Lot 416: Bentley 4� Litre All Weather Tourer by Thrupp & Maberly

Following Rolls-Royce's takeover of Bentley in 1931, the first new Bentley had been the 3 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 crossflow cylinder head. Producing 105bhp and mated to a four-speed synchromesh transmission, the 3,699cc engine provided the 3 Litre with 90mph plus performance. For 1936 Rolls-Royce enlarged the engine to 4,257cc. Retaining the 3 Litre's crossflow cylinder head, twin SU carburettors, 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 of the 4 Litre was much the same as its predecessor, ie: 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 Litre was even more enhanced with the 4 Litre and, as before, leading coachbuilders provided a variety of saloon, drop-head coupé and touring bodywork; around a third of customers, however, opted for Park Ward's saloon, this style being the closest Rolls-Royce came to pre-war series production. Delivered new in October 1937 with Thrupp & Maberly All Weather open tourer coachwork, chassis B 170 KT's original owner was the Viscount Bridport and originally carried the registration ELD 660. Only three such examples were ever produced of this handsome four door pillar-less tourer, the hand-crafted aluminium panels of which are formed over an ash frame. Exported to America at an unknown date, the Bentley was sold from an undisclosed, Long Island, New York, estate after 14 years in storage prior to being acquired by the vendor. Recently the subject of a no expense-spared restoration to the highest of standards, and imported to Great Britain in March this year, B 170 KT is presented in cosmetically excellent condition and is supplied with a MoT test certificate valid until June 2009, HM Customs & Excise certificate and documents relating to its final sale in America. As one of only three such Thrupp & Maberly-bodied Bentleys in the world, the auctioning of this extremely elegant and exquisite 4 Litre tourer - most attractively finished in pale green with complementary green hide interior - offers the true collector the opportunity to acquire an extremely rare and very British motor car. Buyers please note that the car's original registration has been applied for and we are confident that it will be reissued.