| Author | Message | ||
     Luke Drady New User Username: deja_vu_25 Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2011 |
Good morning all I finally at the stage where i can seriously start looking at buying my first Rolls. I understand that it is best to purchase the best example you can afford, rather than a 'doer upper'. Given the vast price range of available cars out there at the moment, would a $25K car be a sound starting point with good mechanical history with brakes, hydraulics etc? Thank you in advance. Luke | ||
| Mark Luft Frequent User Username: bentleyman1993 Post Number: 328 Registered: 10-2016 |
Hello Luke, I think $25k is a great price to start at. At that price point you should be able to find a very good example of SY or SZ car. Just please, have it inspected by a RR/B mechanic. Someone that KNOWS these special cars. It is very easy to look at and fall in love with the first pretty paint job out there. Also, drive every one you see. This gives you the perspective of driving great cars as well as junk so you will know the difference. Have fun on the hunt, and good luck! | ||
| Luke Drady New User Username: deja_vu_25 Post Number: 6 Registered: 12-2011 |
Thank you Mark, great advice and good to hear that i should be able to break into the market. Anyone know of any cars out there that roughly fit my price range? regards Luke | ||
| michael vass Frequent User Username: mikebentleyturbo2 Post Number: 709 Registered: 07-2015 |
Hi Luke I would go for a 20000 series SZ, they are more refined than early SYs and probably better value. Fuel injection makes them more efficient and reliable. Don't be afraid of a turbo! Just be careful of rust on any car! Anything else can be fixed. Mike | ||
| Trevor Hodgekinson Frequent User Username: wm20 Post Number: 239 Registered: 11-2006 |
And avoid any car imported from Hong Kong. We made the mistake of getting 2 of them for the hire car business and they looked perfect, low mileage and well maintained mechanically. Then the servo noticed some thing unusual with the rubber sound deadening sprayed on the underside of the car. It was sprayed directly to the carpet underlay There was no floor it has totally rusted away as had the base of the front door frame. A very expensive mistake. Apparently they are mostly all like that from the salt air and sitting still for days on end. | ||
| Mark Aldridge Frequent User Username: mark_aldridge Post Number: 730 Registered: 10-2008 |
Hi Luke, If you require a modern feeling car, follow Mikes advice ,although I always buy pre active ride cars(Pre 1990). In my opinion the 20000 series cars are much less temperamental than carb engined SZ series. If you require a more traditional "Classic ride" then the Shadow 1 in my opinion is only beaten by the Cloud series. I am fortunate to have a 1975 Shadow1, 1956 Bentley S1, 1987 Bentley8 and my daily car a 1990 Bentley Mulsanne S. All of them totally enjoyable but with different characters. Mark | ||
| Luke Drady New User Username: deja_vu_25 Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2011 |
Thank you Mark. I am torn between the Shadow and Spirit to be honest. I am looking at a 71 Shadow and an 81 Spirit this weekend. Both appear to be suitable with reputable mechanics blessings. Always loved the Shadow because it has more of the regal shape to it, where as the SZ shape is a little more angular. Decision, decisions! | ||
| Luke Drady New User Username: deja_vu_25 Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2011 |
Great advice Trevor re Hong Kong cars. I will make sure I check history and low milers for this. | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 3927 Registered: 04-2003 |
Luke, Cars originally delivered to Japan as well as Hong Kong are also suspect as their mechanical condition is invariably worse than expected for their mileage. This is a consequence of the fact many of the cars have been chauffeur-driven and the drivers sit in the car with the engine idling and air-conditioning on for personal comfort whilst waiting for the owners who are attending a function or other commitments often for several hours or more. | ||
| Philip Sproston New User Username: phil2025 Post Number: 39 Registered: 07-2006 |
Luke, How about a LWB Turbo Bentley 1986 for $20,000. Owner cant drive any more - ring for more info. Phil - 0418266631 | ||
| Luke Drady New User Username: deja_vu_25 Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2011 |
Hi Phil Oh bugger! The LWB Bentley would have been worth a look, except I picked up a 1981 Spirit last weekend. Thank you for thinking of me. Regards Luke |
