New Member needs advice!

Alan Trotter · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 5:51 pm Post subject: New Member needs advice!

Hi all,

New member who would appreciate some guidance!
Ive just acquired 1951 Bentley Special VYR509 Chassis B206L. Coys sales blurb described the car as "built in 1958 by no other than R.J. Biddle in Wiltshire who took inspiration from Eli Cotter!" They also report that the seller has misplaced the early records so I am keen to recreate what history I can. Google seems not to know either venerable gentleman!

I understand the club has archivists who may be able to help. Could someone point me in the right direction please?

Thanks
Alan Trotter

John Robins · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 10:39 pm Post subject:

Looks nicely done.

1. Ring the club and talk to Alan Bodfish.

2. I’ve just looked in Bernard King’s book which has a cryptic note “See 091” against the number plate.

3. The chassis number should look like B 206 XX, you appear to be short of one alpha character. The chassis number should be stamped on the near side chassis member, by the starter motor, get your torch and have a look.

4. The registration dates from somewhere between Nov 58 and June 59, so the special builder must have reregistered the chassis.

All the best, send me a pm if you wish, but I don’t think I can offer much more.

Alan Trotter · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 2:13 am Post subject:

Many Thanks John
I will get right on it!
Alan

John Robins · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 8:06 am Post subject:

It occurs that the shortening of the chassis may relocate the stamped number with respect to the engine, hopefully they didn’t cut it out and chuck it. As you gather I'm no expert on specials.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 9:16 am Post subject:

This must be one of the earliest, if not the first special.
The chassis number is stamped on top of the frame adjacent to the starter.

Biddle had made aircraft skins.

Alan Trotter · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 11:25 am Post subject:

Thanks everyone!

Chassis Number is B206LJ and engine number B103L
I guess it was re-registered as VYR509 in 1958?

I have a green Log Book stamped "Continuation Book" which seems to be dated 2/6/72 showing body type as Saloon in BRG/Grey (which has been hand-amended to Tourer - Blue) and RJ Biddle as the 3rd change (unhelpfully undated)

Alan

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 12:51 pm Post subject:

Delivered 5/51 in Mistletoe Green to M J Condon/Burmah Oil in Pakistan. Originally LYX33,and so re-registered on return to UK.

Alan Trotter · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 4:02 pm Post subject:

Amazing!
Many thanks Christopher

Alan