Lot 225: 1938 Bentley 4¼ litre MX Vanden Plus Open Tourer

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 the shorter chassis of the stillborn smaller Rolls-Royce, code-named the Peregrine, 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. This first of the Derby Bentleys was also notable as the first to be marketed as 'The Silent Sports Car', such was its considerable refinement. For 1936 Rolls-Royce enlarged the 20/25 engine to 4,257cc, the increase in capacity also being adopted for the Bentley which now became the 4 Litre model. 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 was much the same as the 3 Litre, 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 series production pre-war. Few mechanical changes occurred during the 4 Litre's production life but of note was the introduction of the M Series with overdrive in October 1938. The extra gear ratio provided the latter with a top speed of 107mph and otherwise it differed in having 17 rather than 18 inch diameter wheels, uprated steering and fixed radiator shutters. Originally registered FOG 125, chassis B117MX was manufactured on June 24th 1939 and carried the saloon coachwork by Park Ward when delivered to its first owner, E. J. Perry. Completely restored by marque specialist Sargeants of Goudhurst, Kent, between 1990 and 1996, it was at the same time re-bodied with open tourer Vanden Plas coachwork by specialist coachbuilder James Pearce of Wisborough Green, West Sussex, using a customer's similarly bodied Bentley as a template, the work including fabrication of the correct timber frame, all alloy body panels, the windscreen frame and even the seats to create an absolutely exact and perfect copy. This most handsome Bentley, strikingly finished in pewter over green with green interior, is thus presented in excellent condition. Often a participant in historic rallies and classic car runs, it is supplied complete with a copy of the original Bentley build sheet, FIVA Identity Card, service history, photographs of the car prior to restoration, some invoices, including one for £3,892 for an engine rebuild in August 2005, 'buff' registration book, V5 and V5C registration documents, old MoT test certificates, a current one valid until August and Tracker security device.