News
Posted: Wednesday 1st February
Vehicle Control Systems Training
In order to provide the optimum in service for the later Bentley models we need to keep abreast of the latest technology in terms of vehicle control systems.
Four of our team have been participating in a two day on site CAN bus course specifically designed and run by Tony Kitchen of Milton Keynes based AK Automotive.
The commitment to ongoing training is not an option but a necessity. At Hillier Hill we recognise this and will continue to develop and enhance our ongoing training whilst encompassing and embracing the traditional skills and virtues that made the Rolls-Royce and Bentley names synonymous with excellence, performance and reliability.
Posted: Thursday 17th November 2011
The Problem with Telephone Diagnosis
We had a call recently from the owner of a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit complaining of a suspension fluid leak from the rear of the car and that he was constantly topping up the mineral fluid.
From the telephone description we deduced that either a pipe or hose had burst or one of the struts was leaking but when the car arrived we maneuvered it onto the ramp, only to find the source of the problem was the nearside rear caliper.
The brake caliper pistons were almost hanging out and the brake disc had been worn away by the brake pads which had no friction material left!
We asked him whether he had noticed any noise, and he said he heard a bit of squealing but that it had disappeared.
The reason it has disappeared was that the mineral fluid had been leaking onto and lubricating the disc, hence silencing and masking the problem with the brakes!
Needless to say it's just as well we caught the problem when we did. But it just proves that sometimes you don't know what the problem is until you see it.
Posted: Friday 28th October 2011
The Importance of Quality Repairs
It never ceases to amaze us how some repairs are undertaken.
We were recently working on an S type Bentley when we noticed that the right hand rear chassis bump stop was bumpy and misshapen. We cleaned the underseal and paint off, only to find that somebody had effected a previous repair on the chassis. We spoke to the owner who assumed that the consequences would be catastrophic but we soothed his fears and set to removing the offending repair to check the integrity of the immediate area.
Sure enough the “fabricated” section had been welded over some pre-existing corrosion. I use the word welded loosely as the quality of welding resembled the deposits at the bottom of a birdcage!!
We set to with the grinder and cut out the offending area. A new section of the correct gauge was made to pattern and welded into place. The area was ground back to a clean finish. The tricky part was fabricating the bump stop housing as this had to fit exactly into position and had to hold the chassis bump stop.
We also had to make sure that the bump stop location hole exactly matched the bump stop rubber moulded peg. Once fabricated, we finally welded the housing into place and trial fitted the new bump stop.
Final treating painting and undersealing saw the car repaired properly and ready for the road once more.
These images show in sequence how the bad the previous repair was and how we put it right.
Posted: Monday 24th October 2011
Vehicle Detailing
We have extolled the virtues of Conrad Lennons vehicle detailing skills previously. In detailing terms there can be few higher accolades than to have prepared the Aston Martin DB6 Volante belonging to Prince Charles in readiness for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton! Which is precisely what Conrad did!
We are extremely proud that Conrad has agreed, through Hillier Hill, to offer the same level of service to our customers. Whatever the cosmetic and bodywork requirements on your car, you will receive an honest and open appraisal before commencement. You will have the opportunity to discuss your requirements and the options open to you. Once agreed your car will receive the prescribed level of work and care and we are sure that you will not be disappointed with the results.
Prices start at £350.00 plus VAT for a full internal and external valet. Telephone Rob Preece to discuss your requirements on 01234 713871 or email service@hillierhill.com.
Posted: Monday 17th October 2011
Tectyl Underbody Treatment
Once again this year we will be running our Tectyl underbody protection treatment promotion programme. We have been using this Valvoline product for many years and are delighted with the level of underbody protection it provides. The Tectyl finish provides a dry yet flexible wax coating to the underside of the car.
We initially clean down and remove all loose dirt and rust and treat any areas with anti corrosive solution as required. We then paint any exposed areas before masking the underside of the car and applying a coating of Tectyl. We finally remove all of the masking and body protection before giving the car a careful inspection and clean as required.
The price for this procedure is £650.00 plus VAT. However as with last year, we are offering a promotional price of £550.00 plus VAT from now (October 2011) through until the end of March 2012.
We think you will agree, this is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the protection that the process affords to the underside of your car. Take a look at the photos to see the process for yourselves.
To book your Tectyl treatment telephone Rob Preece on 01234 713871 or email service@hillierhill.com.
Posted: Tuesday 11th October 2011
Electric Window Motor Conversion for
Silver Cloud and S Type Bentley Models
The Piper electric window motors fitted to Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S type models can be prone to failures. This can be due to wear, incorrect adjustment or an actual motor failure. The motors can be rewound and rebuilt, the chains and mechanisms can be adjusted but the reality is that the mechanisms and motors are a 1950's design and things have moved on.
We have fitted and modified a number of cars to use Bosch window motor mechanisms, which are both light and efficient. They provide both mechanical and operational efficiency and are quiet and reliable.
If you would like more information on this conversion please call Rob Preece on 01234 713871 or email service@hillierhill.com.
Posted: Saturday 8th October 2011
A Serious Safety Warning
There is no doubting that in recent times, the underbonnet area of an owners Rolls-Royce or Bentley, has begun to receive almost as much attention as the coachwork or the interior of a car. This is a positive development and is to be encouraged.
However, we have now been asked several times by separate owners of Silver Shadow and Silver Spirit and Bentley derivatives, whether they can remove the top suspension plates to paint them.
We have pictured the plates for your information. You will note that these plates are secured into position by five 5/16" UNF bolts and eight ¼" UNF bolts. They secure the spring and shock absorber assembly within the front suspension spring turrets. These are compressed and are under very high pressure.
In order to remove these plates you need a special Rolls Royce designed spring compressor which holds the front spring and shock absorber assembly in place until the assembly is removed and subsequently decompressed using a special spring decompressor. Only then can the assembly be safely dismantled and separated.
The bottom line is that this is not a DIY operation. If you undo those bolts without using the correct tools and equipment you could be facing serious injury or even death, it is as simple as that!
We don't often feel inclined to make safety statements of this nature but the increase in the number of times we have been asked this question compel us to make the situation crystal clear. You ignore this warning at your own risk.
Posted: Friday 7th October 2011
Sales News
Here is yet another shameless plug for one of our sales cars! The Bentley Continental R is without a doubt one of the future classics of the motoring world. The 1993 model we have for sale is an absolute corker for many reasons.
Firstly it has the attributes of the original styling combined with numerous upgrades which enhance to specification of the car. The external upgrades include 17" alloy wheels, Le Mans style vents, matrix grille and lower vents, big bore tailpipe etc which visually enhance the individuality of the car. The over all impression is both subtle and stylish.
Secondly, the car has been fitted with the adjustable steering column which in itself was a seriously expensive upgrade. Combine this with a wooden gear knob, wood rimmed steering wheel and Alpine retractable screen sound system, the interior has the same level of exclusivity and refinement as the exterior.
Thirdly, with the increasing popularity and rarity of the post war coachbuilt models, it can only be a matter of time before the prices of the Continental R's and T's shoot off into the stratosphere pricewise.
So, rather than hiding our light under a bushel, this car is a real find. It is not the cheapest, neither is it the most expensive, it simply is a bloody good car!
Come and see it for yourself. Once again we can extol the virtues of the car ad infinitum, but the reality is in the seeing and driving the car in the flesh. Give us an email or a call for an appointment to view/drive the car.
Posted: Tuesday 4th October 2011
Sales News
One of the more frustrating aspects of our business is that of trying to get the buying public to look at the cars we have for sale. We use all available means, some quite expensive, to get the message across, but it still a difficult nut to crack.
I have often said that our sales activities were borne out of the fact that Tony and I had become frustrated with customers buying cars of indeterminate quality elsewhere and then bringing them into us for service only for us to have confront them with the realities of their purchase. Given that the purchase of a Rolls-Royce or Bentley is often a long held ambition, it is not one of the nicest experiences having to tell someone that their new acquisition is in need of major surgery.
As a result of this scenario having been repeated numerous times, Tony and I took the decision that we would sell cars that we either already knew or were sourced from our trusted contacts and describe them honestly, warts and all if required! Our cars are not necessarily the cheapest but they always represent good value for money and critically, are cars that we would be happy to own ourselves.
Any warranty we provide is our own backed by Hillier Hill. Over the years, our warranty has rarely been called upon, simply because the car is properly prepared and serviced prior to purchase.
In the last two weeks we have sold two cars, one of which was the absolute gem of a Silver Shadow that should have found a home much sooner. Words cannot always convey the condition of a car but suffice to say a Parisian gentleman who previously came to look at another car we had for sale, was so taken with the car that he made a special detour from the Goodwood Revival to complete the purchase of the car. We are delighted the car is going to such a discerning gentleman.
This could be construed as an unashamed sales pitch, and quite frankly, it is. Do please take a serious look at our stock and if you do not see what you require, ask us. You only have to look at the sales page introduction to see the type and scope of our sales activities to see how we can and will help you with your search for the car you are looking for. Just pick up the phone or email us. Full details on our contacts page.
Posted: Friday 24th June 2011
It's some years since we have had a commercial presence at the RREC Annual Rally, so this year we decided it was about time we stopped hiding our light under a bushel!
In the ten or fifteen years since we last exhibited, our business has changed considerably. Our Rolls-Royce and Bentley sales and restorations are vying with our service work as core activities of our business.
Taking along eight cars ranging from a 1935 Derby Bentley DHC through to a 2007 Bentley Arnage T, we were delighted with the positive reaction to the quality and preparation of our sales cars. And as a consequence of attending the rally, we've made many new friends and contacts as well as keeping in touch with our existing customers, friends and industry colleagues.
We are grateful to everyone who visited our stand and who said hello, and I would like to extend a big thank you to Jason at Red 17 in Olney who put our exhibition together. We hope to see you all at Rockingham next year!
Posted: Thursday 23rd September 2010
The word valeting has come to mean many things to many people. To us at Hillier Hill it means providing the expertise of Conrad Lennon who was for many years the Chief Valeter for Autoglym. His skill and knowledge was such that in addition to being involved in training and product development, he was also asked to travel the world helping solve final finish issues for some of the major motor maufacturers,
Conrad now provides an exclusive valeting service for a select number of garages, car specialists and dealers, of which we are one. He cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear but he will surprise you with what can be achieved on your car.
Proper valeting takes time and can involve complex processes with very high quality products to achieve the best results.
Proper valeting is not cheap, but then neither is anything that's worthwhile.
For a discussion or consultation on what can be achieved, speak to Ray Hillier on 01234 714268 or email sales@hillierhill.com
Posted: Monday 23rd August 2010
We are proud to announce that one of our employees, Chris Leath, has won First Prize in the inaugural apprentice award scheme provided by The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, an award in conjunction with the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Specialists Association.
This prestigious award recognises the need to encourage excellence in the craft and technical skills required in order to service, maintain and restore Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles. A goal which is critical given the range of vehicles that the member companies of the RRBSA look after.
Chris attended the Automotive Industry Dinner at Drapers Hall in the City of London where he was presented with his certificate, and the Royce Medal kindly provided by the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation.
This award is an endorsement for the 25 years that Hillier Hill has been servicing Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles and also proves our continuing commitment in training the latest generation to maintain these beautiful cars. Well done Chris.
Posted: Friday 2nd October 2009
Owing to the ongoing and steady increase in our car sales activity, we are delighted to announce the opening of the new Hillier Hill sales showroom adjacent to our current premises in Olney.
This new building houses 2,800 square feet of showroom space, is bright and airy and allows us to present the cars in an environment commensurate with the Rolls-Royce and Bentley marques.
The showroom hours will be Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm and Friday 9am to 1pm. All other times by appointment.
As always the full inventory of the cars for sale is available on our website Sales page but to view in person please call Ray Hillier on 01234 714268, mobile no. 07851 396698 or email sales@hillierhill.com
And in addition to the sales facility we will be able to offer a limited amount of vehicle storage at £20 per week plus VAT per car.
The cars will be stored in a clean and dry environment while routine storage maintenance can also be provided at extra cost.
Posted: Thursday 24th September 2009
Do you suffer from high coolant temperatures on your Bentley R type, Silver Wraith or Silver Dawn?
If so, we may have the answer for you.
Hillier Hill have commisioned some high speed water pump pulleys which are based on Rolls-Royce high speed pulley design RE 19043.
This design was specified for running in higher ambient temperatures. These pulleys provide greater cooling system efficiency and can be fitted as a direct replacement for the standard pulley.
They come as standard in a Black painted finish and are priced at £150 plus VAT and shipping. They can also be provided with a high gloss finish for concours restoration at extra cost.
For more details contact Rob Preece on 01234 713871 or email service@hillierhill.com
Posted: Thursday 9th July 2009
Bernard Darby, one of our long established customers asked us to try and find him a Derby Bentley. He initially considered a drop head but I told him that I knew of a 3½ litre Derby Sports Saloon with bodywork by H J Mulliner.
We had known the last three owners and had looked after the car during that period. We duly showed the car to Bernard and he completed the purchase accordingly. However, there was one proviso, Bernard confirmed that he intended to do the 2009 BDC Alaska Rally in his new purchase.
With this in mind the car was carefully prepared and readied for the Rally by ourselves earlier this year before the car was shipped to Vancouver. Bernard and his wife Liz commenced the tour and rally in Vancouver on May 31st making their way with their fellow participants all the way to Anchorage and back.
This entailed driving on everything from modern freeways to permafrost damaged unmetalled roads, a journey of over 5000 miles in all.
We are proud and pleased to announce that the car completed the entire rally with nothing more than a blown exhaust downpipe! This is a testament to the strength and reliability of the Derby Bentleys and hopefully in no small measure to the care and preparation afforded on the car by Hillier Hill!
For those of you who may be interested in following the exploits of the intrepid travellers go to www.bentleyalaska.com
Posted: Monday 5th January 2009
The current economic downturn means that car sales definitely slowed in the second half of 2008
However, for every downside there is an upside. To make a car saleable it has to be attractively priced and comparitively many bargains are to be had
For example, we currently have the ex Jools Holland 1997 Bentley Turbo RL for sale on behalf of a customer. It is absolutely stacked with extras including TV, DVD, Sat Nav, Playstation, cocktail cabinets, picnic tables, wooden door requisites and the list goes on. Showing realism in the current market, the owner has reduced the asking price to a remarkable £22,950
If you are looking to change your car, the critical factor is not to look at what you may be offered for your own car.
Instead, you should look at the differential between what you intend to buy and what you have for sale. Another upside is that otherwise unattainable models suddenly seem more affordable
For the really farsighted, the real upside is the opportunity to build a collection of cars that will hopefully increase in value in the years to come.
Clearly, you have to be in it for the long term, but in my opinion this remains a good time to buy a ‘British’ Rolls-Royce or Bentley
I still believe, ‘British’ Crewe built Rolls-Royce and Bentleys remain undervalued and one of the real sleepers must be the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. With the model Kate Moss regularly seen driving her Silver Shadow II, their renaissance cannot be far away
As always, if you need any help or advice buying, selling or even building a collection of cars, whatever their make, give Hillier HIll a call
Posted: Tuesday 4th November 2008
It can't be too often that a smaller firm can say they're No. 1 on Google for a search enquiry, but we at Hillier Hill can proudly boast exactly that
Everybody knows good Google rankings drive business and every company is either trying to get higher in the listings, or if they do feature on page one, are desperately trying to remain there
That's why our website designer, Glenn - trading under the name of Xtremis Web Design, is keenly pro-active on our behalf about search engine optimisation
And it was during some research that he typed into Google 'rolls royce in car entertainment' and 'bentley in car entertainment' and saw that Hilllier Hill is No. 1 in the UK and The World!, for those search terms and their variations. Try it and you'll see for yourself
So well done to Glenn and to us. We like to think it says something about our standing in the Rolls-Royce and Bentley in car entertainment market place as well
Posted: Tuesday 22nd July 2008
An iconic part of the Rules Restaurant organization, Bubbles is a purpose built shooting brake on a 1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 chassis
After an initial re-commisioning and a complete body restoration, Bubbles begun work on the Rules owned Lartington Estate in the High
Pennines transporting guests and shooting
parties around the grounds
But after many years of service it was time to give Bubbles a much needed engine rebuild and recently we were proud to be entrusted with the work on such a highly visible and unusual vehicle
The engine was fully refurbished with a new block and cylinder head, new pistons, and new white metal bearings. Following this a careful rebuild and sensitive cosmetic work was undertaken and finally she was gently run in before being handed back to owner John Mayhew
I (Ray Hillier) was then delighted to accompany John in driving Bubbles back from Olney to Lartington, a distance of some 212 miles. A journey completed in one day and without a hitch
A testament to both Rolls-Royce and to Hillier Hill too
Posted: Thursday 8th May 2008
Despite the well documented credit crisis, the market for coachbuilt Rolls-Royce and Bentleys has never been more buoyant
R Type Continentals from the 1950's have reached astronomic prices and their rarity means that this situation seems only set to continue
And in addition to the R Type Continentals, coachbuilt Silver Clouds and S type Continentals have also been reaching ever higher prices
Given the way in which Bentley Motors, under the ownership of Volkswagen, has continued to increase production levels to 10,000 vehicles a year it follows that the relative rarity and exclusivity of British built Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles will only enhance their value
Apart from the specialist output of the Mulliner coachbuilding division making limousines and bespoke enhancements, the more exclusive limited edition models such as Corniche, Carmargue and latterly the Continental models will also soon be as in demand as their older siblings
Perhaps now is the time to consider investing in what could be one of the last chances to own a truly iconic British built motor car
Only time will tell whether we have all missed the boat!
Posted: Thursday 24th April 2008
It is a sad fact that for many of the Rolls-Royce & Bentley cars still running the chance that they will worked on by those familiar with them when new is diminishing
For instance on a car built in the 1960's it is obvious the average age of those mechanics with original product knowledge will be near to or beyond their retirement years
Consequently unless we guard against it, there could be a gradual deterioration in the skills and knowledge base gained maintaining these beautiful cars
So it is critical that our industry continues to invest into enhancing the knowledge of experienced technicians and also encourage the recruitment and training of apprentices
But I believe it's not a coincidence that we at Hillier Hill are increasingly asked to undertake major restoration work on clients vehicles
Even allowing for the growth in values of the rarer coach built cars, and despite an unsettled financial outlook, it has to be assumed that part of this influx of business is a result of the diminishing specialist skills base elsewhere
I can only say that Hillier Hill will always promote the learning and retention of those essential skills
Not just from a business point of view but because it's the right thing to do
Posted: Wednesday 13th February 2008
Not really a news item, although certainly topical, this time I wanted to get on my soapbox and give you my opinion on the 'green issue'
Because whatever your view of global warming our politicians and leaders would have us believe that the old cars we enjoy are serious polluters of the planet
But this does not represent the whole story
Most cars classed as classic were made pre-1990 which obviously means the majority of the vehicles are at least 20 years old
In comparison most volume cars have a probable lifespan of 10 years or less and given that they are effectively too complex to be worked on by anyone other than the main dealer networks, it means their working lifespan is relatively short
As they become older, less efficient and more expensive to maintain they will inevitably be scrapped whereas our classic cars could still be running whether 20, 50 or even 100 years old
The motor industry tells us that the newer the car the less polluting it is but conveniently this does not factor in actual production costs. After all at what cost to the planet is it to produce the raw materials, metals, plastics and glass that go to make new cars
In reality our classic cars do not deplete anything further in raw materials other than maintenance and restoration costs with many of the components being rebuilt, refurbished and recyled
There is also an argument that the relatively low milage undertaken by our classic cars produces less pollution than a 'rep-mobile' thundering up and down our motorways
Unfortunately the 'green lobby' always tends to look in the wrong place for answers to some of the worlds problems and I firmly believe that the classic car market is actually beneficial to the planet, as well as providing employment to thousands of people worldwide and revenue for the governments which spend their time trying to undermine it
So the next time someone makes a detrimental comment about your Rolls-Royce or Bentley just explain to them how much you are doing for the planet!
Posted: Friday 4th January 2008
Another brazen mention of our new website again, but we love it and it seems so do you
Since it's launch we have had nothing but positive feedback for the new look and we're happy to report that it's providing a positive boost of new enquiries too
It was consciously created to be different and stand out from similar sites and according to you it does that job admirably
Thank you for all your comments, they have been very gratefully received
Posted: Wednesday 5th December 2007
I wish we could claim this as our own news but you may not have heard of the 1904 Rolls-Royce sold on 3rd December for over £3.5 million, a record for a veteran car
It is the worlds oldest surviving Rolls-Royce, the 4th one ever produced, and was bought at auction with Bonhams by a private British collector
So if that person is reading this then may I say for the best of reasons, we would absolutely love the service contract!
To read an article on the story and see video footage of this amazing old car then click on this TimesOnline link
Posted: Wednesday 28th November 2007
The big Hillier Hill news this month is right in front of your eyes!
Welcome to our revamped, and we think wonderful, new website
In the ever evolving world of the internet we were aware that the old site was looking outdated. It had served its purpose but it was time for something fresh
What we wanted was a new design to match the classic simplicity of the cars we love, to be bold but elegant, and we're delighted it's been achieved in such style.
The man to thank is a new website designer trading as
'Xtremis Web Design'.
We absolutely recommend him and if you want to enquire about his services he can be contacted by clicking this email link
Posted: Wednesday 28th November 2007
We recently took a beautiful Bentley S1 Continental fastback into our Sales inventory. Car histories can be somewhat mundane but not for this vehicle
In amongst various correspondence and information we found a letter from January 1965 for the then owner who was attempting to retrace its history. One paragraph reads as follows:
"I do not know if you have addressed a similar enquiry to the first owner, Mr Lindsay. If so, I am afraid you will not get very far. This gentleman was murdered a few months before I bought the car by the husband of his mistress. You will probably recall the case as it received a great deal of publicity, and the car featured substantially at the trial where it was referred to as the 'love wagon'"
It just goes to show that it is worth reading your history file carefully!
Posted: Wednesday 28th November 2007
One of the most time consuming aspects of modern vehicle maintenance is that of diagnostics
Now to supplement our specialist Rolls-Royce & Bentley diagnostic equipment we have purchased a Pico four channel oscilloscope
Using the oscilloscope with a laptop computer this equipment provides a databank of wave forms for comparative information and can also give live data whilst actually driving the car, making difficult diagnosing problems that much easier
Colin Harris, our own resident electrician, recently spent three days using this item on a vehicle electronics diagnostics course and was so impressed he told us to get one. So we have
Another example of our determination to always stay at the forefront of diagnostic technology
