1949 Bentley MKIV HJ Mulliner Aluminum Coach Bodied from Jack Barclay London

Price: - Item location: Ames, Iowa, United States
Description:

1949 Bentley IV

This is a 1949 Bentley Mark IV with an aluminum coach built body from HJ Mulliner and ordered originally by Jack Barclays in London.
This car was imported from England to Iowa by a dentist in Des Moines and a founding member of the local SCCA chapter who has since passed away. It was then sold to a couple in Iowa who owned it since at least 1980 which was the issue date on the title I was given. I have a copy of that title for the records as it is now registered in our name.
The car as I can tell is completely original and runs and drives well. The tires are showing cracks and have flat spots that work themselves out while driving but I would not recommend going far without new tires. On a cold startup just move the choke control to start and hit the starter button and the car fires right up without hesitation every time and once the choke control is moved back to run it idles at a slow and smooth speed.
The spare tire, jack and engine crank are there. The tool case that goes under the dash is there but most of the tools are missing. The paint is original and as with all of these old aluminum bodied cars is flaking off in places which shows the amazing aluminum bodywork underneath and no filler or rust.