From Barn to Auction – Could Fetch Half a Million Oz Dollars
The family were shocked that the vintage Bentley gathering dust in their barn for 30 years could be worth 300,000 pounds.
The Bentley 4.5-litre was built in 1929 and, six years later, bought by the grandfather of the current owner.
The Bentley was in a sorry state when it was found in garage
He would take the luxury saloon on family holidays around the UK, even towing a caravan behind.
It has remained in the same family, but in 1985 was taken off the road and parked in a barn in Surrey where it remained until six weeks ago.
The current owner, who does not want to be named, thought it would be worth around £30,000 and assumed it would have no interest to a high-end auction house.
The seriously desirable Bentley 4 1/2 was built in 1929
However, Rob Hubbard, a car specialist at Bonhams auction house, was shocked when he opened the door of the barn to see the Bentley, likening it to discovering a Rembrandt.
He said: “To collectors, this really is the Holy Grail. The chassis, engine, axle, gearbox, steering box numbers are all present and correct.
“I have been doing this job for ten years and to find a car like this fantastic. It will need to be looked at, but the body and trim are in remarkable order and won’t need to be replaced.
“You very rarely open a barn door and find something like this. You expect to see a dilapidated car, but this will be back on the road without too much work.”
The chassis, engine, axle, gearbox, steering box numbers are all present and correct
Bonhams has given the car – owned by the same family for 80 years – an estimate of between £150,000 and £250,000. But Mr Hubbard believes it could sell for in excess of £300,000.
He added: “The owner thought it might be worth £30,000 so it was great to tell him it could be worth ten times as much. The original body, by H J Mulliner, still carries the original chassis stamping to the bonnet edges which is very rare.
“The interior is completely original, in wonderful green patinated leather. In its day it was a real gentleman’s express.”
By Agency