Happy story

Sir,

Whilst I cannot offer much comfort to Mr. Timothy Houlding in dealing with the officials of his local Taxation Office, may I tell of a happier situation.

Last year, I bought a derelict, engineless Derby Bentley in Essex. There was no evidence of the Registration No. let alone the log book. However, the Secretary of the BDC kindly informed me, on being told the chassis No., that the car was first registered on 31.1.35, a Park Ward saloon, colour black with a white coachline, supplied by J. R. McEwan of Perth to a G. F. Anderson of Tibbermore the car started its life 15 miles from my home!!

On telephoning the then local office in Perth, the chief clerk told me: “Yes, we have the details here most of the records have been destroyed, but we knew someone would be back to claim a Bentley!” I went the next day, paid my £2 and got my duplicate book. On the way home I called in to see if I could tract the last owner, went to the wrong farm and met the second owner, who learnt to drive in the car.

By another stroke of luck I have acquired a brand new engine and gearbox, never before having been in a car, so hopefully my Bentley will take the road in a more sporting guise.

Crieff JOHN ANDERSON