Thread: Interesting, Odd or Funny Pics II.

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.

BEN6 1.jpg


The vehicle's interior is made of red leather, velvet carpeting, and walnut trimmings.

BEN6 2.jpg

The original version also had a champagne and crystal glass holder, but no namby pamby seat belts.

BEN6 5.jpg

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.

BEN6 7.jpg

The engine was restored to perfect running order, using original and custom-parts.

BEN6 8.jpg

The boot of the car holds a beautiful surprise as well.

BEN6 10.jpg

A fancy tool organizer, recreated according to the original specs.

BEN6 11.jpg

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.

BEN6 12.jpg

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.

BEN6 13.jpg

More pictures in the following post. Enjoy.

BEN6 3.jpg

BEN6 4.jpg

BEN6 6.jpg

BEN6 8.jpg

BEN6 9.jpg

BEN6 14.jpg

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

Originally Posted by cuppabillytea

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.

Should have taken a metric shifter, even though it wouldn't fit the WW bolts.

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Should have taken a metric shifter, even though it wouldn't fit the WW bolts.

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.

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'.