Classic Days - Schloss Dyck, August 2012

Schloss Dyck, 2012

At the Schloss Bensberg Concours near Cologne.

The current owner of this car is Peter Godehardt of Germany. The Reg. no. was YW 2080 previously, and now is LM-GO 28 H. Peter Godehardt purchased this car in 1994; the first in his collection of vintage Bentley cars, and his favourite.

"4½, 1928, LM-GO 28 H, ex YW 2080, open tourer! Changed in 1929 Dashboard and the petrol tank."

1928 Bentley 4½ Litre Le Mans Replica Four Seat Tourer
Registration No. YW 2080; Chassis No. XL 3120; Engine No. XL 3120

Engine: four cylinder in line, water-cooled monobloc, single overhead camshaft, bore 100mm, stroke 140mm, capacity 4,398cc. Four speed right hand change gearbox; cone clutch; spiral bevel Back axle. Semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension front and rear. Wheelbase 10ft 10in. Tyres 6.00 X 21in front; 7.00 X 19in rear.

From the humblest of beginnings in a mews garage off Baker St, London in 1919, the name of Bentley rapidly became associated with fast touring cars and the marque has been inextricably linked with Le Mans following the legendary success of the team cars there in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. In standard touring form a top speed of 92mph was claimed however with the high ratio Back axle speeds well in excess of the magic l00mph were possible. The open Le Mans Replicas in their British Racing Green livery, leather bonnet straps and aero screens epitomise the popular image of the vintage sports car.

XL 3120 left the factory in 1928 and was delivered through agents Jack Withers and Co. to Oliver Watney of the brewing family, who owned the car into the 1930s. The car at the time carried Weymann saloon coachwork by Freestone and Webb, however when it came into the ownership of Bentley enthusiast William Cash some thirty two years ago it had open tourer coachwork fitted. During his long ownership the car was continually and progressively improved and the present Le Mans replica coachwork was fitted.

The car was actively used both at home and abroad in Bentley Drivers Club and other events and maintained to a high standard. A C Type gearbox is fitted. The coachwork is finished in British Racing Green livery with green leather upholstery and matching carpets. Electric fuel pumps and an electric fan have been fitted, both modifications which can readily be removed, however the car is otherwise to period mechanical specification in all major respects.

This fine motor car with excellent provenance is offered with old style registration documents dating back to 1950, recording only two owners prior to William Cash obtaining the car in 1957. The car is Swansea registered and offered with a V5 document and an extract of the chassis history from Bentley Motors records.

At Oulton Park.