1931 | Bentley 4 1/2 Litre

Offered for sale is an exceptional and extremely powerful Bentley Special Roadster, built on the basis of a Bentley 4½ Litre with chassis and original vehicle base dating from 1931. This vehicle combines authentic pre-war engineering with the sporting spirit of the immediate post-war period.

According to the available valuation report, the Bentley was rebuilt in 1947, after the Second World War, into a Special Roadster in classic Grand Prix style. Such conversions were common at the time, as many pre-war vehicles were transformed into powerful, lightweight and sport-oriented one-off cars.

Today, the vehicle presents itself as a very coherent and convincing Bentley Special, both visually and technically, with clear proportions, sporting lines and high-quality craftsmanship. The design and execution underline the ambition to create a performance-oriented vehicle with classic Bentley DNA.

Historical Basis & Classification

• Manufacturer: Bentley
• Original base model: Bentley 4½ Litre
• Chassis / original base year: 1931
• Conversion to Special: 1947 (documented by expert report)
• Steering: Right-hand drive (RHD)
• Chassis number: B285CD

The combination of a pre-war chassis with a post-war Special body is historically correct, period-appropriate and widely accepted among collectors. The vehicle is not a factory race car, but represents an authentic one-off typical of its era.

Engine & Technology – Transparently Documented

The Bentley is equipped with an engine with a displacement of 4,257 cc, corresponding to the Bentley 4¼ Litre specification as used from 1936 onwards.

This engine was installed during the Special conversion and uprated in performance. The documented output is approx. 142 hp (104 kW). The engine delivers strong torque, confident power delivery and clearly underlines the sporting character of this Special.

Clearly and openly stated:

• The vehicle base (chassis) dates from 1931
• The engine corresponds to the 4¼ Litre type (4,257 cc)
• This configuration is clearly described in the valuation report and is historically traceable

Engine swaps of this kind were common for post-war Bentley Specials and are considered period-correct.

Condition & Driving Experience

The Bentley is in very good, fully roadworthy condition. The vehicle:

• starts reliably
• runs smoothly and powerfully
• shifts precisely via the manual 4-speed gearbox with external linkage
• brakes effectively
• offers a very direct, mechanical and authentic driving experience

To improve reliability and everyday usability, an electric fuel pump and a modern alternator have been installed. No technical defects are known. Minor signs of use are age-related and negligible.

Bodywork, Design & Equipment

• Special Roadster, 2 seats
• Grand Prix style bodywork
• Colour: Black
• Interior: Havana brown leather
• Brooklands windscreen
• Separate front and rear wings
• Wire wheels with 72 spokes
• Balloon tyres with inner tubes
• Spare wheel
• Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel
• Riveted aluminium dashboard
• Original Bentley instrumentation
• Chrome Bentley headlamps with stone guards + auxiliary lamps
• Right-hand side exhaust with heat protection

The vehicle has a strong presence, sporty yet classic – a true eye-catcher with authentic race car character.

Documentation & Valuation

• Valuation report available
• Belgian registration / EU documents
• Technical inspection passed on 17.08.2022 (not subject to periodic inspection)
• FIA Passport No. 47XX
• CAR-PASS
• Mileage since conversion: approx. 1,100 km (as of 15.03.2023)

Note on Designation

The term “Grand Prix” refers solely to the style, layout and sporting character of the vehicle. It is not an official Bentley factory Grand Prix car, but an authentic, historically correct Special conversion typical of the post-war period.

A highly characterful Bentley Special with documented history, a powerful engine, convincing engineering and strong emotional presence. Ideal for collectors, enthusiasts, rallies, historic events or sporting drives.

Further information, documentation and viewings are available by prior arrangement.