Bentley 4¼ Litre Sports Saloon by, 1936
Bentley R Type
Bentley R Type•
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Chassis No.: B138HK
Engine No.: E4BE
Registration: DGT 395
- Just one of six sporting-bodied, Windovers-built cars
- Starting regularly and invery good running order
- Extensive coachwork, mechanical and electrical works carried out
- Comprehensive history folder
By the end of the 1930s the 'Derby' Bentley, introduced towards the beginning of that decade following the firm's takeover by Rolls-Royce, had undergone a number of significant developments, not least of which was an increase in bore size in 1936 that upped the capacity to 4,257cc. Now boasting twin SU carburettors, raised compression ratio and a more 'sporting' camshaft, the new 4¼ litre model offered more power over its predecessor while retaining the well-proven chassis with its faultless gear-change and servo-assisted brakes.
The Derby Bentley was, of course, exclusively coachbuilt and, of the 2,442 manufactured, almost 50% were bodied by Park Ward which shows just how rare this example is. Especially as not only was this built by Windovers, specialist coachbuilders based in South Audley Street, London, but who produced only a total of only fifteen 4¼ litre Bentleys at that time with only six carrying the Sports Saloon body-style making this an important survivor indeed. Originally delivered to Mrs. V. Jarrett on the 23rd October 1936, it was then passed on through just one other owner before it arrived under the stewardship of the vendors father.
For the next c.50 years, he cherished it (even using as a rally car at one point). It has been maintained with care over many years by the past and current owner, father & daughter.
Extensive works were undertaken by Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists, Brunts of Silverdale, during the mid 90s which included a complete engine rebuild and rewire, new prop-shaft with new rear hubs, wheel drivers and restored rear wire-wheels. In 2007, Calvert, Wells & Co. then took over maintenance until relatively recently which included a complete front axle and suspension overhaul, a complete set of new leather gaiters, new steering and suspension components as well as repairs and detailing to the undertrays. The rear axle received new half-shafts and the differential & carburettors were also overhauled as was the water pump and ignition system.
A comprehensive engine tune and service, fine detailing to the engine and compartment with new satin black enamel finishings were also carried out. A new complete stainless steel exhaust system has also been fitted. Additional general servicing with an overhaul of the braking system which, at that time, included five new Dunlop tyres. Coachwork repairs included bare metal respray to the front wings, running boards and rear wings. Additionally, repairs to the bodywork included the fabrication of a new ash frame being fitted to the boot section including a new rear window with a new polished wood surround with the boot area trimmed with rubber matting.
Since then, the car has been serviced every two years with the last taken place in 2020. Also included is a CD with an extensive photographic record detailing the works carried out by Calvert-Wells & Co. Two folders accompany the car containing numerous invoices detailing information relating to works undertaken right down to a new ash frame at one point. Calvert-Wells & Co. of Stansted took care of the car for a number of years which included extensive coachwork as well as a comprehensive mechanical overhaul with numerous other elements all fully detailed. Prior to this, ‘Brunts of Silverdale’, in 1995 when the engine was out being rebuilt, also rewired the car.
Lionel Wells, a well-known and respected Bentley specialist, has worked on this car since his time at Brunts. There are notes from him as well as invoices from P&A Wood. The second folder contains various registration documents, MoT test certificates from the present day and going back. A detailed vehicle condition advice report from Classic Assessments that, incidentally, recommended it to be insured (in 2017) at between £86,750-£95,950. Also included are correspondence from the Rolls-Royce enthusiasts club, previous purchase invoices, photographs and even a motor fuel ration book left over from the Second World War.
The striking paintwork is a two-tone, sapphire blue with steel-blue wings, running boards and waistband, all of which have a wonderful patina and have not been over restored. There are some minor areas which would possibly benefit from some remedial work at some point in the future. The elegant seating arrangement are trimmed correctly but in vinyl now as opposed the original leather Windovers would have used when new. The carpets, however, are almost certainly original as is the headlining, door cards and the wood trim which remains in good order. The door-straps certainly require some attention as does the front passenger window which is beginning to delaminate.
Attention has certainly been focused to rear comfort with additional headroom allowed for those of a taller disposition as well as, unusually, an individual cigar holder in one armrest and an ashtray in the other.
The bumpers look good as one has been replaced and the other re-chromed, together setting the car off well, especially combined with the period-style (new) number plates and original lighting subtly intermingled with discreetly placed, modern indicators just above & below the front and rear bumpers. Also, the ‘T-Key’ for the boot & fuel filler-cap has been fashioned out of a spare door handle, a crank handle can be found neatly on the bulkhead and, also, during the last engine rebuild, temperature strips were attached to two of the six cylinders in order to monitor performance.
This fine example, the very first design of its type by Windovers, started immediately upon request and ran evenly during my time there. Additionally, complete with an original Service Handbook, a hardback condensed Handbook, a lube chart and a copy of chassis card details, this car represents a very stylish entry into Derby Bentley ownership indeed. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille
