Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7306
Location: Derby
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 Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2026 6:24 pm Post subject: Sleeping beauty. |
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It may look like a lost cause but I suspect what we have here is a desirable coach built coupe just waiting to be resurrected.
I would say there is a reasonable chance that the Ash frame is sound. If that is the case, this might just be a viable project. 
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2015680 |
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mikeC
Joined: 31 Jul 2009
Posts: 1816
Location: Market Warsop, Nottinghamshire
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| Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2026 8:39 am Post subject: |
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What a beauty! I suspect the timber framing will be pretty good - the doors fit well and there's no damage to the dashboard.
I wonder how many potential bidders will not turn up on the day? Kelham Hall is not on Main Street, Newark, it's in Kelham village about two miles away!
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in the garage: a big empty space!
Recently departed: 1938 Talbot Ten, 1953 Lancia Appia, 1931 Austin Seven, 1967 Singer Chamois, 1914 Saxon, 1930 Morris Cowley, 1936 BSA Scout, 1958 Lancia Appia coupe, 1922 Star 11.9 ... the list goes on! |
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Rootes75
Joined: 30 Apr 2013
Posts: 4240
Location: The Somerset Levels
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| Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2026 11:25 am Post subject: |
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I think the Rolls 20-25 with the Charlesworth coachwork looks a nice car too in the same auction.
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Various Rootes Vehicles. |
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7306
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2026 11:31 am Post subject: |
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| mikeC wrote: | What a beauty! I suspect the timber framing will be pretty good - the doors fit well and there's no damage to the dashboard.
I wonder how many potential bidders will not turn up on the day? Kelham Hall is not on Main Street, Newark, it's in Kelham village about two miles away! |
I bet it goes for a song!
The big unknown, of course, is the engine. It looks like someone has removed the head but then given up. You can bet the rings will have rusted into the bores and if the chrome cuff liners are still in there, they will need to be removed and the block re lined. The top rings will likely be broken but I would think with a new set of rings (and the bores machined to fit) the pistons could be re used.
I also noticed the n/s rear wheel spat is lurking behind the front seats. The leather looks saveable (mostly) and the woodwork could be re veneered. (Chapman and Cliff would be favourite, I think).
Apart from the cooling system the other big unknown would be the condition of the rear wheel bearings. According to Bentley Guru Norman Geeson, if they are neglected for long enough - and they tend to be - it can result in a scrap axle.
In all, I expect someone will probably get themselves a viable restoration project.
For my part; even if I divested myself of my other cars, the problem I have is getting a heavy, non runner, up my drive and into the garage. |
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bjacko
Joined: 28 Oct 2013
Posts: 550
Location: Melbourne Australia
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| Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2026 4:28 am Post subject: Old Bentley |
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Ray, Where there is a will there is a way! It would be too much for me to restore, I can barely get up if I go under the car!
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1938 Morris 8 Ser II Coupe Utility (Pickup)
1985 Rover SD1 VDP |
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7306
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2026 9:43 am Post subject: Re: Old Bentley |
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| bjacko wrote: | | Ray, Where there is a will there is a way! It would be too much for me to restore, I can barely get up if I go under the car! |
I have been told in no uncertain terms by my wife that I can forget about another restoration project. My getting pneumonia last year was a warning sign, apparently.
I say we only have the one life so why not make the most of what's left of it.?
Incidentally, I have been looking at the photos again. Shame the roof at the back has been stoved in by something but I suppose being aluminium it could be knocked out again quite easily.
Interestingly this 'pillarless' coupe would have had electric windows.! No wonder they were among the most expensive cars of their day.  |
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bjacko
Joined: 28 Oct 2013
Posts: 550
Location: Melbourne Australia
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| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 6:47 am Post subject: Aluminim dents |
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Usually dents in aluminium cannot be knocked out because it stretches more than steel and you are left with too much material. Probably need to make a whole new panel.
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1938 Morris 8 Ser II Coupe Utility (Pickup)
1985 Rover SD1 VDP |
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ukdave2002
Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4288
Location: South Cheshire
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| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 8:00 am Post subject: |
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| Aluminium can be shrunk with heat, its more tricky as unlike steel the colour doesn't change with heat, when I was sorting out the many dents in MGA doors, boot and bonnet, all aluminium skinned, I rubbed soap on the centre of the dent , applied heat until the soap turned black, then quenched the dent, it worked ok. |
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7306
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 10:09 am Post subject: |
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The risk with using heat is setting fire to the Ash Frame.
If a new roof needs to be made then that will probably be the death knell for this car in it's present form.
As a Le Mans replica it would sell for much more than even a coach built pillarless but personally, I am not a fan.
(I suppose there is always body filler.!)  |
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