Not Sold | 1956 Bentley SI by James Young 'Ex-Lady Docker'

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Not Sold (Est: £42,000 - £48,000)

1956 Bentley SI by James Young 'Ex-Lady Docker'

United Kingdom • 2 Mar 2019 • Lot 182

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1956 Bentley SI, with coachwork by James Young, was originally owned by Lady Norah Docker. The car is finished in blue-black with red leather upholstery and has been with its most recent US owner since 2001 before being imported back to the EU. The car is in good order, however the brakes require urgent attention.

Condition

6

The car has aged well and shows nice patina. The engine runs well, and the interior and bodywork are in good order. However, the brakes require urgent attention and the car might benefit from some recommissioning.

/ 10

Transmission:

[Transmission]

Chassis No:

B14BA

Odometer:

30,349 miles

Reg Number:

[Reg Number]

RHD/LHD:

[RHD/LHD]

The first owner of this Bentley SI complete with James Young coachwork and finished in blue-black paintwork with red leather upholstery, was quite a character, to say the least.

It was given to Lady Norah Docker in 1956 as a present by her husband, Sir Bernard Docker, Managing Director of BSA.

A former nightclub dancer, Norah Turner married Sir Bernard Docker in 1949 after two previous millionaire marriages (in five years).

Even in post-war England where austerity was the norm, Sir Bernard and Lady Norah led a lavish life.

A self-proclaimed stylist, Lady Docker even commissioned coachbuilder Hooper – of which she had become a director – to build a new and ostentatious display model for Daimler every year to enhance the reputation of the BSA owned marque and to attract a wealthier clientele.

Eventually, the BSA management had enough of the Dockers’ indulgent lifestyle and massive expense account and Sir Bernard was removed from the board.

He and Lady Docker were gradually excluded...