1953 Bentley Graber

First Event entered 2009

National AACA Fall Meet FIRST PLACE

 then

2010 ROLLS ROYCE/BENTLEY

 REGIONAL MEET

NEW HOPE AUTO SHOW 

RECIPIENT OF THE

QUEEN ELIZABETH 11 TROPHY

BEST IN SHOW 

PLUS

 NEW HOPE  AUTO SHOW 

BEST IN CLASS

2010 BEST IN SHOW 

Double Award Winner

BUCKINGHAM CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE

 

Previously owned by W.C.”Bill” Wilkinson,Esq.,U.S. Naval Commander for decades in Newport Beach it was originally created by Harmann Graber of Switzerland. In 1953 it was first presented by Graber at the GENEVA AUTO SHOW.

Acquired over two years ago it was represented as being a very expensive restoration and also originally owned by Tin Tycoon Simon Patino,one of the richest people in the world. After discovering that  item after item  were done incorrectly from top latches,chrome engine parts,modern screws and fasteners poor wiring,totally wrong exhaust system to leaking lines,rough running engine,poor fitting convertible top and customized items that had to be brought back to CORRECT SHOW STANDARDS I then “Googled” Simon Patino to find out that he died 5 years before the car was built…..So as always Buyer Beware and unless you know the seller or the car yourself ….it will save you plenty of aggravation and money.. 

 You can view some of the process as we have taken the vehicle apart and in the process making it a gorgeous British Racing green finish with natural tan leather interior and deep walnut burled wood dash.

In addition the windscreen and most of the chrome even though it had an excellent shine was of poor quality and painstaking re chromed by Frankford Plating in Philadelphia.

The entire exhaust system was an incorrect and inexpensive Midas system.Seeking to do the absolute correct system we were able to locate BORLA EAST systems in New Jersey now operated by famous classic car restorer Steve Babinski.He graciously came in person with his technician and created the correct and perfect system for this car.I personally thank you Steve for your help.

At this time I will not divulge the person who painted my car even though Lou C (not the comedian) deserves much credit for putting up with my demands however I don’t want him to get too much business from others subsequently placing me behind you.