The Fast Lady

Murdoch Troon, a shy cyclist in South London, is forced off the road by an impatient driver. He tracks down the owner and discovers Commander Charles Chingford, the domineering head of a sports car business. The encounter seeds a rivalry and sets Murdoch on a path that will cross Chingford and his world.

Murdoch meets Claire, Chingford's beautiful daughter, and is instantly smitten. Claire confides her love of sports cars and her wish to own one, despite her father’s objections. The attraction deepens Murdoch's resolve to win her over.

To prove his devotion, Murdoch vows to buy a car. Freddie Fox, a smooth-talking used-car dealer and Murdoch's lodger, sees a chance to ingratiate himself with Chingford and to make a fast sale. The plan centers on obtaining a legendary car, The Fast Lady.

The car chosen is a 1927 Bentley 4½ Litre Red Label Speed, painted British Racing Green. It is nicknamed The Fast Lady and represents Murdoch's bold romantic gambit. Freddie hypes the purchase, and Murdoch commits to owning the car.

Murdoch begins with a modest driving lesson in an Austin A40 Farina, a far cry from the Bentley. His nervous instructor Wentworth struggles to control the nervous student and the stiff car. The lesson degenerates into a comedy of errors as Murdoch fumbles every turn.

Freddie offers to teach Murdoch again, promising better results and a quick mastery of driving. The second lesson proves equally disastrous, with clumsy handling and misjudgments. Murdoch remains determined to prove his worth for Claire.

To prove his skill, Murdoch bets Chingford that he can drive the Bentley. Chingford, the seasoned racer, accepts the challenge with a confident smirk. The bet sets up a high-stakes test of nerve and ability.

Murdoch takes Chingford for a drive and loses the original bet. He then issues a counter-bet that Chingford cannot drive back home in under 30 minutes. The tables turn when Chingford fails the timed challenge, and he reluctantly allows Claire to go out with Murdoch in the car.

Freddie has arranged a purportedly bent examiner, but Murdoch draws Bodley, who seems determined to fail him. The tension mounts as the test day unfolds and the car ride becomes a test of nerve as well as skill.

Mid-test, the Bentley is commandeered by police to pursue bank robbers in a Jaguar. The high-speed chase tears through town and country and even a golf course, leaving a trail of automotive chaos in its wake. The robbers are eventually captured, but the test continues to surprise.

Bodley declares Murdoch failed and bans him from driving for life. Chingford, however, is impressed by Murdoch's driving skill and refuses to let a ban ruin their plans, hinting at an approval for Murdoch to marry Claire. The moment shifts from punishment to potential blessing.

Despite the chaotic test, Murdoch and Claire's romance endures and their engagement is permitted. The Bentley, The Fast Lady, remains central to their ongoing story and their resolve to pursue happiness together. The ending points toward a hopeful future for the couple.