1938 | Bentley 4 1/4 Litre

Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley Motors in 1931, ensuring the survival of the Bentley name. The ‘Derby’ Bentleys made thereafter retained the earlier sporting reputation, but with greater refinement than previously.

The 3½ Litre Bentley appeared in 1933, with a tuned, twin carburettor, overhead valve, six-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed gearbox and boasted servo assisted brakes. Offering exceptional performance in near silence, the car earned the nickname 'The Silent Sports Car'. This reputation was further enhanced by the introduction of a larger 4¼ Litre version in 1936 – with production continuing until the outbreak of war in 1939.

As was common at the time, Bentley sold their cars as a rolling chassis, with the bodywork designed and built by a separate coachbuilding company, allowing an owner to choose the style of vehicle they wanted. English coachbuilder J Gurney Nutting & Co Ltd was founded in 1918 and specialized in sporting bodies. The 1930s were possibly the company’s greatest years, with saloon, coupé and sedanca bodies were built to order on mostly Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis.

The Bentley build records for the Sedanca offered here indicate that chassis construction commenced in 1937, this being passed on to Gurney Nutting later that year and the completed car emerging in 1938. It is believed that just four Sedanca Coupé bodies were built by Gurney Nutting for fitment to the 4¼-litre Bentley chassis. The first owner is recorded as a Lady Roseberry, of Leighton Buzzard, in July 1938.

Subsequent history for the rest of the 20th century is not held, but the Bentley clearly moved overseas as it was offered for sale in Paris, at auction in 2008. Purchased by a UK-based dealer and re-registered in the UK in December that year, the Sedanca was purchased by the current owner at the beginning of 2009. He shipped the car overseas and undertook the Bentley Drivers Club, Canada Alaska Tour in 2009, before embarking on major restoration works over the next 3 years, utilising several UK specialist companies. This was a very thorough renovation process, resulting in a very smart and reliable car, which was subsequently used for several further overseas tours and was even a Concours award winner at one point.

As part of the extensive works carried out between 2010 and 2013, the engine was overhauled, with the fitment of a new aluminium cylinder head. A new, upgraded rear axle was also fitted and the Bentley was rewired throughout. Well cared for and well maintained, the car runs and drives very well.

In addition to the mechanical work, the ash frame was rebuilt and body panel repairs completed as required. This was followed up with a full repaint in the current Maroon finish, together with extensive rechroming of the brightwork and fitment of a new Everflex hood, together with a renewed headlining. The Bentley looks stunning from all angles.

To complement the exterior work, the interior woodwork was renovated and new burgundy Wilton carpet fitted. The black leather seating is in very good condition and adds to the sumptuous surroundings.

Whilst Bentley supplied over 1200 4¼ litre model rolling chassis, the number bodied by J Gurney Nutting & Co Ltd was considerably fewer and of those, the stylish Sedanca models can be numbered on one hand, making this a particularly rare vehicle of the period. In very good condition throughout, this very usable example is ready for a new owner to cherish and enjoy.

We have copies of the Bentley build record cards, together with a comprehensive invoice record in respect of the 2010-13 renovation works together with some supporting restoration photos.

The car is currently registered and located in Guernsey. We can assist with (worldwide) shipping and importation processes if required.