BENTLEY

A fine example of a well-loved and driven car.  It has been in the same family since the 1930s and was used as a fire tender during the war.  It comes in from time to time for the more complex jobs, the owner enjoying maintaining it himself whenever possible.

The engine in this Bentley was increased to 5.3 Litre capacity in 2002 by a company in England and has experienced four occasions of the engine seizing since.  On the fifth occasion the car came to us, on the recommendation of a friend.

Ian started to strip the engine and found evidence of severe damage following seizure due to overheating.

Upon further investigation the water distribution rail was blocked and misshapen and there was a great deal of sand and sediment present, all of which restricted the flow of coolant around the engine.  We discussed possible options with the owner and he decided to go back to a 4½ Litre engine so we obtained a new block.  This then had to be thoroughly cleaned and all casting debris removed before the rebuild began.  The car is now back in Holland and the owner says it is running very sweetly and he is thrilled to pieces.