Facts & Figures

Philip Edginton · Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2020 11:29 am Post subject: Facts & Figures

Has anyone else noticed the difference in quoted facts about various Bentley models from different sources.
Lets take for example the Mulliner Brooklands.There are supposed to be 100, however I have never seen any number above 80. On the Brooklands R, production was 79 it says.
On the standard wheel base Brooklands RHD they produced only 625.
Does the BDC know how many of each model are still alive.

John Murch · Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2020 7:11 pm Post subject:

It is very rare indeed for anyone at HQ to read the forum, so you are unlikely to get a reply from there here. However an enquiry to the club archivist might yield a response.

Philip Edginton · Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2020 10:20 pm Post subject:

I would like to send him an email to see what he knows. Who is it.

John Murch · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:39 am Post subject:

Go to 'The Club', then Club Contacts and I think Ian Scott is the man. (WO Memorial and Archives .)

Philip Edginton · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 10:37 am Post subject:

E mail sent. eagerly await reply.

Philip Edginton · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:38 pm Post subject:

Oh dear, I must admit that I was not expecting sheafs of paper with details in return to my email. But I shall not quote the reply, but it was extremely dissapointing.I felt sorry for him.
My take on the situation basically is the club has not held much interest in the SZ models.All Mulsanne, Mulsanne S, Eight and Brooklands models, LWB editions and limousines
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All Bentley Turbo R and RT models, and Mulliner editions
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All Bentley Continental R, S, T and SC models, Le Mans, Mulliner, Millennium and Final Series editions
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All 1995-2003 Azure models, Le Mans, Mulliner and Final Series editions
Probably seen as upstarts, apart from the fact that they were built from 1980 to 2003, Not forgetting that these models saved Bentley from possible extinction.
Apparently the Club has approached Bentley motors for information, but nothing forthcoming as yet.

Therefore can I ask the club why they have not chased up Bentley Motors, these last few weeks must have given some time to spare to enquire about the situation.
Maybe these models do not portray the image the club is clinging onto.
.

Martin Webster · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 11:32 pm Post subject:

Hello Philip, It seems that you are in a bit of a quandary about the SZ series numbers in production and how many are still registered.
I have always found Ian Scott to be enthusiastic about any model of Bentley and I’m certain if you gave the Clubhouse a call then someone would be able to put you into contact with him .Bentley Motors have been in lock down recently in any case so it’s unlikely anyone at Crewe could have assisted you.

The Club membership is the Club in essence and there is no image except a pride in ownership and a common interest in the Marque. Perhaps a letter to “The BDC Review” might help you discover the answer to your question.
Kind regards,
Martin

Philip Edginton · Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 10:22 am Post subject:

Thank you Martin for your comments, I have been in touch with Ian Scott by email, he is telling me that the delay in any information is due to the apparent reluctance of Bentley Motors to make time to respond to any requests for technical info. That is what I have come to understand.I could be wrong of course, would not be the first time at my age.
There is no quandary as far as I can see, I was interested in how many of the various models of the SZ series were standing up to the rigours of modern motoring.
As the models are now getting on to 40 years I would have thought that the BDC would have had the chance to obtain technical info.
I am sure your second paragraph was meant to be helpful, so will accept it as such.

Kind regards
Philip.

Charles R Simmers · Joined: 19 Apr 2000 Posts: 117 Location: Arizona, USA

Bentley Motors has no incentive to support any product that is not a VW/Audi/Porsche.
I have been taking my T-series to my local dealer for will over 25 years. I was told during the last visit they can no longer accept pre-1998 for service or stock/order parts.

Philip Edginton · Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 10:18 pm Post subject:

Fortunately I have an independent Rolls and Bentley specialist garage a reasonable distance away from me.RR trained.
Plus I am in the UK.
What will you do for you next service then Charles.

John Murch · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 4:20 am Post subject:

I’m sure you are aware that the RROC of Australia Have a lot of technical information on their website,

http://rrtechnical.info/sz/05_sz.htm

Charles R Simmers · Joined: 19 Apr 2000 Posts: 117 Location: Arizona, USA

I can perform most of the service and upgrades myself. For things I can't do, I have a specialty shop I go to (with my service and parts manuals) and they allow me to observe and help.
For parts, I either go to suppliers in the UK, Alber's Bentley in Indiana, or, if not available, make the parts myself.

Philip Edginton · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 7:25 pm Post subject:

Enjoy the experience, sounds like me 40, yes 40 years ago.
Nice to hear from across the pond.

Timothy Nelson · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 4:19 pm Post subject:

Marinus Rijkers is the expert on numbers of cars by type etc., especially SZ based cars. Take a look at his website https://www.rrsilverspirit.com/models/index.htm.

He also produced an excellent (pricey) book last year.

As to knowing which survive though, that's some piece of work given the number of countries involved and whether data is available.

Philip Edginton · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 7:08 pm Post subject:

I think that maybe I should have stated that I was interested only in the RHD vehicles in the UK.( Bentley)

Timothy Nelson · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 7:28 pm Post subject:

Sounds like your best starting point in that case is to use https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/ and search for all possible variants you’re interested in. Marinus has numbers produced.

Timothy Nelson · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 7:34 pm Post subject:

There are also numbers included in this magazine that Marinus helped produce.

https://www.rrsilverspirit.com/bestt/The%20Spirit%202014-2015.pdf

Philip Edginton · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 7:41 pm Post subject:

Many thanks for your input Timothy, I have downloaded about 5 of their magazines that are loaded with facts and figures and very helpful articles. Also did look at the how many left, but it was not precise on it's figures.

Think I might well join the club.