Originally supplied in March 1926 to Mr E. Gordon Craig, Chassis NR 507 was a Speed Model example fitted with the same four-seat touring coachwork by Vanden Plas that it retains today. The Speed Model was extremely advanced for its time: brakes all round, a four-speed gearbox and genuine 90mph top speed – remarkable when one considers that most ordinary saloon cars of the period would have difficulty achieving half the figure!Briefly owned post-war by renowned aviator Douglas Wilson-Spratt, YM 57 was soon bought by Roley Fraser for the princely sum of £100. Acknowledging that the original 3-litre engine was “just about knackered and making a fearful clatter” he decided to upgrade to a 4 ½ Litre unit. A suitable engine was sourced and, once fitted, Fraser was soon out and braving the inclement Scottish weather, embarking upon the first of many tours with his Bentley in the winter of 1953. Fraser always regretted selling YM 57 in 1956 and jumped at the opportunity to buy her back in 1976. Fraser, along with his son, improved and upgraded YM 57 for regular use that included a long-range fuel tank and overdrive to the gearbox for long-distance touring. More recently YM 57 has benefitted from a full engine rebuild by marque specialists McKenzie Guppy Ltd, a full re-spray and re-trim by Neil Davis, a rebuilt gearbox by Brineton Engineering and a re-cored radiator. YM 57 is the rare combination of a late, ultimate specification Speed Model with its original aluminium skinned coachwork and spirited performance from the 4 ½ litre engine, as well as a continuous and documented history that includes one owner for the past 36 years. The Vintage car scene is becoming more and more active, especially with events such as The Flying Scotsman, and this Bentley is ready to embark on a new chapter in what’s already been a very active life.
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