVC are at present fighting a losing battle with DVLA regarding original body styles. DLVA are requiring un-registered classics to have original body style fitted together with original chassis, front and rear axles, gearbox, transmission and steering.

If you are building a special then you must get vehicle registered first as the original vehicle and then modify it via appropriate DVLA route. See DVLA Publication INF26.

Hope this helps...

Andrew

AnthonyEssington8982 · Wed Jun 15, 2016 6:08 am

beautiful looking car Andrew, but why would you allow it to receive an award if you're against bentleys being radically or even mildly altered?

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 7:38 am

Andrew: one can't help noticing that you have constructed your special to be evocative of a vintage car, rather than one from the fifties. Is it not therefore a perfect example of what you are referring to as a 'fake'? Personally, I regard the resurrection of components into a functional, attractive vehicle as a magnificent achievement. So I too see your acceptance of a commendation, and boasting about your car, as pure hypocrisy.

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 7:38 am

Good points all, especially the "hypocrisy".

You should see the Racing Green cars when "patinated", "Magic",and there are over 200 around the world, I should know as I have rebuilt all the gearboxes "including Ron Warmingtons that had a bad experience and shattered a 1st gear.

The Racing Green Cars should be in a Special category, and a more special category for the Pekin to Paris cars.
The above car has a new 3 litre radiator and the 8 cylinder R-R engine is additionally cooled by an auxiliary heat exchanger under the valance, brought into circulation by a thermostatic valve.

(There are a lot more in production).

Something for the Mac Jobbers to aim for.

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 8:13 am

Andrew: one can't help noticing that you have constructed your special to be evocative of a vintage car, rather than one from the fifties. Is it not therefore a perfect example of what you are referring to as a 'fake'? Personally, I regard the resurrection of components into a functional, attractive vehicle as a magnificent achievement. So I too see your acceptance of a commendation, and boasting about your car, as pure hypocrisy.

Andrew Whittaker · Post by **Andrew Whittaker** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 8:20 am

Ron

I am not a purist, nor am I against Bentley Specials or in making modifications to any motor car including vintage cars, providing its done within the boundaries of the law. Is this so hard to understand?

My advice here is sound for anyone building a 'special' to follow and will ensure their hard work is rewarded with an honest V5.

Andrew

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 8:33 am

Then we're close, on this matter at least, to being on the same page.

I'm pretty sure that you are aware of what is hard to understand: and it's this: what sort of process is it that allows a car like your special to be driven on the highways as long as it has been CONVERTED from an already registered vehicle... but, had you instead constructed its identical twin from a mixture of original and newer, stronger, safer components... and only after its completion tried to get it registered, you'd be stymied. That's where The Man on the Chatham Omnibus sees the law as an ass. That, as far as I am aware, is where Brian Fenn was coming from through the decades.

Andrew Whittaker · Post by **Andrew Whittaker** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 9:19 am

Ron

Well at least we agree on something, however the BDC should advise its members on how to stay on the right side of the law and within current regulations or work as a pressure group to change things it doesn't agree with.

Andrew

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 9:23 am

Lord Atkins. Quote:-

"Every man is presumed to know the law, otherwise every man would have an alibi".

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 11:00 am

Andrew Whittaker wrote:Ron

.... the BDC should advise its members on how to stay on the right side of the law and within current regulations or work as a pressure group to change things it doesn't agree with.

Andrew

I agree, though with "and" instead of "or".

The future of modified cars does not look good. The law may be an ass but it is still the law. We have institutions creating legislation in the manner of Universities churning out papers. It is quantity over quality as has been pointed out by many parliamentary elder-statesmen. Old cars are an easy target as the young men and women who draft new bills, without either knowing or caring what they're doing, can use the road safety and emissions angles. This is government in its purest form; we've got government departments supporting apprenticeships in vehicle restorers and coachbuilders while other departments are passing legislation which makes people terrified to engage the services of those companies.

The FBHVC have a pretty luke-warm view of modified cars. In Europe the FIVA have taken it upon themselves to lobby Brussels on our behalf and they (FIVA) appear to be positively hostile to modification; a stance described by one UK magazine as "casual elitism". The European Roadworthiness Directive 2018 has been passed and will require old cars to be registered as either completely original or not. It looks like those in the latter category will lose the MoT exemption (which many didn't want anyway) and the right to drive into low emission zones. It won't stop there.

As things stand the vast majority of vintage Bentleys are about to be classified as not historic vehicles. The future for specials doesn't look great and we should make hay while the sun shines. If Andrew really has shopped the club to the DVLA, as is rumoured, then that can only make matters worse as any response from such an organisation will be with a very blunt instrument causing much collateral damage. That's not a criticism of the DVLA.

I wrote to Kevin on modifications/legislation when he was chairman, as the BDC is particularly vulnerable to ill conceived regulation.

It seems to me that the two biggest challenges facing the club are the above and the age-profile of the membership. The current squabbles look a bit like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic in comparison.

Sorry to bring a note of gloom but this is serious stuff.

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 11:12 am

"Iceberg"? "We're strong enough to plough straight through it!" Er... I don't think so!

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 1:35 pm

The current state of the law is that every individual makes his own decisions, and it is not the province of the "Modern Messiah" to impress his Epistles on anyone.

Post by **Paul Spencer** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 4:44 pm

Andrew Whittaker wrote:Stephen

I have not been included in your group (can't think why)

I suspect because your car's "model" in the database does not include either "special" or "spl". Others have had to ask to be included for similar reasons. Perhaps you should do the same.

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 7:04 pm

Andrew Whittaker wrote:Stephen

I have not been included in your group (can't think why)

Andrew,

I'm not very good with sarcasm. If nothing else it's very last century, along with smoking in restaurants and free range dog fouling. My grown up kids used to give me a really hard time about it but I'm almost reformed now. I'm surprised yours haven't harangued you likewise. As a bit of constructive feedback I have to say that, with your rather frightening manner, sarcasm and off-kilter generalisations you sometimes remind me of the character Harold Shand, "H", in the Long Good Friday. This may not be the image you're aiming to present in the run-up to an election? Of course it could just be my perception that's at fault.

The answer to your question is in the posts higher up the thread. For whatever reason, the automated search of the club database did not find all the specials, even in cases where the entry contained the letters "SPL" or the word "special". I've checked your entry in Members etc and none of your cars is listed as anything other than standard so you never would have been added to the list no matter what the criteria.

Would you like to join the SIG?

Stephen

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 7:18 pm

Peter Boxer wrote: I wondered if it still might help towards a definition of "Special" - if only perhaps by eliminating the use of the word in cases where the body, chassis, and suspension are all essentially unchanged...and in spite of my insurance company's general view of the matter!

Hi Peter,

Thanks for that. Apologies for the delay in answering. I had to go and earn some money so been off air, then I thought it was probably better to attend to a later post first, if you see what I mean.

It's interesting to hear that your insurance company describes your car as a special. I think it's fair to say that it's probably well off-centre for a specials group, however it would certainly get you in and if I manage to persuade anyone to arrange some activities, and you would like to join in, you would be made most welcome, I'm sure.

The BDC is quite a small (friendly) club and the SIG is quite a small part of that; 165 members thus far. I can't see much point in having a particularly prescriptive definition until the SIG's popularity is such that we need to keep people out. I'm not losing sleep over that one.

Will you be at the concours?

Stephen

Andrew Whittaker · Post by **Andrew Whittaker** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 7:59 pm

Stephen

If you will have me, then yes I would like to join the group. There is a great deal of miss information being banded about me and my motives, I am not looking to take over the club but have a sincere desire to see correct adherence to regulation which affect club life.

On the subject of special vehicles it is not true that the end of the road is nigh. One of my businesses is the Lister Motor Company where in the original factory we create brand new copies of 1950's Lister race cars for the race track and also for the road, registered with support of DVSA and DVLA.

You don't have to keep banging your heads on brick walls.

Regards

Andrew

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 8:24 pm

I'll add you to the list. I'll be doing another mail out of newsletter No1 on Sunday (it's a bit of a palaver) so let me know if you haven't got it by then as something will have gone wrong. I think most of the content has been covered on here but there's a couple of nice pictures so you may as well have it.

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 8:29 am

Another MK VI special to tempt you.

No Heiligenstadt Testament for me, I tell my kids to, "get stuffed, you know nothing,yet", and the worst foulers are the horsey set, who live in a completely different world.

The old Bentley racers had cord wrapped road springs to stiffen them.

Peter Boxer · Post by **Peter Boxer** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 8:38 am

Yummy! Very "Special"!

Peter

Post by **Paul Spencer** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 9:25 am

Judging by the quality of the photography, I am guessing that this is/was for sale and very expensive.

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 7:01 pm

It's a cracker! Bootiful!

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 8:06 pm

Continuing on the Racing Green theme, I admired this one, the owner of which asked for a fake patina to be applied. It gave me a few ideas for my own car;

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 8:15 pm

I would like to see a mk 6 special section set up within the club

be happy to get involved if something others would support

AnthonyEssington8982 · Thu Jun 16, 2016 9:58 pm

Gary thats what this section is

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 9:59 pm

Gary,

If you're going to the concours, we could maybe have a chat about this there?

Stephen

Post by **Paul Spencer** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 10:00 pm

Gary,

That's what this thread is all about! What you are calling a "section" is what we are calling a "Special Interest Group" or SIG. Stephen started setting this up as a Mk VI Special SIG, but has opened it to all Specials. I am sure he will see your post and add you to his mailing list.

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 10:09 pm

Gary,

Your details were added to the list on the 11.6.16. There was a mail-out of the newsletter later that day to new subscribers. Let me know if you didn't get it and I will add you to the next mail-out which should take place on Sunday.

(and speak to me on Saturday as well)

Stephen

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 7:38 am

The MK VI "Alpine" Special is based on the Walter Kong 2 seater,on a Derby Bentley chassis. RGE have a patination artist specialist.

The original car had a hard top fitted in France and Walter Kong rebuilt the body as original.

The word "patina" was an ancient Roman bronze bowl but left in air, copper alloys go green with basic carbonation, hence the green coulered copper domes and similar.

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 8:01 am

The Walter Kong car, B148HK, as rebuilt by him,followed by the ghastly French coupe MacJob.

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 1:42 pm

guys i know this is a special interest group.

but its been started as an all special group from what I can see from the messages.

I was asking for a section for mk 6 specials only.

this sig as far as I can see is for anything at present that owners thinks is a special which could be any type of Bentley

i got the first newsletter thanks stephen.

Im looking to talk exchange ideas and mods concerning mk 6

specials only

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 4:23 pm

Gary,

The Racing Green Cars are all MK VI specials.

Set up a sub-committee to discuss what is a MK VI special and what is not.

Wait for the next Special.

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 7:59 pm

Christopher

I know what racing green cars are based on

I pointed it out earlier within this post.

im not interested in sub committee rubbish to discuss more rubbish lifes to

short I would rather be in my garage or on the road .

I thought I put a view across that was plain and simple

my take on this newly sig its for all specials not just mk 6 ones to get things started .

all I was saying I would be prepared to get involved if a devoted

section for mk 6 specials could be a future step forward within the club.

my personal interest which is why I have just joined this club is to talk

about our cars

mechanical problems we have and ways around it etc.

and to share our technical skills and thoughts

Post by **Paul Spencer** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 8:31 pm

Hi Gary,

The Specials SIG is the first one we have, so it will develop and evolve. In fact, it already has - the first plan was to make it for Mk VI Specials. Stephen felt that there were others, many with similar interests, who would be left out by this. I am not a Mk VI Special expert, but I got the impression, for example,that the R Type specials that are around have a lot in common with Mk VI Specials and that there aren't enough to make their own SIG worthwhile.

So Stephen's view, which I supported as the IT Director of the club and someone who pushed the idea of the SIGs within the Committee, was to broaden the scope. I am sure that the vast majority will be Mk VI Specials, so I urge you to get involved and help with the future development of the SIG. After all, all there has been so far is one newsletter aimed at gauging the level of interest.

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 8:46 pm

Gary,

I don't know if this helps, but the vast majority of the cars in the SIG are MKVI or R Type specials. There are about 165 members with 200 cars. There are about 20 Derby specials and a tiny number of S Types. The rest are MKVI/R Types. It was my request to make the SIG more inclusive as I was aware that owners of non MKVI/R Type specials would otherwise be left with nowhere to go.

Here's a supercharged Derby owned by a member of the group who is keen to participate and I can't see any benefit in turning him away nor would I;

P.S. Paul, you beat me to it by 15 minutes. In my defence, I was TIG welding on my special at the time!

P.P.S. Love the new footer

David Cocking · Post by **David Cocking** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 10:36 pm

I have a Derby that many moons ago acquired a body that's nothing like the one it rolled out of the factory with. So is it a "Special"? Heck, I don't know and don't really care but it does look like some of the cars that are already popping up in this SIG and so I am really pleased to be part of it, and thankful for those who have put in the effort to create it.

I can see no reason whatsoever why owners of Specials based on any base model would get any better opportunity to share, get feedback, advice or information if certain other base models were excluded from the SIG and so I fully support the direction that has been taken.

Many thanks again!

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 6:51 am

im not talking about excluding anyone.

you all seem to be missing my point changing round as if im against other cars.

I want to talk mk 6 special mods and tech stuff so was trying to ask if a section could be set up be it on the forum within this new sig group. not take over it or exclude anyone.

this is the problem with text so easy for your message intentions to be

taken the wrong way.

Id a like to see pics here of members cars finished or in working

progress not advertisement pics of racing greens cars.

as I can look at them all day long on their website.

their great cars and I have alot of respect for them as a company

they have helped me out during my build.

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 7:50 am

Stephen,

Tell Gary about the installation difficulties of an Edward Turner designed Daimler V8 2.5 litre engine into a shortened R Type chassis frame , with a recycled MK VI rear axle.

AnthonyEssington8982 · Sat Jun 18, 2016 6:41 pm

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 7:16 pm

Anthony

a breath of fresh air thank you

great to see a project

can you tell us more

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 7:31 pm

Stephen

can we not get a forum section for specials then we can progress

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 8:41 pm

I think the problem with the forum has been lack of traffic for the past few years, rather than lack of sections (things seemed to have picked up a bit recently, which is good), however I can see that it might aid searching if the SIG could have its own "Forum Group" as they're called.

I note there are 13ish groups already. Administrator Andrew, how's about Gary's request for another one for "Bentley Specials SIG"?

Andrew Collier · Post by **Andrew Collier** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 10:16 pm

Stephen Blakey wrote:I note there are 13ish groups already. Administrator Andrew, how's about Gary's request for another one for "Bentley Specials SIG"?

Yes definitely. I think it's a logical extension of the mailing list. Leave it with me.

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 10:43 pm

Then we're close, on this matter at least, to being on the same page.

I'm pretty sure that you are aware of what is hard to understand: and it's this: what sort of process is it that allows a car like your special to be driven on the highways as long as it has been CONVERTED from an already registered vehicle... but, had you instead constructed its identical twin from a mixture of original and newer, stronger, safer components... and only after its completion tried to get it registered, you'd be stymied. That's where The Man on the Chatham Omnibus sees the law as an ass. That, as far as I am aware, is where Brian Fenn was coming from through the decades.

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 8:30 am

Ron,
Surely you mean "The Man on the Clapham Omnibus", being the view of the ordinary Joe about what to the ordinary chap is the definition of "Reasonable".
Obviously the test of "Reasonableness" depends on who the "Man" is and the circumstances, and a person of "Professional" rank has to conduct himself in an appropriate manner.

"The law is an ass-----an idiot", comes from Mr Bumble, in Oliver Twist.

Someone above talked about "Special"replicas, so how about this gem? A pur sang type 35, in Jay Leno,s garage.

I am rarely envious of anything but I could be now.

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:55 am

Chris: Yep, I absolutley know the quote and is was the bleedin' auto-correction that got me. Maybe I was subliminally thinking of the Chathamnooga Choo Choo (!!!).

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:57 am

... and wouldn't it be nice if I could type 'absolutely' correctly!

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 1:33 pm

There is too much reliance on egizmos, and not enough on learning.

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 6:34 pm

Christoper

Bugatti replicas are nice but personally dont see the relevance in this post

of bentley sig

Thats why I want to see a special bentley forum section so we can talk just

bentley specials not Bugatti or other makes as in a general post here

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:24 pm

Gary: I wouldn't worry too much about a few non-MK-VI-Special posts here. You'll find there's masses of knowledge on tap and it'll be freely given by forum participants. Just ask away for the info you need and I'm confident the answers will be very quickly posted. As a club, we want to encourage SIGs but it doesn't make sense to constrict them too narrowly. Best regards, Ron.

David Cocking · Post by **David Cocking** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:46 pm

Gary,

Andrew Collier has already confirmed he is on the case to set up a new section for Specials. There is agreement with your general desire for a new Forum place to exchange details and ideas on Specials projects and issues, so I am confused as to why you are complaining about what people are posting in this General Discussion section. If you show a little patience while Andrew sorts out the detail I am sure you will receive all the engagement and support that you are looking for.

In the meantime, if you have specific questions you want to ask or problems you want to share I suggest you fire away. The guys already in this thread plus others really know their stuff and are always very happy to help wherever they can.

Great to have your energy and enthusiasm in the Forum!

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 5:57 pm

Ron

Dave

perhaps I am a bit over enthusiastic

Ive had a long weekend working on my special getting a few more

items sorted out

fabricated new rear light stays to take rubber diver helmet rear

lights

Post by **Paul Spencer** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 6:57 pm

I am normally against deleting off-topic posts, but I would like to remind everyone that this is meant to be a friendly forum in a friendly club and personal abuse is not permitted. Tomorrow, I plan to delete several of the later posts unless anyone can give me a good reason not to. Hopefully, this can return the thread and the forum to something useful.

Gary Andrews · Post by **Gary Andrews** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 7:22 pm

Paul

I shall refrain from posting until the specials section is set up

gladly delete all my posts including the mk 6 special technical

help required

Malcolm Gordon · Post by **Malcolm Gordon** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 8:11 pm

Would it be possible to have all of the Harry Rose bodied Mk VI Specials listed somewhere via this SIG? Is is possible for owners or for someone with the owners permission to list the car along with a few photos on a web page with links to each car? A few weeks ago when I posted some photos of my recently completed car on another thread it lead to some questions about how many of the cars are using the Harry Rose body tub as a base. There could be about 50 or 60 cars by the sound of things and it would be good to list as many of them as possible.

It was good to see so many folk at the Concours. My car turned into one of the very rare total loss lubrication models during the 700 mile round trip. I have no idea where the oil is coming from but it looks to be coming from the sump to crankcase seam. As I have a few days off this week I will drop the sump and reseal with a new gasket and plenty of sealant.

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 8:12 pm

Paul, Gary... and all... I don't want to intervene heavy handedly here but it seems to me, having listened hard to the ideas put forward by the Club's Strategic Planning Group (into which, chaps, Paul was a pivotal contributor), that we'll probably soon enough get to maybe twenty or so SIGs. I personally see the sense in a 'Specials' SIG rather than creating multiple as it were 'subSIGs' dealing with the many different types of Specials. Are we to create, for example, a separate SIG for people interested in 3/8 racers? I think not.

And on the matter of shall we say 'robust' comments.... we're all men or women of the world and none of us should get too bent out of shape if some of the banter on here sometimes gets a bit heated. Just follow Paul's good advice and try to be tolerant of others' differing views. Whatever, I think the Forum is BRILLIANT and want to see it become widely used by many more of our Club's members.

AnthonyEssington8982 · Mon Jun 20, 2016 10:13 pm

Well said Ron

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 10:37 pm

Thank Anthony. And here's a picture of my first-ever Bentley... A John Guppy 'Donington' Mk VI Special that I should never have sold. It was - and apparently still is - an absolute corker. And thanks to Chris Carnley who repaired the gearbox is still going like the clappers.

Christopher Carnley · Post by **Christopher Carnley** » Sat Jun 25, 2016 2:32 pm

Five years ago, Ron,s car had suffered damage to the gearbox whilst being test driven by a "Third Party". Clearly a slam change to 2nd speed had smashed the synchronising dogs,and wrecked an expensive 1st driven gear. It takes a great force to cause such damage to heat treated EN39 4% nickel steel with the highest Izod.

The John and Jumbo central remote gearchange is really very good, and fabricated from all sorts of sturdy pieces. Shown for your interest.

Comparison between the Jonard and the standard selector lever.

Selector control is directly above the selector jaws.

The Jonard selector gate.

)

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Sat Jun 25, 2016 4:47 pm

Many thanks Chris. I'd always found the gear change silky smooth and it seems you've made a perfect rebuild. Well done! Ron.

Stephen Blakey · Post by **Stephen Blakey** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 10:09 pm

Ron Warmington wrote:.... my first-ever Bentley... A John Guppy 'Donington' Mk VI Special that I should never have sold.

Ron,

You could always buy this one to get over the loss;

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... 721475?v=c

Though possibly not at that price?

Ron Warmington · Post by **Ron Warmington** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 11:13 pm

Looks like a very nicely maintained example of a Donington. Hope it goes to s good BDC-member owner.

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