1938 | Bentley 4 1/2 Litre

Lot details

Year: 1938
Make: Bentley
Model: 4 ¼ Sports Saloon by Barker
Registration: ELR 518
Chassis No: B163KV
Engine No: R6BV
Odometer: tba

• Same family ownership for over 55 years
• Rare Barker bodied Sports Saloon
• Lovely condition throughout

Launched in 1933, the first of what would become known as the 'Derby' Bentleys continued the marque's sporting associations, but in a manner even more refined than before. Even W O Bentley himself acknowledged that the new 3½ litre model - popularly known as the 'Silent Sports Car' - was the marque's finest ever, commenting: "taking all things into consideration, I would rather own this Bentley car than any car produced under that name". By the end of the 1930s the 'Derby' Bentley had undergone several significant developments, not the least of which was an increase in bore size in 1936 that upped the capacity to 4,257cc, a move that coincided with the adoption of superior Hall's Metal bearings. This new engine was shared with the equivalent Rolls-Royce and enjoyed a superior specification in Bentley form, boasting twin SU carburettors, a raised compression ratio, and a more 'sporting' camshaft. Thus, the new 4¼ litre model offered more power than before while retaining the well-proven chassis with its faultless gear-change and servo-assisted brakes. Essentially an owner-driver sportscar, the 3½ litre and later 4¼ litre Bentleys found favour with such motoring celebrities as Briggs Cunningham, N S Embiricos, Eddie Hall, Woolf Barnato, and Land Speed Record specialist Sir Malcolm Campbell. In Rolls-Royce and Bentley tradition, customers chose their own bespoke coachbuilders. The likes of Park Ward, Vanden Plas, Gurney Nutting, Barker and Freestone &Webb were firm favourites in the UK, while European coachbuilders responsible for some memorable designs on the 'Derby' chassis included Van Vooren, Kellner, and Figoni at Falaschi.

This rare and fabulous example is finished in a unique dark green (originally black) with light grey leather, both of which are in excellent condition. This a very rare coach-built model by Barker and Co of London, established in 1710, before they were taken over by Hooper and Co and this is believed to be one of only two with this body style.

The first owner who took delivery of the car, when new, was Lord Newborough of Parc Glynllifon in Wales. He owned it from 1938 to 1958. Lord Newborough was famous as it was he that hosted the ball for the investiture of the then Prince of Wales who is now King Charles III.

This wonderful Bentley has been owned by the present owner's family for over 55 years. Our client's father (RREC chairman 1974-75) bought it in 1969 and it passed to our client in 1991 (being the sixth owner) and he has cared for it ever since. It was used extensively, taking it for family holidays in Europe frequently, attending many events and seven Rally Plaques come with the car. The most prestigious event was the 2002 Queens Golden Jubilee where the car was displayed in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Accompanying the car is an album full of period photographs of the car in our client's family ownership as well as its build sheet from the RREC archive and several MoT test certificates from 1996-2010. Over the years, much has been done to keep the car in the fine condition that you see it in today. The major highlights are, in 1970/72 Tim Perkins (club member) restored the paintwork, the trim and chrome.

In 2001 the car was completely rewired. In between these our client's father, our client (classic motor garage proprietor) and now his son (who works as a mechanic for a classic restoration garage) have helped to maintain it. This Bentley is mechanically completely original and even has the very rare full toolkit under the front seats. The condition of the entire car is excellent in all aspects and really needs to be seen to be appreciated. Consigned by James Good