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This second of only seven left drive center shift examples supplied from new with the large bore 4.9 litre powerplant was acquired by us in 2000 from the stepson of the second owner, as shown in the factory records and Stanley Sedgewick’s excellent study of this model. That owner’s name, Rene Avigdor, is stamped on the inside cover of the original owner’s handbook which accompanies the car, along with the original H.J.Mulliner Coachwork Instructions.
It was a very straight 71,000+ mile all original car, except that the interior woods had been redone, and the original Dark Green finish was changed to Shell Grey, reportedly during the mid 1960s. Happily, there was no evidence of any major collision damage, and the car was quite complete with original fender spats, specially ordered chrome rocker mouldings, bumpers, lamps (except for the foglights), etc. quite intact. It ran very well, not surprising as it was sent back to the factory for a major overhaul in 1968. Even the correct Continental exhaust had survived intact and in very good condition. The windshield was cracked. A full set of “before” photos are available for inspection.
A Concours quality complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration by ourselves to original specifications was completed in late 2003. The 2004 Amelia Island Concours was its show debut and First Place honors were the result. Later that year, a special class for postwar Bentleys was a feature of the Quail Lodge Concours in Carmel, California and BC5LD again took a First Place, ahead of the famed “Olga” prototype. It’s showing at the 2004 Meadowbrook Concours D’Elegance brought another win. At the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, against some very worthwhile competition, yet another First Place trophy was captured. It has subsequently been shown at the AACA National Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania and the Fairfield, Connecticut Concours with the same result. This automobile has never finished Second in any exhibition.
It has been a cherished part of a major museum collection since, well looked after and in the same show winning order today with 72,068 miles traveled since its initial delivery on 8 December, 1955. As part of the restoration, two authentic Revelation suitcases were acquired and trimmed to match, a Continental Spares Touring Kit was supplied, and an accurate scale model was finished to match its larger cousin, this last for display purposes during shows. The virtually impossible to duplicate Palwan Press large format book for this serial number accompanies the car as well. It is in mint unused condition. The tools are complete and correct.
Deserving of addition to the most demanding collector‘s stable, it is by far the best example of necessarily few available anywhere. It is currently mechanically reviewed and prepared for countless miles of enjoyment. Your closest inspection of this remarkable automobile is invited. It is in our opinion and that of many others:
THE FINEST ONE IN THE WORLD 
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STOCK/INV. NUMBER:
BC5LD
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