Story and History

1980 Bentley Corniche FHC
5000 chassis srs
1 of only 4 produced
The Holy Grail

All Bentley's are rare, but this one is slightly more rare than most. Built in minuscule numbers, she is one of just four produced, making her one of the rarest Bentley's ever. But what makes her a little more special is who has owned her. Sir James Cayzer, a notable car collector and a name synonymous with the British aristocracy

Most of you will know Sir James Arthur Cayzer, 5th Baronet, as a prominent figure in British business and aristocracy, coming from the distinguished Cayzer shipping dynasty. He was educated at Eton and thereafter Oxford, and he later served as chairman of Clan Line Steamers and sat on the boards of several major companies, continuing his family's long tradition of influence in commerce and finance.

With an upbringing like that he naturally had refined tastes, and was known as a keen sportsman, racehorse owner, and car collector. His ability to be able to have bought this car shows both his standing and his appreciation for craftsmanship at the very highest level. So as you would expect from a man like that the car has both incredible provenance and specification. The chassis hails from the revered 5000-series, which is one of the rarest versions of the Corniche you can have.

The design combined the elegance of the Corniche silhouette with Bentley's sporting character and inside, she exudes the quiet opulence of almost a lost era – shiny veneers, deep leather everywhere, chromed switches and vents, the sort of craftsmanship that has long marked Crewe's finest work.

She comes with lovely lambs-wool over rugs, the original service book verifying the service history and mileage. Always with Rolls-Royce & Bentley specialists and regularly maintained

Originally supplied by Appleyard Rippon Ltd to Mr Bellow of the Bellow Machine Tools Ltd, we first knew of this beauty in 1995 when I sold her to a gentleman from Paris, Avenue Mozart from memory.

She was still finished in her original livery, Acylic Garnet which was subsequently changed to the current light grey, as chosen by Sir James. The beige leather interior, and knee roll are correct and original

In the world of post-war Bentleys, this car occupies a fairly strong position – often spoken of as the “Holy Grail” of the marque and with only four ever made, this Bentley certainly ticks all the right boxes