Used vehicle shopping instruction manual: Bentley Brooklands

The Brooklands, like its Thirties forebear, used to be designed for use. This is a luxurious grand tourer that appears its absolute best when heroically fly-spattered, slightly than pampered on a trailer. 

It used to be constructed for an international that not exists, the usage of experience and methods which are being subsumed via automation. As a compelling expression of a bygone age, the Brooklands merits to be celebrated. 

An proprietor’s view

Simon Mahony: “I used to possess a Mulsanne, however I simply noticed the costs tumbling, so I changed it with the Brooklands. I really like its coupé styling. It’s only a glorious vehicle, rather sporty even. I’ve loved taking it as much as north-west Scotland, amongst different highway journeys. I’ve even noticed 18mpg on lengthy runs. Servicing prices are rather dear. I take it to my native Bentley broker, however you simply have to just accept it’s a dear vehicle to run. The one actual drawback I’ve had have been the rear suspension dampers, which used to be no longer an inexpensive repair, however I’ve liked proudly owning the automobile, nevertheless.”

Purchaser beware 

Engine: The Brooklands’ engine by no means exceeds 4500rpm in commonplace use and few examples have coated mileage excessive sufficient to show issues of put on, however common servicing is pricey. Bentley broker Jack Barclay quotes £5000 for a complete engine carrier and £1900 for an intervening time carrier. Impartial Bentley specialist Mulsanne Motors quotes a extra affordable £1300 for an engine and gearbox carrier. 

Gearbox: The six-speed ZF 6HP26 gearbox seems to present little bother. Even if it used to be conceived as a ‘sealed-for-life’ unit, services and products will have to be performed no less than each and every 60,000 miles. Jack Barclay quotes £800 for the carrier by itself. 

Suspension: The auto weighs 2650kg, so bushings are labored laborious for a residing and so they price in far more than £1000 for complete replacements, no longer together with labour. Concentrate for clunks or thumps over potholes. 

Inner: This will have to were smartly cared for. Even high-mileage examples will have to glance softly mellowed, no longer worn. Repairing any tears or harm is also expensive, given the leather-based’s grain, color and weight.