Another Special possible?

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2016 5:00 pm Post subject: Another Special possible?

Bentley MK VI, 1951, NTU 703,stored many years, realised £8200 at Brightwells on the 21st.
Driven by Mike Couper in the 1951 Monte Carlo run.

No thanks mister, but not as dead as some.

George Ealy · Joined: 14 Jun 2016 Posts: 82 Location: Jacksonville FL USA

Hi Chris!

That interior view is amazing for its total neglect over the years.

Are you planning a restoration, or should I write a resurrection?
It is amazing how some people pay such little heed to such a work of engineering.

Do you have any exterior shots?

George

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 8:17 am Post subject:

Hello George,

It looks like we are the only Senators at the Forum!

The car was sold by Brightwells in their Sept 21st auction, so look at all the other pictures of neglect on their site.
I want nothing to do with the car or any other car like it, it is too much work, far too stressful, invariably disappointing as clients expect a new "BMW" at the end of it, and an economic impossibility for a car that is generally unloved. It had its day in the 1950,s.
A fully restored standard steel car is worth no more than £30,000, for restoration cost of £100,000. In the heady days of 1988/9 people were throwing silly money at anything, and none of these cars ever realised half of the total costs.

Peris Edwards at Racing Green Engineering is buying these and dealer fails to turn into gorgeous "Specials" starting at £165,000.

Charles Skinner · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 9:32 am Post subject: Another special possible ?

Good morning all. I disagree with Christopher about value. Antiques, art and veteran, vintage and classic cars are worth whatever someone is willing to pay. Prices for Crewe Bentleys vary enormously from what Christopher suggests to way beyond, depending on originality, level and quality of restoration, history and whether the car feels good, both mechanically and in spirit. Personally, I am wary of "complete" restorations and always look for a car that has been very well cared for and had long term keepers. Clearly this sad example has not been cared for but very many have.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 12:00 pm Post subject:

Charles,

When in the past 10 years have you seen a genuine sale result for a
SS MK Vl of over £30,000?

Te definition of value is whatever someone will pay. A good friend bought a fully restored R-R Silver Cloud for £72,000, 2 years ago, knowing that it was twice what the market could stand.

Charles Skinner · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2016 4:47 pm Post subject:

I should have made clearer Christopher that I was referring to Mk V1's and Type R's. Several of the latter have sold for much more than £30k.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 7:47 am Post subject:

True, but MK VI is the subject and the R Type was to have been named the Bentley Vll, as the chassis cards confirm.

The purchase price of any chattel is measured by market forces and most acquisitions of entry level cars in any club are intended to be sold on for the buying of a more desirable car.

Economic "Rent" is a different matter and in no way reflects the intrinsic value,but it is paid by those with huge cash or property surpluses, as in £40,000,000 for an oil painting daub.

Mark Taxis · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 9:52 am Post subject:

Values are always very subjective and indeed can be a conundrum, For example, my MK6 special, how much is it worth? The insurance company have no idea as one has never been sold in Australia, to a purist its value is parts only, to the lover of sports cars more, but what will determine the final value? The answer in my opinion is the heart – any thoughts?
_________________
Mark Taxis
Sunshine Coast
Queensland 4560