1937 BENTLEY 4¼ LITRE FOUR DOOR SPORTS SALOON

Details
1937 BENTLEY 4¼ LITRE FOUR DOOR SPORTS SALOON
COACHWORK BY MANN EGERTON

Registration No. DYX 924
Chassis No. B182HK
Engine No. D4BF

Burgundy with burgundy leather interior.

Engine: six cylinder, 4257cc, 125bhp at 4500rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Brakes: four wheel drum: Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear. Right hand drive.

The Bentley Company and all its assets were purchased by Rolls-Royce in 1931, but it was two years later that the first new Bentley "Silent Sportscar" was introduced, this being the 3½ litre. The engine was a twin carburettor version of the Rolls-Royce 20/25 but used a different cylinder head, camshaft and higher compression ratio. These cars were built at the Derby works and thus became affectionately known as Derby Bentleys.

By 1936 a revised 4¼ litre was launched alongside the similar engined 25/30 Rolls-Royce, but the Bentley retained twin SU carburettors and a higher compression ratio. Like its Rolls-Royce counterpart, the Bentley attracted the best of the coachbuilders art - most designs crafted by Park Ward and Vanden Plas.

Delivered new in 1937 this example of the sports saloon has Mann Egerton coachwork; according to the chassis listings B182HK was delivered in July 1937 to Mr E J Bobbing-Purser. Today the car is in generally good condition overall, with burgundy paintwork and original dark leather trim. The interior is quite useable and has a pleasant, homely feel to it - although the carpets would benefit from replacement. The Bentley starts, runs and has a current MOT with V5 registration document.

Derby Bentleys remain very popular and this sports saloon is an attractive example.

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