The original Embiricos Bentley now forms part of a Californian collection and is unlikely to be sold any time in the near future – a fact that prompted a Petersen client to ask if it could be recreated.
The answer was, of course, ‘yes’, and the result, which was completed seven years later in 2006, is now on sale in London with classic car specialist Graeme Hunt.
Running its original engine, the car has an exquisite, hand-crafted aluminium body resting on an ash frame, as well as 18-inch wheels with ‘Ace’ discs and an interior trimmed in rich, tan hide and luxurious Wilton carpet. A trio of suitably French Marchal lamps light the way and the gunmetal pewter paintwork gleams like new.
Not long after completion the car was sold to musician Jay Kay, of Jamiroquai fame, who subsequently sold it on to the late Orin Smith, CEO of Starbucks and noted automobile enthusiast.
It was sold on by R.M. Sotheby’s at Amelia Island in 2017, where it went for a relatively modest $671,000. Subsequently checked and thoroughly tested at events ranging from tours of the Scottish Highlands to the Le Mans Classic (where it won a concours trophy) the car is ‘on the button’ and ready to take Europe in its stride.
1939 Bentley ‘Embiricos Coupe’ replica
On sale at Graeme Hunt Ltd, London, SW1
Price: £797,500
graemehunt.com
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