The Syd Lawrence Bentley: a Special with a story of its own

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Specials: almost everyone in the PreWar world has an opinion about them. Some admire their ingenuity, individuality and performance; others regret that an original motor car, or at least part of one, may have been sacrificed in their creation. But what if the special itself has become an important piece of history? And what if its story reads almost like a fairy tale, complete with ambition, triumph, tragedy and an unexpected second act?

Earlier this week, an interesting body appeared in PreWarCar.com’s Highest Bid platform. It once belonged to the Bentley Special built and raced by Sydney “Syd” Lawrence, a highly respected engineer whose name became well known in Bentley circles. We contacted the seller, who told us more about the fascinating man behind it.

Born in 1889, Lawrence interrupted his engineering apprenticeship to serve as an armourer and air gunner on Handley Page bombers. After his military service, he returned to the motor industry and eventually took charge of Anzani’s Experimental Department, where he built competition engines.
Following Anzani’s closure, Lawrence joined Bentley in 1926. When Bentley Motors collapsed in 1931, he established his own business in Hampstead. His clients included racing driver Dick Seaman, photographer and author George Monkhouse, and the Duke of Kent.

After rebuilding Royal Navy vehicles during the Second World War, Lawrence resumed working on vintage Bentleys at new premises in Mill Hill. There, using parts from his stock, he combined a 3 Litre chassis with a 4½ Litre engine. Registered as VMF 944 in May 1950, the resulting special carried Lawrence’s own chassis number.

He raced it extensively at circuits including Goodwood and Silverstone, developing it continuously. It featured hydraulic brakes and three carburettors, while engine failures inspired Lawrence to design his own crankshaft and hand-cut new rockers from solid metal. Ultimately, the engine reportedly revved to 5,000rpm and propelled the car beyond 130mph at Snetterton. Success on the track brought trophies and helped his business prosper.

Then tragedy struck. Lawrence’s wife died, and a serious leg injury put him in hospital. During his absence, money and parts reportedly disappeared from his workshop. Deeply depressed, he sold his remaining stock, closed the business and burned his blueprints. The special stood unused for two years before being sold to J. B. Vickery in 1968.
Lawrence later returned to the Bentley world, becoming an early builder of Mk VI-based specials. Meanwhile, VMF 944 continued racing for decades, finishing third at Montlhéry in 2000 and winning the 2003 Con Martens Trophy at Silverstone.

In 2016, its body was removed and replaced with replica Vanden Plas tourer coachwork, explaining its availability today.

With a reserve of just €3,500, it strikes us as an excellent opportunity for anyone with a rolling chassis awaiting a suitable body. Bentley, Lagonda, Riley, pick your make. The next chapter has yet to be written. Who will take it on?

Bidding ends on Sunday, 26 July, at 10:45 a.m. BST (11:45 a.m. CEST). Find out more in the advertisement.

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