Seventy-eight years young and still looking handsome, this 1929 Martin Walter Bentley was arguably the class of the 2007 Steamworks Concours d'Elegance. What made it especially unique is the body, covered by fabric from the cowl on back. Since fabric isn't shiny like metal, and therefore doesn't attract the eye, I observed that many in the crowd passed by with hardly a glance, a shame as they didn't realise what they were missing. But in the 1920's and 1930's fabric was a mark of distinction on custom-built bodies like this one, created by coachbuilders Martin Walter (founded in 1733 and still with us under the name: "Dormobile"). The Speed Six was an uprated version of Bentley's 6-1/2 liter six-cylinder engine, featuring a single-overhead-cam with 4 valves per cylinder, twin carbs, and dual ignition. A competition Speed Six won Le Mans in 1929, finished 1st and 2nd in 1930.
What a beauty. Imagine being able to drive an antique car like that today. 78 years young and I hope I could look so good. Where’s my camera.
September 8, 2007 @ 3:40 pm