Lot 18: Bentley 4 1/4-litre Saloon by Park Ward

It is not too much to say that, with the introduction of the 3½-litre Bentley some three years ago, a new standard of car values was set, for never previously had a car of similar size given so high a performance with such remarkable ease and quietness of running.  The recent announcement that a bigger engine, of 4¼-litres, was to be made available instantly caused those who knew the 3½-litre to speculate upon the probable advantage, not so much from the point of view of sheer maximum speed, which already was satisfying enough, but from that of all-round performance, and acceleration in particular.'  So opened the Autocar road test for the new Bentley 4¼ litre saloon.  Another extract from the same test states: 'The average speed capabilities are, of course, altogether beyond the ordinary, and a long day's run leaves the driver not only fresh but willing to go on further.' The coachbuilder favoured most for both saloon and open coachwork for the Bentley was Park Ward; some 1,070 cars from a total of 2,429 received their bodywork, predominantly in sports saloon and drophead coupé forms.  It is such an example we offer here, an early 4¼-litre saloon, chassis number B48GA, dispatched as a demonstrator to Belfast agents Agnew & Graham Ltd in April 1936 and registered EZ 2686.  The car became a familiar sight to readers of the contemporary 'On the Road' publications from Bentley Motors.  It was depicted in Issue 6, page 13, captioned 'The winner of the Ulster Automobile Club's Coachwork Competition at Bangor' and on page 21 as 'In the heart Galway' with a further entry taking up page 13 of Issue 8, 'Three photographs taken on a tour through Galway'. B48GA returned to the mainland some 18 months later when sold to the first private owner, a Mr Leonard Tetley of Bacombe Warren, Wendover, Buckinghamshire.  Still registered EZ 2686, the car was later recorded with a Mr J C J Clark in July 1951.  From this date the Continuation Log Book records a further four owners, the last change taking place in February 1968 with a licence for four months obtained at Southend-on-Sea at this time.  B48GA was then laid up in a farm building and undisturbed, almost forgotten, for the next 37 years before being purchased by the current owner in 2005.Purchased in a non-running condition and believed to be seized, the vendor was pleased on receipt of the car to discover that the engine had freed itself during transport and thus the old oils were flushed out and the engine turned over gently on new oil until it was certain that it was in good order.  After the long period of storage, various ancillary items needed attention and these were sourced and fitted or reconditioned.  The chassis and running gear were checked over and the brakes etc. attended to and replacement tyres fitted.  Despite having never been restored, the body was found to be in good order and needing no real attention.  The paintwork is original with scrapes and chips having been painted over the passage of time.  Apart from undergoing some minor cleaning, the interior trim is largely 'as found', except for the replacement of the headlining and visor covers in grey West of England cloth, the original having been in a very poor state. An MOT certificate was gained and B48GA was registered with the DVLA in December 2005, retaining the original Northern Ireland number.  Since then it has been used sparingly and on the day of inspection it started at the first push of the button every time.  With fresh fuel added the carburetion settled down and the car was then driven 12-15 miles over a variety of roads, with some steep inclines encountered, the engine coping with these admirably without recourse to the lower gears.  Oil pressure remained good throughout and no evidence of overheating was experienced.Remaining as possibly the most original running and roadworthy, unrestored 4¼-litre extant, B48GA could be run in its current condition for years to come, or, if a restoration is to be embarked upon, its sound and unmolested condition will ensure that the end product will retain much of the current car's spirit and originality. Documentation supplied with the car includes a V5C document, current MOT certificate, post-war buff continuation logbook and 1968 tax disc, along with photocopies of the car's photographs in OTR6 & 8 whilst in the care of Agnew & Graham Ltd.