Page 21 - Braman Spring-Summer-Magazine_2019

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Most owners of mint antique automobiles would
be content locking them in a climate-controlled
STEPHEN HAYMES has purchased many new facility, turning them into works of art shown off to
vehicles in his life, several of which from Braman friends once or twice a year. This isn’t an option for
Motorcars. Over the past few years, he and his wife Mr. Haymes however, on account of his two prized
have enjoyed a BMW 750i, 650i, a Bentley Mulsanne, driving companions: Lola, a 7 year-old King Charles
and most recently, a Rolls-Royce Dawn. Cavalier, and Field Marshal George Montgomery—
Monty, for short—an 8 year-old Standard Poodle.
While impressive vehicles in their own right, none
have the history and character of a classic like his “They love going for drives!” exclaims Mr. Haymes.
H.J. Mulliner-styled 1958 Bentley S1 Continental This was made obvious by both dogs hopping up into
Drophead Coupe—originally commissioned by none the Bentley the moment he opened its doors. Monty
other than John D. Rockefeller, Jr. himself. immediately took position in one of the backseats,
while Lola wandered throughout the interior and
Mr. Haymes’ appreciation for this particular gem is poked her head over the rear fender. Eager to prove
apparent upon arriving at his Palm Beach home. A his point, Mr. Haymes turned the key, placed the car
V-12 Maybach charged with day-to-day chauffeuring in gear, and took his two passengers for a quick jaunt
duties sits in the driveway, open to the sun and around the block without a moment’s hesitation.
sand-tinged breeze. Sequestered away in the garage,
parked over a light gray carpet adjacent to its own
concrete curb is the aforementioned hand-built
Bentley—one of only five left-hand drive examples.

The fine craftsmanship is still evident more than
six decades later. The 6-cylinder engine fires
up instantly, its idle humming more smoothly
than some modern cars. Features include air-
conditioning, power steering, and electric folding
convertible top; while commonplace today, this was
the pinnacle of automotive luxury for the time.

Credit is due to the 10-month restoration the car
underwent shortly after Mr. Haymes acquired it in
2016. The project was overseen by Richard Gorman Every year, new luxury vehicles are bestowed with
of Vantage Motors in Miami. Although the car was more technology, power, and creature comforts.
in wonderful shape, Haymes insisted on a thorough However, it takes a true connoisseur to revere
audit to bring it to its current pristine status. The and maintain a paradigm of automotive history.
result? The S1 was shown at Pebble Beach in 2017, Fortunately for Monty and Lola, the old adage
and secured an excellence in class award at the doesn’t apply: you really can take old dogs (or cars)
Cavalino Classic at Mar-a-Lago this past January. on new trips!

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