Derby Bentley B104EF ex Culcutta India

[guBulawayo]

Hi All – I am new to this forum, my main interest is Rolls-Royce and Bentley in Africa, a few of which have come from India.


One of interest at present is a Derby Bentley, chassis B104EF, which was in Calcutta in the 1940s and 50s owned by Cren Sandys-Lumsdaine, who was a founder member of the Calcutta Motor Sports Club. The car was used a lot for racing in the 1950s and is believed to have won the 1956 Culcutta Grand Prix – The car was later owned by Cren in Kenya. The car was registered WBD-653 in India.


I wonder if any Members have any entry lists for any of the Culcutta Grand Prix of this period or any other races in the area that may show this car as an entry. I believe the car was also used in a 12 mile Hill Climb but I have no idea of the name or location of this.


I would also like to try find some photographs of the car racing in Culcutta.


Many thanks

Wayne M. Kennerley
Wales, UK
Member: Bentley Drivers Club; Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club and VCC of South Africa

[shankar.balan]

Welcome aboard sir! Off topic, isn't Bulawayo somewhere in Rhodesia now Zimbabwe? Nice handle you've chosen! Shall watch this thread with interest as I love old classics and would like to know more!

[karlosdeville]

Welcome aboard Wayne, nice to have you here.

From the top of my hat I do not recall the car you mention being featured on the forum before, but I'm sure some leads will turn up shortly.

In the mean time can you share some recent pictures of the car with us? While searching online for some I came across this link, showing the original body up for sale.

Historics at Brooklands - Specialist Classic and Sports Car Auctioneers - 1935 Derby Bentley Saloon Body by Park Ward

[guBulawayo]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Welcome aboard sir! Off topic, isn't Bulawayo somewhere in Rhodesia now Zimbabwe? Nice handle you've chosen! Shall watch this thread with interest as I love old classics and would like to know more!

Yes indeed, I was born in Bulawayo -

[guBulawayo]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

In the mean time can you share some recent pictures of the car with us? While searching online for some I came across this link, showing the original body up for sale.

Thanks - I don't have anything showing the car at present unfortunately, I was at the BDC Archives earlier this week but the current or recent owner is not a member of the club. Thanks for the link, I had seen the body was for sale, a pity they replaced it as the saloon body looks fine to me.

Pic below shows the car the the 12 mile hill climb, photo with thanks from Gillem Sandys-Lumsdaine.