TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh admits he ‘misses’ gorgeous 1920s Bentley Le Mans car
Alan Titchmarsh once owned a stunning 1929 Bentley model with the top gardener admitting he was a fan of historic models.
TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh once owned a stunning classic Bentley Le Mans built almost 100 years ago with the star a massive fan of 1920s historic machines.
Alan secured the keys to the stunning 1929 Bentley 4.5 litre Le Mans Rep back in 2007 and had the vehicle for 15 years before letting it go at auction.
The chassis was ordered in late 1929 and delivered to its first owner, Major Bird in the first part of 1930.
Several owners and updates later, and Alan got behind the wheel but used the car sparingly under his ownership.
Alan also kept the model wonderfully maintained with the model leading the Bentley Centenary Parade at Silverstone in 2019 and regularly attending Goodwood motoring events.
Speaking to RM Sotheby's Auctioneers last year, Alan admitted he still had a soft spot for the iconic model.
He said: “The first one I bought in about 1990 was a Morris Cowley flat-nosed, 1928. That was my very first one and I enjoyed using that.
“I've then been to all kinds of bits and bobs like an A30 van. I taught myself to drive in an Austin A30 van so I got that for sentimental reasons then that went.
“I had for 15 years which I sold last year a 1929 four-and-a-half litre Bentley Le Mans which I loved.
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“I had 15 years and I did really enjoy it and it went up in value and I thought it would be a good idea to sell this now and I did. But I miss driving it so much with the central accelerator, double clutching, all that driving.”
He added: “I think that's the great appeal once you've taught yourself to do it.
“Once you've learned to double the clutch, once you've learned the different speeds you can change gear whether it's second or fourth.
“It's slow into second and then smart into third, and you have to learn that. And then some days with these 1920s and 30s cars, no I'm not playing today. They have a character, they have a personality and I really enjoy that.”
Alan admitted the 1920s and 1930s were “his period” and revealed he was a big fan of the “artistry coupled with engineering” found in the early models.
He has since switched his Bentley for something a bit more modern but accepts he doesn't get the same spark as before.
The TV star explained: “Then I bought a 1974 Lagonda M45 and that's what I’ve got there. And I will keep that as long as I can remember the accelerator is in the middle. I really love driving that period of cars.
“I've still got an E-Type Jaguar 1963 Coupe that I had restored, bought from the States. A wreck and totally restored that. I enjoyed the process of doing that. I don't get the same kick of driving a 1960s car as I do driving a 1920s and 1930s car.”
