Lynn James photo

Another Bantam variation on the original two seater Roadster was the Speedster...expanded to be a four passenger car. There was another 4 seater, the Tremulis designed Riviera which has a different body. A diagnostic is that the Speedster has the Saknoffski "LeBarron scallop " on the side while the Riviera doesn't and also has roll-up windows. (What was it with Bantam...did they only hire designers named Alex?)

Bantams came in various stages of trim...this one appears to be a Deluxe or even Master Speedster...note the little chrome strips on every other grille bar...beauty ring on wheels and two vermillion stripes on the wheel...however, it should have a second windshield wiper I guess. This is probably a late 39 or 40 as the headlights have been (unfortunately IMHO) moved outboard on the fenders.


The most famous picure of tthe Speedster is it's appearance as a chauffer driven "limo" for Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in "Babes in Arms", a 1939 musical film. (I understand this scene was eventually cut from American versions of the film, or video tapes, so, you have to see the British version to catch the scene). 16 year old Garland didn't get paid much for the film but apparently did get to keep the car!

SNAPSHOTS BANTAM