2015-07-22 11:08:10 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 7/15
www.classic-auctions.com/Auctions/29-07-2015-ThePavilionGardens-1391/1957JaguarM ...

Auction description:
Sale Date: 29th July 2015
Lot Number: 97
1957 Jaguar MK VIII Special
No Reserve
Reg Number: HJX 59
Chassis Number: 760742DN
Engine Number: C8610FF
Cc: 3442
Body Colour: Biascan Blue
Trim Colour: Grey
MOT ExpiryDate: Oct 2015

- Derby Bentley coachwork by William Arnold of Manchester

- Jaguar MkVIII chassis and Jaguar 3.4-litre engine

- Biascan Blue, 45,000 miles, PAS, Jaguar XJ-S gearbox

The late owner of this intriguing special purchased the car from its creator, Arthur Billard, in September 2012. Mr Billard, a silversmith by trade, had purchased the original Jaguar in 1966, taking it off the road a few years later when the bodywork began to deteriorate. In the early 1970s he purchased a Derby Bentley body from Frank Cobb & Co, cutlers and silversmiths of Sheffield, to whom Bentley chassis B180GA had been supplied in May 1936 via Joseph Cockshoot & Co. This was about to be scrapped but the sum of £12.00 secured its survival and he commenced a restoration which would not be completed until 2011. He undertook most of the work himself, including the bodywork, upholstery, spraying and mechanical work apart from the engine overhaul which was entrusted to a good friend. Sadly due to ill health he never got to drive the finished car, although he enjoyed regular trips as a passenger. Finished in Biascan Blue with Grey leather, the car is believed to have covered just c.46,500 miles.

The specification is understood to include:

- Streamline Saloon coachwork by William Arnold of Manchester from a 4.25 Derby Bentley

- Dashboard and seats from a Jaguar Mk VIII

- 3.4-litre Jaguar engine

- Jaguar XJ-S gearbox with overdrive on 4th

- Burman power assisted steering

- Disc brakes all round

- Jaguar E-Type S3 wire wheels

Offered with Swansea V5 document and current MoT to October 2015, this interesting special is testament to its creator's skill and eye for detail.

2023-07-16 20:52:58 | pauls writes:

Car returns to auction 8/23

www.brightwells.com/timed-sale/5373/lot/640905

Auction description:

1957 Jaguar/Bentley

Estimate: £22,000-25,000

Registration Number HJX59

Engine Size 3442CC

Tax and MOT exempt

Engine Number C8610FF

Chassis Number 760742DN

Amendment: A unique combination known as the 'Jentley'; Jaguar MkVIII running gear with a William Arnold Streamline body ex- Derby Bentley; beautifully executed and on offer from a deceased estate; requires light recommissioning

Amendment - the car was started on 23rd May and was running nicely as per the video

HJX 59 started life as a run-of-the-mill 1957 Jaguar Mk VIII - not so hum-drum in the day and a fine car in its own right, the history of which is scant other than the chassis number suggests it had a manual box with overdrive. It was originally fitted with a 3.4-litre engine.

It was acquired in 1966 by Silversmith Arthur Billard, but gradually the body deteriorated to such an extent that it was decided to take radical action.

In the early 1070s, Billard had discovered a Bentley body sitting in the corner of a fellow Silversmith's workshop which was acquired for £12! It was to be a perfect match.

The Jaguar chassis was given a major restoration, and notes on file suggest it now has a 3.8-litre engine from a Mk IX fitted and an all-synchro later-type gearbox with overdrive - 2,700rpm at 70mph by all accounts.

The brakes were converted to Cooper Craft discs and a power steering unit fitted to make parking a doddle.

The William Arnold body dates from 1936 and was originally fitted to Bentley Chassis number B180GA which was sold to Frank Cobb, a well-known Silversmith from Sheffield, who was incidently a relative of J Cobb, racing driver and record breaker. It was to their 'Streamline' design.

Cleverly grafted into position, it retains its original bodystructure and bonnet, with modified wings and the Jaguar grille, modified by Billard himself. It all sits very naturally in place and makes a very fine combination - in effect a Coachbuilt Jaguar Mk VIII.

The retained dash is Jaguar, with the rest of the trim/interior being Bentley/William Arnold, complete with some nice touches including a flower vase.

Painted Biascan blue and sitting on E-Type V12 wheels, the job was finally completed in around 2011, but sadly the owner was getting along in years by then and it didn't get much use.

On offer from a deceased estate, it was acquired through Jeremy Wade in 2015 and given regular exercise up until about 12 months ago. Spencer Lane Jones gave the car a comprehensive service and check over in 2019 costing £1,100 and the family have recently had it running - please see attached video.

Featured in a write-up in the Bentley Driver's Club review in 2014, it looks like a very easy car to both drive and own, with an ability to cover big distances with Grace Space and Pace....

2024-01-11 20:41:22 | pauls writes:

Car returns to auction 2/24

www.brightwellslive.com/timed-sale/5524/lot/665867

LOT 6

1957 Jaguar/Bentley

Auction Ends: Wed 14th Feb

Estimate: £22,000-25,000

Otherwise same as above