1993 Bentley Brooklands

This early Brooklands was originally supplied by Bentley dealer Jack Barclay, London to its first owner a Mr. Cecil Duckworth – later chair of premiership rugby club Worcester Warriors RFC. The car’s covered a little under 100k miles since – we can’t be more precise, as there’s a slight discrepancy between the analogue odometer and the car’s computer mile counter; one saying 96,878 and the other 97,127.

The vendor reports that a move abroad has prompted him to offer this Bentley for sale as; “the thought of the car just sat in storage and not being used seems wrong...” Well, quite. During his ownership, the vendor has used the Brooklands for travelling to special events with friends and for family occasions; “I've enjoyed trips out to lunch and the odd chauffeur duty to Cheltenham races... very smooth and enjoyable indeed.”

There’s a decent amount of history with the car and an impressive specification and selection of toys, so as not to disappoint the wannabe early 1990s executive high-flier. The condition of the car suggests it’s an unrestored example, that’s largely survived its three decades without major complaint however, there are a couple of cosmetic issues...

Cobalt Blue is a delightful shade that beautifully accentuates the boxy brilliance of this Bentley’s contours. Generally, the panels show a high shine and deep hue, with only sporadic marks here and there – some light scratches and swirls are to be expected but there are also a few spots of corrosion, beginning to make themselves evident, the worst of which can be found aft of the offside rear wheel. There seems to have been an attempt at repair carried out here in the past, but its surface is now cracking under the pressure of the expanding rust underneath.

There’s a similar section on the nearside, which seems to have fared a little better, with the offside sill also showing light surface rot. None of these areas of corrosion seem to have advanced too far, but will nevertheless need further investigation. As will a spot of what looks like lacquer peel around the rear boot badge and the rust bubble under the seal on the rear screen. The good news is that the chrome, trim and glass have all survived in far better shape, the flat-faced turbine wheels are also highly presentable.

Arguably, these top-end luxury saloons are all about their cabin appointments. The hide in this one – and there’s a whole herd of it – looks to be in very fine order. It’ll need a wipe in a few spots, but there are no obvious cracks, holes or damage. Magnolia hide – with its Cobalt Blue piping – covers upgraded electric heated four-stage memory seats from a Bentley Turbo R.

There’s good stitching on the steering wheel and dash top and some lovely wood quality throughout (glovebox lid looks like a replacement). We love the hip flask and tumblers in the centre console, though wouldn’t advise front-seat occupants taking a swig while on the move! Also giving us a grin is the tremendous period Motorola phone in the back.

Opulent is the best way to describe this interior, with a really good dashboard and an exceptional headlining. The carpets look good too, with receipts for new rugs in the history backing up their deep-pile appeal. It’s coming a little loose on the passenger side (needs tucking under the kick plates), but otherwise is looking spick and span. 

The vendor reports an intermittent fault with the driver’s seat control; “it occasionally has a funny five minutes.” Also, the air-conditioning; “may not blow icy cold and at times.” But aside from these small niggles, it all seems good.

As far as bonnets go, this Bentley has one of the biggest in the business, despite being a little more svelte than it’s Mulsanne predecessor, this Brooklands is still quite the land yacht. The soundproofing on the underside of the bonnet is in great shape and despite the engine bay looking a little ‘honest’ – read dirty (oil mist) – everything seems to have been well-cared for.

The underside looks well protected with a good covering of underseal (which looks original) and without any obvious giveaways of leaks or rust that we could discern. Tyres consist of a matching set of Avon Turbosteel 70s of unknown age but showing decent tread depth.

The essential factor to bear in mind with any old Rolls-Royce or Bentley is that it’s seen the inside of a specialist garage regularly. There are plenty of invoices to show as much with this Brooklands, the latest being a service sticker from RR&B garage showing that the next service due at 104,134 miles. Well-stamped history from a number of specialists can be charted back for years with aforementioned RR&B Garage employed to carry out a number of servicing and mild recommissioning jobs – including new engine mounts during that last service in March of this year.

There are also a few invoices from Ghost Motor Works and Flying Spares (new rugs in 2019 (£250) and even an invoice from Bentley Cardiff for a new wiper drive and clips. A big bill for a replacement ECU in 2015 came to £1947.12, while all four calipers and brake pipes were overhauled and changed (respectively) in 2019 at a cost of £1297.60. Classic Motor Corporation carried out some lubrication and servicing work, along with fitting new speakers, in Oct 2021 at a cost of £1368.22. There’s plenty more to peruse at your leisure, but these are some of the larger/recent bills.

The elegance and opulence of an old Bentley is hard to beat. This one comes with a sensible price expectation, considering its condition, making it an appealing entry for those who fancy the luxury lifestyle without breaking the bank. Coincidentally, that’s precisely what this model was designed to offer when new. 

The interior and mechanical elements of this Brooklands make it even more appealing, with good history and two sets of keys, the only argument will be who gets to enjoy a back-seat tipple, you or your partner.

We are confident this will sell for between £8,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.