1936 Bentley 4¼-Litre Sports Tourer by Vanden Plas
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Highlights
• Incredible history file
• Same family owners since 1951
• One of only six believed existing
• Sympathetically restored in 2011
• Arguably the most original example in existence
The Background
The Bentley 3½ litre, launched in 1933, was a hugely significant car for the company. This was the first new Bentley model to be offered under Rolls-Royce ownership, and it needed to succeed. It needed to show the motoring world that Bentley was still a brand to aspire to, and not to be seen as a lesser option to Rolls-Royce. Of course, some were perturbed by the notion, but W.O. Bentley set the record by stating that he would “"rather own this Bentley than any other car produced under that name."
Offered as a chassis and engine, the Bentley brought a shift towards comfort and luxury than the performance angle it had adopted prior to being acquired. The 3½ litre engine was a formidable unit, based on a Rolls-Royce design, it featured a more aggressive camshaft, twin SU carbs and a crossflow cylinder head. In 1936, owing to the pressure of heavier and more advanced coachbuilding, the engine was upped to 4¼ litres via a bore increase to 88.9mm for each of the six cylinders. That’s what we have here.
But the car you’re looking at here is important for reasons greater than that excellent engine. You see, this Derby Bentley (so called because the chassis and engines were built at the Rolls-Royce facility in Derby) was not bodied by Park Ward, Hooper, James Young or Hooper. No, it was bodied as a beautiful open tourer by none other than Vanden Plas.
The History
This particular Bentley has a fascinating history. It was delivered to its first owner, a Miss Nora M MacCaw in May of 1936. She would go on to own the car until 1951, at which point Carlton Autocars of Halifax were charged with the job of selling it. It caught the attention of a Scottish farmer, who had the car driven to him in Perthshire for inspection. After a test drive, he agreed to purchase the car, and it was later delivered.
Originally silver, the car was repainted in its current shade of green some time in the early 1950s. A letter within the paperwork from the owner’s son suggests that this came about as it was a more befitting colour for a farmer! Whatever the reason, it was done to a high standard and as such, is the paint you see on the car today.
The Bentley stayed with the family for the next sixty-eight years! It was used for high days and holidays, for general commuting and, well, for anything really. It was a car the family loved, and as such, they lavished no end of care and attention upon it over the years. In fact, as covered in the paperwork, the family did the vast majority of work on the car themselves. Their farming background demanded a command of much more serious machinery than a Bentley, so it’s upkeep wasn’t an issue by comparison. That said, for more involved work, it was sent away.
In 1999, the car was bequeathed to the owner’s sons, who continued to use the car in the manner to which it had become accustomed. It was given a mechanical overhaul in 1982 by David Scott-Moncrieff, and was again sent away in 1994 to Classic Restorations of Alyth for more mechanical restoration. In 2011, the sons sent the car to Milford Vintage Engineering Ltd for a complete overhaul. Here, the body was removed from the chassis, the engine too. All mechanical parts were refurbished where possible and replaced where not. However, the car’s ‘topside’ appearance wasn’t altered. You can’t replace patina like that!
Since then, the car has been in regular use. However, it was passed on in 2019 and as such, is now looking for a new home. This is a remarkable car in enviable mechanical health. The body has a charismatic amount of age to it, but not to the point whereby it’s of detriment. It’s a car that has been used, and it’s proud of that fact. As well will you be.
The Paperwork
There is a binder included with the car in which you will find almost everything pertaining to the car’s past. There are letters from one of the sons who owned the car. There are copies of the original build cards from the factory. There is a pleasing collection of correspondence between the dealer and buyer in 1951, in which the dealer offers feedback on oil consumption, warranty and so on. It’s all very charming!
Next, we have photos of the Bentley over the course of its life. This includes pictures of it in silver, and then the green it is now. It also used to have wheel discs, whereas it now wears wires. The pictures are all dated, and say where they were taken.
Next, we have the maintenance and restoration works. The bulk of this is from Milford Vintage Engineering Ltd from around 2011 and 2012. Everything done is itemised, and includes but is not limited to servicing, replacement of the wiring loom, suspension and brake refurbishment, new fluids, new gaskets, new bolts and fixings. It all totals over £50,000! And naturally, there are CDs included with photographs of the work as it unfolded.
There is paperwork to support work carried out by Classic Restorations in 1998, as well as invoices and job sheets from David Scott-Moncrieff & Son Ltd in the early ‘80s. There is certainly more history here than most cars can boast, and all in rich detail. It shows that this car has lived a life of wanting for nothing. And quite rightly so, it is a Bentley after all.
The Interior
Pleasingly patinatied, but all perfectly functional. The interior is largely original with the exception of the front seat squabs, which have been retrimmed at some point. Other than that, everything is original from 1936. Quite a find, really. And while the leather has cracks, there is no aggressive wear nor any significant damage. The same can be said of the rear seats.
The doors are in good order. The door cards are presentable, too. All the handles and fixings are still in place and the latches work as they should. The studs for the weather gear all remain, as does the upper piping between the door card and the door body. Both doors open and close without issue.
The doors are in good order. The door cards are presentable, too. All the handles and fixings are still in place and the latches work as they should. The studs for the weather gear all remain, as does the upper piping between the door card and the door body. Both doors open and close without issue.
The dash is bright and clear and all the gauges function as they should. There is the dash-mount switch for the Taylor overdrive system that was fitted in 1996. The wipers work as required, as do the controls mounted on the steering wheel. It’s proof that to keep working, these vintage cars need to be used, not hidden away. The regular use has kept everything in motion, and working without fault. There’s some wear to the frame around the dash, and some cracks and so on, but it’s from 1936! And none of it hinders the operation of the car.
There is weather gear included. The roof looks newer than the car, but is still an older item. It’s a two-man operation to erect it, but it seals up well and from the included paperwork, we’re assured it does indeed keep the weather out. Interestingly, the car comes with two sets of side panels, as the owners decided the factory ones were sub-par, and so made their own!
The Exterior
Much like the interior, the glorious Vanden Plas body of this 1936 Bentley has some age to it; scuff here, some small cracks in the bootlid, a bit of a touchup on one of the rear wings. But is all that not part of the charm of a car like this? It’s not damage or neglect in the traditional sense, and is instead a sign of life. Evidence that, as per the desire of the very people who designed and built it, it is still being used today, nearly eighty years on. Of course it has picked up some ‘souvenirs’ over that time. And quite rightly, too.
It’s still an exceptionally well presented car. The wire wheels are in good order, and all wear healthy rubber. The chrome and stainless elements are all present and correct. There’s a bit of tarnish here, some pitting there, but there is no corrosion or damage care of neglect. And the stuff that should function, like the lights and so on, all still does just as well as it did in 1936.
The screen is in excellent order, and as you can see from the pictures it still drops forward should you wish to get some use out of your driving goggles. The weather gear all folds away neatly, and the cover for it buttons up as it should.
The Mechanics
Given the regular use this car has had, and the extensive, no expense spared mechanical restoration, it’s safe to say this big old Bentley is in rude health. In fact, we drove it through busy central London traffic in order to get these pictures in Battersea Park and it was nothing but a joy. It stays cool, the fully synchromesh four-speed transmission is a joy to operate and when the roads did clear, there was an impressive turn of speed to be had, too.
The steering is impressive, and quite direct. The brakes are excellent, but have been rebuilt in the past so would be. The suspension is surprisingly supple, and offers nothing in the way or creaks, bumps or bangs. Everything has been well greased.
Above all though, it’s the 4¼ engine that is the start of the show. It is incredibly quiet. Even by modern standards. There are no curious smells, no untoward noises or does it show any kind of reluctance. It’s strong and keen, and clearly has years and years left in it.
On the underside, the chassis has been completely restored. Every clamp, bolt, seal, nut and screw has been addressed as part of the £50k mechanical restoration it received in 2011/12. And you can feel it. It’s an old car, make no mistake. But it feels like it’s still in 1936. It doesn’t feel like it’s got almost a century under it. Incredible, really.
The Appeal
The rarity alone should be enough to encourage you to bid. The history should serve as the icing on a very, very tasty cake. This is a fascinating, truly unique vehicle. Not by virtue of design (though being one of around six left to still exist, it’s not far off) but by virtue of having had such an interesting and well documented life. It’s also special because, unlike its peers, this 1936 Bentley is still earning its keep. It’s still a driver, something that you could - and we’re not being daft here - use almost every day. It’s still a car.
So many cars from this period become nothing more than show ponies, and we forget about the thrill and romance that comes from driving them as intended. That romance is still strong here, and in an almost unrepeatable fashion. Bid, buy, drive and you will, we assure you, fall in love with it. That is, if you haven’t already.
Notice to bidders
So many cars from this period become nothing more than show ponies, and we forget about the thrill and romance that comes from driving them as intended. That romance is still strong here, and in an almost unrepeatable fashion. Bid, buy, drive and you will, we assure you, fall in love with it. That is, if you haven’t already.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1936
- Make Bentley
- Model 4¼-Litre Sports Tourer
- Colour Green
- Odometer 64,899 Miles
- Engine size 4410
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
19
bids
- Il•••• £200,000 15/07/21
- ma•••• £195,000 15/07/21
- Cl•••• £190,000 14/07/21
- ma•••• £187,000 14/07/21
- Zs•••• £185,000 14/07/21
- Cl•••• £180,000 14/07/21
- Cl•••• £175,000 13/07/21
- ma•••• £165,000 13/07/21
- Cl•••• £160,000 13/07/21
- ma•••• £150,000 12/07/21
The Gallery
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