Capt. William Ogden

[Robert S Hase]

My car XV1291 was bought new from the 1928 motor show by Capt. William Ogden, and I thought it would be interesting to find out if he had owned any other Bentleys. Investigations in vintage Bentleys when new revealed two other new cars, YN2962 3/26, and UU6930 7/29. Turning to the internet to find more, I found a picture featured in the "Sketch" dated 23 Oct 1929 featuring Capt Ogden his wife and his eighth Bentley, probably UU6930 but no registration plate is visible. Further internet enquires revealed GK8447 2/31 of which he was the second owner in 1933.
So I may be looking for ten to twelve WO cars. Can you help, are you aware of any of the others?

[John Murch]

I had a quick look in my books, but could only spot the cars you already know about.
The capt. didn’t keep his cars for long!
Your car looks to have been in the family a long time - any chance of posting a photo?
John

[Robert S Hase]

John and all. As requested a picture taken at Blenheim and a potted history along with a 1928 Motor Show image lifted from the internet.

This car has an order date of 28th Aug 1928 and was duly completed in time for the Olympia Motor Show, London, held between 11th to 20th Oct 1928, where it was displayed on the Vanden Plas (England)1923 Ltd, stand No142. Obviously looking splendid, finished in blue fabric, blue paintwork, blue glass sun visor all complimented by the relatively new process of chromium plating, which had been applied to the radiator and WHEELS!! It is therefore not surprising that the first owner was a noted London Jeweller, Capt. William Ogden, who was apparently in the habit of buying a new car most years. He bought three new Bentleys and owned up to twelve WOs by 1933. By June 1929 its ownership had passed to John Lindsay of Park Lane, London. During 1933 the colour was changed to Black, the chrome wheels painted over and the car passed to Blackett Gill a solicitor based in Newcastle with offices in London who would record his major journeys on an engraved plate screwed to the dashboard. During the early 60s whilst in the hands of William Rankin of Gosford, a restoration of the body, both fabric and paintwork was undertaken, thankfully retaining the originality of the design albeit with yellow wheels.

Robert Hase is the current owner and is the tenth registered keeper, he has recently completed a re-commissioning process which included an engine rebuild as it had failed in Oct 1988 whilst in his father's ownership, who purchased it in July1968. He attended the Bentley Golden Jubilee at Oulton Park at 1969 and Robert marked its return to the road by attending the Bentley 100 year celebrations at Silverstone in 2019 as its first major outing, also attending the annual rally at Blenheim Palace.

[John Murch]

Thank you Robert. That is wonderful!
John