1954 Bentley R type Harold Radford Countryman

1954 Bentley R type Harold Radford Countryman

Chassis number: B190UM
Registration number: OYN770

The first owner of 'B190UM' was the Hon. Geoffrey Denis Erskine Russell. who succeeded to the title of 4th Baron Ampthill in 1973. A descendant of the 6th Duke of Bedford. he purchased the car. at the age of 32 years. for £5. 97. 00 an enormous sum for any kind of vehicle in 1954. Russell was General Manager of Fortnum and Mason. a Captain in the Irish Guards and later held the office of Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords. He was awarded the CBE in 1986.

In 1965 the car passed to an American Air Force Colonel. who had it shipped to Virginia when he returned home. He last used it in 1968 when it went in for some repairs. The car then remained in storage until purchased by its third owner in 1989. Excited by this rare find. the new owner kept the Bentley as his pride and joy until he passed away in 2007. aged 87. During his ownership. he spent some $35. 00 on parts alone (receipts on file) to bring the car up to the desired standard. As a result of his labours. the Bentley was awarded more than 15 trophies at major events on the East Coast of America. In 1994 the car was also awarded the prestigious Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) 'National Senior Award' and went on to win nine more consecutive AACA awards. A further milestone was the presentation of 'The Guerrero Trophy' at the Rolls-Royce Concours event in Philadelphia.

Having since returned to its country of origin. 'B190UM' underwent specialist work as well as other routine servicing before being offered for sale at Bonhams' RAF Museum. Hendon auction in April 2009 (Lot 324) where it was purchased by the current vendor. Immediately after acquisition the Bentley was despatched to marque specialists. R D A James. of Nailsworth. Gloucestershire for a thorough service plus various other works at a cost of £4. 84. The latter included a braking system overhaul; spin-on oil filter conversion; replacement of the gearbox mounts. steering ball joints. half shafts and rear wheel bearings; fitting five new tyres; and installing a new (Continental ratio) differential for more relaxed cruising and improved fuel economy. R D A James' detailed invoice is on file (inspection recommended).

Subsequent bills show various works undertaken by both Hoffman's of Henley & Shane Ashley Carters SACCL company prior to its bankruptcy. Since arrival we ourselves have fitted new fuel pumps & brake seals etc along with a full service leaving the car absolutely ready to go.

The car is finished in a lovely mid metallic blue over pale blue colour scheme which suits it very well. Whilst not brand new the paintwork polishes up beautifully & presents very well. To the interior is original pale grey hide piped in navy blue with grey carpets throughout. The car has the full compliment of Radford modifications including A rack for ones pipes. plug in electric razor. cigarette case. decanters. glass tumblers. a sink & washing mirror. champagne bucket etc etc. Picnic tables are fitted to the front seat backs.

The body is unusual in that it is a hatch back design & has fold down rear seats making it more like an estate car. The front seats also fold flat effectively making the car in to accommodation for two should you desire to sleep in it. A full Bentley tool kit is stowed under the front seat.

On the road the car drives beautifully befitting the moniker "the silent sports car. " The automatic gear box is seamless in operation & the car exhibits an almost unseemly turn of speed when pushed. The current mileage of 87. 00 may well be correct if the lack of wear on the throttle pedal is anything to go by. This car is believed to be the second of 13 adaptations made by Radford on the standard steel platform.

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Office 01442 236711

Richard Biddulph 07967 260673
Adi 07853 226940

We accept Credit/Debit Cards.
Part Exchange welcome.
Weekend & evening viewings OK.
Viewings by appointment :

Prestige House.
9 Globe Industrial Estate. br/>Grays. Essex. RM17 6ST

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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