1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé

• Exported new to Czechoslovakia
• Originally a drophead coupé by Vanden Plas
• Known ownership history
• Restored and re-bodied in VDP style the early 1990s

This beautiful Derby Bentley was delivered in August 1938 to Ernst Leow Beer in Czechoslovakia having been bodied as a drophead coupé by Vanden Plas. On 4th November 1938, 'B 53 LE' was reimported into the UK and registered as 'FUW 415', though the first logbook is dated 1st February 1939. The logbook described the car's colour as 'Beige', while the registered keeper was recorded as Ernest Leow-Beer of London W2, whose family, like many Jewish Czechs, had fled that country following Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland. Previous owner Malcolm Hobbs purchased 'FUW 415' in 2010, and the following description is a shortened version of his thoroughly researched history (on file).

The second owner from 31st May 1939 was Charles John Clarke, proprietor of E Clarke & Company of Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. A continuation logbook was issued in 1947 and from 3rd April 1953 the body style is noted as 'Utility'. From 6th June 1966 the registered owner was Dr Colin A Cooke of Oxford and later Norfolk.

In 1981 the 'Utility' (shooting brake) body was cut down to pickup style. There are photographs of the car from this period. On 1st August 1982, ownership was transferred to Colin M Cooke, Dr Cooke's son. On 24th October 1987 the Bentley was sold to the well known Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club member and amateur archivist for the marque, Kelvin Price of Cardiff.

Kelvin Price sold the car to Ian Turner of Llantwit Major, who was looking for a restoration project. It was a condition of sale that the car be restored to its original VDP design, not modified as a special. The restoration was led by Clanfield Restorations, with a major mechanical overhaul carried out by Ristes over the period 1989 to 1991. Related bills totalling some £97,700 are on file.

On 11th May 1995 the car was sold at a UK auction to Mr M B Owen of Cheshire. There is little maintenance information from his ownership, but MoTs record the mileage as 59,066 on the restoration's completion and 63,700 when sold.

Previous owner Malcolm Hobbs purchased the Bentley from Cheshire Classic Cars in October 2010. A comprehensive maintenance log was maintained and all bills kept. In Mr Hobbs' hands the car covered 23,493 miles on club events and European holiday tours, proving to be exceptionally reliable throughout this period. The lady vendor's late husband bought 'FUW 415' around 2-3 years ago.