Bertone Bentley Not So Wacky

Filed in archive Bentley on April 11, 2007

Hats off to Chicago industrialist S.H. "Wacky" Arnolt, who had the courage and vision to bankroll the Arnolt-Bristol sports cars: Chassis by MG, 6-cylinder engine from Bristol, body by Bertone; an exotic mix that resulted in low-volume coupes that could be raced or toured, guaranteed to attract a crowd of admirers. Arnolt also fell in love with the Bentley R-Type Continental produced by Rolls-Royce in 1953, capable of 80 mph in second gear, 100 mph in third and over 120 mph in top. The Continental was available as a custom chassis and so Arnolt ordered a personal Bentley with Bertone styling similar to the coupes. Quoting "RM Auctions", "the interior was luxuriously appointed and customized to Arnolt's specifications. Lifting up the wooden trays inserted to the rear of the front seats revealed three silver flasks engraved with the Wacky's initials and crystal glasses. Where Mrs. Arnolt sat, on the right side of the car, the tray in its upright position, revealed a compartment specially made to hold her favorite perfume and cosmetic supplies." This one-off car, complete with flasks and cosmetics, eventually became part of the Gene Ponder Collection that RM is auctioning on April 20 - 21 in Marshall, Texas. It is is the only vehicle in the world badged as an Arnolt Bentley and comes with a153 hp, 4,566cc, inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed automatic transmission, independent suspension with leaf springs and shocks, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.