It is well known that in 1930 Rolls-Royce was alarmed at the performance and appeal of WO Bentley's fine 8-litre model, which was in direct competition with its Phantom II Rolls-Royce. This was overcome by buying the financially ailing Bentley Motors in a carefully disguised deal, and later on by refusing to let WO use his name on a Lagonda he had designed. The closure of the old Bentley Motors...
It has been some time since I interviewed a chauffeur of long standing but last month I projected the Alfa Romeo into the Cotswolds to meet Sydney Luckhurst, who has driven one family through five generations. His father was employed at Lord Vestey's London estate at Kingswood, where Pink was the head-chauffeur, and it was suggested that the young Sydney should help with the cars. He learned to...