Joe
Welcome to the unique world of Rolls-Royce/Bentley.
Barrett-Jackson's website reports the chassis number of lot 716 as B338DB. This means that this vehicle started life as a late 1956 S1 Bentley, not a Rolls-Royce.
At some point in its life someone has tried to convert it into a RR by installing a RR grill and various insignia. Although I can't tell from the pictures, I doubt if the wings (fenders) and bonnet (hood) were changed. The Bentley grill has a gentle curve at the top and needs a Bentley bonnet to form a pleasing fit.
Converted vehicles generally have a lower resale value than originals. The conversion should not detract from your own enjoyment of the vehicle.
You should seriously consider joining the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club. Information is available at
www.rroc.org.
Also look up
www.rroc.org.au (Australian club) and
www.rrbew.co.uk for the British viewpoint. All of these sites have a forum where technical and other support is offered by and to those of us infected with the RR/B virus.
Manuals and parts lists and other information is available at
www.rrtechnical.info .
I suggest that you have the vehicle examined by a RR/B specialist to determine its mechanical condition and to determine whether any immediate repairs etc are required.
Again, wecome and enjoy.
Leho
