How could I be so one-eyed...
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How could I be so one-eyed...
Because like me you see Wang as a kindred spirit with utopian ideals, and Flesh as a medaling do-gooder buffoon. Much like his brother Flash.
In 1930, British motor company Rover advertised that it beat the world-famous ‘Train Bleu’.
This was a luxury express train, and designed to take British aristocrats and celebrities from Calais to the French Riviera.
Following the advertisement, Captain Joel Woolf Babe Barnato, a British playboy millionaire and chairmanof Bentley, wagered £100 that his Bentley Speed Six could beat the train as well. (Back in 1930, the average annual income in the UK was £165).
Originally, the Bentley Speed Six was introduced in 1928 as a more sporting version of the Bentley 6½ litre.
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The vehicle's interior is made of red leather, velvet carpeting, and walnut trimmings.
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The original version also had a champagne and crystal glass holder, but no namby pamby seat belts.
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Despite being off to a bad start, Barnato managed to beat the train by a few minutes, but
when the French authorities got wind of his exploits, he was fined for illegally racing and paid
a hefty fine. The story became infamous and the Speed Six became a legendary vehicle.
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The engine was restored to perfect running order, using original and custom-parts.
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The boot of the car holds a beautiful surprise as well.
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A fancy tool organizer, recreated according to the original specs.
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The toolbox (not a metric spanner to be seen) folds up to reveal a red velvet trunk, with ample room for the discerning 1930's man of wealth.
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The Blue Train version produced 200 hp, reached a top speed of 200km/h (125mph), and
won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1929 and 1930. In both races, the driver was none
other than Barnato – the Chairman of Bentley Motors.
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More pictures in the following post. Enjoy.
The French pinged him because he had an Imperial Tool Box. Probably all Whitworth and BSA. UNF would have been beneath a Bentley's dignity.
Following the advertisement, Captain Joel Woolf Babe Barnato, a British playboy millionaire and chairmanof Bentley, wagered £100 that his Bentley Speed Six could beat the train as well. (Back in 1930, the average annual income in the UK was £165).
And thus the idea for future Top Gear challenges was born.
Kenley
Should have taken a metric shifter, even though it wouldn't fit the WW bolts.Quote:
Originally Posted by cuppabillytea
Yep. that's what I would have done, and I'd have thrown in a left hand Screw driver too, 'cause you know the French are all pinkos.Quote:
Originally Posted by V8Ian
I met W.O.Bentley at his home once. He was driving a Morris Minor and said he could never understand why people wanted to drive those 'great big green lorries'.
Thats not a car its a work of art....IMHO
Cheers Rod
