A LANDMARK court case which could have wide-reaching ramifications for the historic car business was settled today.

Vintage car dealer Stanley Mann faced a lawsuit last year when he was sued by American lawyer Mercedes Brewer over a 1930 Bentley Speed Six he had sold her.

Although the vehicle, generally considered to be one of the finest vintage cars ever made, did not have its original engine, Mr Mann, who has been a Bentley dealer for more than 40 years, said it was up to specification.

However, when Mrs Brewer fell into debt she had the car valued by an auction company, which mistakenly undervalued it.

She argued that the car had been mis-sold due to the replacement engine and sought damages from Mr Mann.

Although he argued he had informed Mrs Brewer that the engine was not the original, His Honour Judge Anthony Thornton found in her favour last October.

However, Mr Mann, who has been a Bentley dealer for more than 40 years, appealed against the ruling and today won his case at the Court of Appeal.

Speaking after the ruling, Mr Mann said he was delighted with the outcome.

“The Court of Appeal’s decision has vindicated me,” he said.

“This is a good day for the historic car business and indeed, had the flawed judgement of His Honour Judge Thornton been allowed to stand, the implications for the entire antiques market would have been immense.”

The ruling is thought to set an important precedent for cases involving questions around how the identity of a car is affected by its history.