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The Bentley 4 1/2
Litre presented here was originally
owned by Mr. A.F. Rollason in Great
Britain before its purchase in the
1950s by Mr. Carl B. Seaman, Esq.
of Columbus, Ohio. Correspondence
between Mr. Rollason and Mr. Seaman
indicates that the car had retained
its original Vanden Plas body and
was in 'first class condition'. It
was further described as being of
the Le Mans type, with a heavier chassis
and underslung strengtheners. Apparently
the original engine had recently been
overhauled and the car had seen only
limited road use since.
After its importation to the United
States and its continued enjoyment
by Mr. Seaman, the car was sold in
1961 to Mr. Robert H. Kimes, Jr. of
Dayton, Ohio, who became quite an
active member of the Bentley Drivers
Club. According to correspondence
contained in the extensive dossier
that accompanies the car, shortly
after its purchase, Kimes installed
an electric fuel gauge on his Bentley,
performed wiring work under its hood,
and replaced a damaged wire spoke
wheel. Letters received by Kimes described
the car as a 'most desirable specimen'.
After engine trouble in 1962, the
4 1/2-liter engine was rebuilt by
Ralph Buckley of Antique Auto Shop
in Northfield, New Jersey. Mr. Kimes
owned the car at least through until
1978, working on it himself, and frequently
ordering spare parts from Britain's
gaskets from Hoffman and Burton, and
rubber seals from Creech Coachtrimming
Centre in London. More recently, XF3505
was owned by Mr. Frank Alloca of New
Jersey, who enjoyed it for many years
after its tenure with Mr. Kimes. Within
the last three years, the car has
benefited from an extensive mechanical
reconditioning, accumulating less
than 1,000 miles since.
More recently, car was driven to a
meeting of the Bentley Driver's Club
and participated in the Colorado Grand.
By all accounts, it is an excellent
automobile and well suited for touring.
The car is presented in very original
condition, from its engine and body
panels to the upholstery and dash.
The brightwork, which includes the
radiator shell and headlamps, is very
presentable, as is the quality of
the black paint. Virtually every element
is either period correct or part of
the car's storied past. Signs of road
use are readily apparent throughout,
although this is to be expected from
an active Tourer such as this.
Furthermore, this is one of the most
extensively documented cars RM Auctions
has ever had the pleasure of offering,
with correspondence and paperwork
dating back to the early 1950s. In
addition to letters between previous
owners and the Bentley Drivers Club,
the documentation also includes service
records and information for prospective
restoration.
XF3505 is one of the rarest of all
vintage automobiles, having never
been restored nor ever required it.
It virtually defines originality.
Simply sitting in the car gives you
a sense of its past in such things
as the lovely patina of the leather,
the shiny spot worn by the arms of
a dozen caring owners, and the smooth
grip of the steering wheel. The engine
bay is lovely, but carries the soft
slick glow of well-oiled machine,
like a fine rifle, or a precision
machine tool.
Considering the high concours standards
to which many of today's classic cars
are restored, it is a true delight
to find this Bentley perfectly suited
for continued touring and enjoyment.
The daring Bentley Boys would have
expected no less.
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