Vintage Bentley
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Bentleys
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14 March 2008
The Vintage in India
In March, 1941, I discovered a 1924 "Speed Model" Bentley (Chassis No. 443) in Poona, but owing to having on the previous day purchased by wire to Delhi a 1935 Lancia "Dilambda" sports tourer, funds did not permit of buying and maintaining a second car. However, in due course No. 443 was purchased by a friend of mine for about £30, and though the bodywork was rough, mechanically the car was in very sound order. Its big snag was the old-type wheels fitted with 820 by 120 tyres for which, search as we might, and did, we were never able to find the much-needed spares. This car was driven to Delhi by two friends, the time taken being two and a half days. I was to have been the third driver for this interesting trip but, unfortunately, was removed to hospital with paratyphoid a few days before we were due to start.
In March, 1941, I discovered a 1924 "Speed Model" Bentley (Chassis No. 443) in Poona, but owing to having on the previous day purchased by wire to Delhi a 1935 Lancia "Dilambda" sports tourer, funds did not permit of buying and maintaining a second car. However, in due course No. 443 was purchased by a friend of mine for about £30, and though the bodywork was rough, mechanically the car was in very sound order. Its big snag was the old-type wheels fitted with 820 by 120 tyres for which, search as we might, and did, we were never able to find the much-needed spares. This car was driven to Delhi by two friends, the time taken being two and a half days. I was to have been the third driver for this interesting trip but, unfortunately, was removed to hospital with paratyphoid a few days before we were due to start. Continued...
