Pascal Bego of France
1924 A Mulliner Tourer GMK74
It is thought that 440 20hp tourers were built, and 94 are recorded with the original body still attached to the original chassis. André Blaize told Pascal that only 6 of them are in original condition and comparable to GMK74 in terms of authenticity and preservation. Arthur Mulliner coach-built only three tourers: GH1 ex Doctor Chicot's car delivered in France and now in Belgium, GMK20 (but we don't know where the car is) and GMK74.
The car was ordered by Samuel Coxhill a high-class confectioner and "pâtissier" who owned altogether at least 14 Rolls-Royce cars during his lifetime. He kept GMK74 from 3 November 1924 to 12 January 1926. Then the car passed to Herbert Thornton living on Cumnor Hill in Oxford; at that time the car was still kept her original livery - two shades of grey with grey upholstery. Arthur William Walker, Thornton's neighbour, bought the car during the winter of 1959. In need of a good freshen-up the car was then displayed on 15 July 1962 at Middleton Stoney Park where she won 1st prize in Class II at the annual RREC concours d'élégance, and won again on 30 June 1963 at Blenheim Palace 1st prize in Class III. At that time the car was painted ivory with green mudguards and valances.
The car was then sold at auction on 22 March 1969 at Blenheim Palace by Brooks & Son, lot 309. Her fourth owner, Michael Pownall was a discrete and knowledgeable Rolls-Royce and Bentley connoisseur and collector; he ran, with his brother John, the McIntyre group of companies and Metal Recyclers Ltd. Michael travelled every year from England to Switzerland and Austria with his beloved tourer. He kept GMK74 for 49 years until he died. During his ownership the car was maintained regardless of cost but never restored; an overdrive was fitted, mudguards and valances were painted ivory to fit the body colour and the upholstery tinted in blue. Original handbook and logbook were still with the car together with the original mascot and some of the small tools.
Pascal acquired GMK74 in September 2018 and took it back to Brittany where they are now both happily swanning around.
