As Found Number Sixteen
Reader Richard Plavetich writes:
When you started the “As Found” column on VeloceToday, I submitted photos of my Simca 8 Sport I bought a few years ago. Well, suddenly, the story has become much more interesting!
This week I was contacted by the son of the (deceased) prior owner. His mother found a poster from the 1950 Sebring 6 hour race listing the results. She said the prior owner of the Simca was named John Bentley. His name was on the poster, shown as having finished the race in a Simca, in 21st place (out of 23).
I found a March 1951 issue from Road & Track in my archives showing the Bentley Simca at Sebring. The car shown is dark (black?).
My car is white – having been painted in the early 50’s. However, from some flaking paint on the front of the car, clearly it was originally painted black. Additionally, it is fit with a period fabricated dual carb manifold.
In doing some further research on John Bentley’s racing career online I see that he also ran a Simca in the 5/12/51 Giants’ Despair Hillclimb.
While this information is very exciting no learn, I am trying to find additional images or information linking the Simca to John Bentley, Sebring 1950, or the Giants’ Despair Hillclimb of 1951. I never imagined that the car had such a past! Any help with this mystery would be much appreciated!!!
Many thanks,
Rich Plavetich
Laguna Beach CA
949-606-5791