Since most fellow Vintage Bentley owners have either restored their cars or keep at maintaining them, they have the knowledge and experience that other owners would greatly appreciate learning from. But if we do not share this information with each other, we become dependent on commercial 'experts' for the upkeep of our Bentleys.

Vintage Bentleys have become investments and high-point concours cars, so it is seen as good sense to "leave it to the professionals". But that is not the philosophy of the Bentley Drivers Club, and nor is it ours. And surely that wasn't W.O.'s original purpose... A Vintage Bentley connects with its owner at a primal level. Only a hands-on owner can reciprocate that bond and truly enjoy the car.

There are those among us who want to run the cars on tours and in vintage racing. An intimate knowledge of our cars is important to prevent breakdown on the road and track, and more importantly, knowing what to do it when there is a breakdown. Onboard tools and a manual can get you back on the road, while a cell phone will only hail a tow truck. Besides, doing your own work gives you satisfaction, pride and a sense of accomplishment that most Vintage Bentley owners appreciate.

The restoration section of this web site is available for your contributions of information gained from your knowledge and experience, and there is the Bentley Clinic for your questions. Load it up and we all will profit from its contents. Remember, as the BDC points out, the "D" is for Drivers as opposed to "owners".


I would like to thank the following vintage Bentley enthusiasts for their contributions this month:

Adrain Cook, Anthony Gonner, Bruce Campbell, Carter Johnson, Cindy Rio, Claire Makin, David Bird, Gary McMillan, Henry Davies, Ian McLeod, John Summers, John Vallings, John Victor Cooper, Julian Grimwade, Lars Hedborg, Mark Regan, Peter Graham, Priscilla Cullen, Dr. Rainer Herbst, Robert M. Thomas, Roley Fraser, Russell Browne, Sally Beyer, Simon Aldred, W. Whitman Ball, Weibel Franco (A few of the contributions are queued up and will be published in the next few days.)