In amazing unrestored condition, this 1929 Bentley 4 1/2-litre sports saloon sold for $1.07 million, more than twice its pre-auction estimate, at the Bonhams Beaulieu sale. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ A Louisiana auto parts distributor has pleaded guilty and admitted to selling pirated Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software valued at more than $17 million. More at The Detroit News.
+ Cadillac has released photos of its new 2017 XT5 crossover, the replacement for the SRX, in advance of the formal debut in November. More at Motor Trend.
+ With a new 30-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the all-electric 2016 Nissan Leaf will have a range of 107 miles, 27 percent greater than the previous model. More at USA Today.
+ Two-time NASCAR champion and Hall of Fame member Ned Jarrett, 82, announced that he is now cancer-free after four weeks of treatment for melanoma. More at Sporting News.
+ Toyota has canceled production at three factories in northeastern Japan due to heavy rains that burst the banks of a river in the city of Osaki. More at Reuters.
+ Auto supplier Stant Corp. will close its Romeo, Michigan plant and lay off 167 people, but is moving some corporate and engineering positions into a new technical center in Rochester Hills. More at Crain’s Detroit Business.
+ Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 1.7 million Ram trucks to correct defects in their steering-wheel wiring, airbags, and steering components. More at Fortune.
+ Automakers, telecommunications companies and a key U.S. Senate committee have reached a consensus to test the feasibility of sharing more of the wireless spectrum for Wi-Fi. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Renault will introduce a new fourth-generation version of its Megane hatchback, including a top end GT version, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. More at Autoblog.
+ At the Bonhams Beaulieu sale, a 1929 Bentley 4 1/2-litre sports saloon sold for $1.07 million, more than twice its pre-auction estimate. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ Ferrari reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez is first in line to pilot a Gene Haas Formula 1 car when the American team joins the series in 2016. More at Yahoo! Sport UK.
Read the previous Executive Briefing from September 7 here.
Photo courtesy of Bonhams.
What’s the right thing to do with that Bentley? I think I’d repair any major defects but otherwise leave it unrestored.
By reading the piece a seized engine will be a major job.
That much money for a tired old car has me lost. IF it was a really nice original car maybe. But it is clearly NOT.