In The Beginning

Bentley celebrates its centenary this year. To join in the revelry, we headed to Kroonstad to drive one of SA’s most extraordinary Bentleys

- Wilhelm Lutjeharms

The 4½-litre is quite a sight. And intimidating. Its sheer size and shape appear so alien in a modern motoring world. But it also oozes quality engineering from every angle. I can’t wait to slide in behind the wheel.

Pre-war cars are an acquired taste and many classic car fans often dismiss them as relics from the annals of history. The truth is, though, connoisseurs consider pre-war classics the core of motoring. They represent the origins of racing, when pioneers – both on and off the track – laid the foundations for modern motoring.

WO Bentley was one such man and the cars he manufactured while he was still involved with the company – between 1919 and ‘31 – hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. Similar to how many Ferrari fans viewed the F40 supercar as “the last true Ferrari” owing to the involvement of Il Commendatore (Enzo Ferrari), Bentley’s pre-1932 cars are hallowed examples of the company’s engineering progress before the British carmaker entered liquidation and was snapped up by Rolls-Royce.

Chassis number UK 3293 was bought in 2005 by the current owner’s late father (after a year and a half’s negotiation with the previous owner) and, before his dad passed away, they completed several trips in the 4½-litre, immersing themselves in Bentley culture locally and globally.