1938 | Bentley 4 1/4 Litre

1938 Derby Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé
Chassis number: B199LE
Registration Number: FGW263
With its 4¼-Litre engine and versatile drophead coupé body by Vanden Plas, 'B199LE' is a particularly fine example of a late Derby Bentley. London-based coachbuilder Vanden Plas had forged its not inconsiderable reputation by a most fortuitous alliance with Bentley, bodying some 700-or-so of the latter's chassis during the 1920s, including the Le Mans team cars.
The car was restored by noted French restorers LeCoq in the 1970's. Since then it has had major works done upon it at different intervals by LMB in Belgium & also by Fiennes Engineering leaving the car in tip top condition.
The car has just had a brnad new vastly expensive paint job in April 2023 so presents like new outside. The interior is pale grey leather in really nice condition along with grey carpets. The story continues under the bonnet with a tidy well detailed engine bay.
Huge bills come with the car for assorted mechanical works. Accordingly the engine runs in silence & is both strong & powerful, starting readly. The black mohair roof folds easily down & may be raised & lovered by just one person.
Overall this is a very attractive derby & is very competitively priced. It is well worth a look once it emeges from the paint shop.
It should be noted that this car has the available to order 3.64:1 rear axle ration which is almost identical to the MR & MX overdrive series of cars. It is thus very long legged & relaxed at speed befitting the moniker "The Silent Sports Car."