Lot 223: 1938 Bentley 4 ¼ Brougham Semi Razor Edge Saloon By Freestone & Webb

Following Rolls-Royce's takeover of Bentley in 1931, the first new Bentley had been the 3 ½ Litre of 1933. Basically a sporting version of the Rolls-Royce 20/25, it utilised a shorter chassis together with a more powerful version of the 20/25's six cylinder engine with new cross flow cylinder head. Producing 105bhp and mated to a four-speed synchromesh transmission, the 3,699cc engine provided the 3 ½ Litre with 90mph plus performance. For 1936 Rolls-Royce enlarged the engine to 4,257cc. Retaining the 3 ½ Litre's cross flow cylinder head, twin SU carburetors, twin fuel pumps and single coil ignition, power rose significantly to 126bhp, which allowed an almost 100mph maximum speed and notably improved acceleration. Otherwise, the specification was much the same as the 3 ½ Litre, i.e.: a separate chassis, complete with centralised lubrication system, employing leaf spring suspension and adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers front and rear with power-assisted brakes. The reputation for speed and fine handling accorded the 3 ½ Litre was even more enhanced with the 4 ¼ Litre and, as before, leading coachbuilders provided a variety of saloon, drophead coupé and touring bodywork. The Bentley 4 ¼ that we are proud to offer is highly important and extremely rare; it is one of seven examples known as Brougham Saloon or more popularly as Top Hats. Of the seven built only three are known to survive. No two cars were identical and B162 KT has the added historical interest of being the Freestone and Webb Trials Car ie. a sales demonstration vehicle which was equipped with many non standard spares and extras as well as secret storage compartments.B162 KT was sold to a Mr Louis Davenport of Surrey on 17th January 1938 and he retained the car until 1944 when it subsequently passed to a Mr Martin of London and from there to Mr Macmillan of Glasgow. The current owner is a prominent British collector who acquired the car in the 1990s. Just prior to his purchase the car was restored mechanically by Rolls Royce and Bentley specialists S. Brunt Ltd of Staffordshire and restored bodily by Prowess Racing Ltd. Some £ 34,000 was spent on the rolling chassis while approximately £25,000 was spent on the bodywork.The Top Hat by Freestone and Webb must surely rank as one of the most handsome and elegant saloon designs to be placed on a Bentley chassis. B162 KT is unique, historically important and offered in excellent condition, a must for any consumer of the marque or anybody wishing to enter the Concours D' Elegance competitions or take part in the many rallies and tours for which the magnificent Bentley is eligible.B162 KT is finished in midnight blue with a contrasting grey hide interior and polished wood cappings and supplied with a V5 document and related paperwork.