Founder of Frank Dale and Stepsons with his stepfather, Ivor Gordon has died at the age of nearly seventy-eight. He applied for a Rolls-Royce apprenticeship at Jack Barclay Ltd, aged 16, where he said he made more money as the teaboy than his actual wages.
Ivor became an authority on all things Rolls-Royce and was contacted by the factory for advice on restoring a 1938 Phantom III. The business became the main interest in his life. He had a collection of the marque with his brother John, famously driving his Phantom II through East Berlin on a rally. Ivor put thousands of miles on his Bentley R-type Continental, using it daily in the summer until recently. He was a lifelong member of the RREC and BDC.
Frank Dale and Stepsons, founded in 1946, has now been handed over to a younger, enthusiastic team but Ivor is fondly remembered. He is survived by his wife Primrose Gordon. Our condolences go to the family.
Chief sub-editor David Evans owns a BMW 2002tii and Citroën GSA that he drives to classic car events up and down the country