Car & Classic Premium Auctioneer

Bonhams

101 New Bond Street London

W1S 1SR

1929 BENTLEY 4½-LITRE TOURER For Sale by Auction

Bonhams are delighted to offer at our forthcoming Collectors' Motor Car Auction on Saturday 14th September 2019 at The Goodwood Revival Meeting, Chichester, England 107 rare Competition and Collectors motor cars – plus over 150 lots of automobilia. The full online catalogue can be viewed on the Bonhams website.

PROPERTY OF A DECEASED'S ESTATE
1929 BENTLEY 4½-LITRE TOURER
COACHWORK BY R HARRISON & SON
REGISTRATION NO. GU 9000
CHASSIS NO. NX3468
* A completely matching-numbers example
* Known ownership history
* Engine overhauled by Hoffman & Mountford in the late 1960s
* Present ownership since 1993
* Preceding ownership 1959-1993

£480, 000 - 600, 000
€530, 000 - 660, 000

W O Bentley proudly debuted the new 3-litre car bearing his name on Stand 126 at the 1919 Olympia Motor Exhibition, the prototype engine having fired up for the first time just a few weeks earlier. In only mildly developed form, this was the model which was to become a legend in motor racing history and which, with its leather-strapped bonnet, classical radiator design and British Racing Green livery has become the archetypal vintage sports car.

Early success in the 1922 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, when Bentleys finished second, fourth and fifth to take the Team Prize, led to the introduction of the TT Replica (later known as the Speed Model). However, by the middle of the decade the 3-Litre's competitiveness was on the wane and this, together with the fact that too many customers had been tempted to fit unsuitably heavy coachwork to the excellent 3-Litre chassis rather than accept the expense and complexity of Bentley's 6½-Litre 'Silent Six', led to the introduction of the '4½'.

The new 4½-Litre model effectively employed the chassis, transmission and brakes of the 3-Litre, combined with an engine that was in essence two-thirds of the six-cylinder 6½-litre unit. Thus the new four-cylinder motor retained the six's 100x140mm bore/ stroke and Bentley's familiar four-valves-per-cylinder fixed-'head architecture, but reverted to the front-end vertical camshaft drive of the 3-Litre. Bentley Motors lost no time in race-proving its new car. It is believed that the first prototype engine went into the 3-Litre chassis of the 1927 Le Mans practice car. Subsequently this same engine was fitted to the first production 4½-Litre chassis for that year's Grand Prix d'Endurance at the Sarthe circuit.

The original 4½-Litre car, nicknamed by the team 'Old Mother Gun' and driven by Frank Clement and Leslie Callingham, promptly set the fastest race lap of 73. 41mph before being eliminated in the infamous 'White House Crash' multiple pile-up.

The 4½-Litre was produced for four years, all but nine of the 665 cars being built on the 3-Litre's 'Long Standard', 10' 10½"-wheelbase chassis. Purchasers of the 4½-Litre model were, in common with those of all Vintage-period Bentleys, free to specify their preferences from a very considerable range of mechanical and electrical equipment, in addition to whatever body style and coachbuilder might be required.

A remarkably original example, chassis number 'NX3468' retains its original two-seat tourer coachwork by R Harrison & Son of Stanhope Street, London together with its original registration mark, 'GU 9000'. All the numbers have been checked and everything matches: chassis, engine, SU carburettors, front axle, steering box, C-Type gearbox - even the sump number is in the correct sequence. (The car is expected to possess a Hay Report by time of sale.)

The Bentley's first owner was Mrs Eileen Mary Marshall of Buckingham Gate, London SW1, daughter of Albert Jacob, a director of the eponymous Liverpool-based biscuit manufacturer and MP for East Toxteth. He died in February 1929, two months before the Bentley's delivery to his daughter. Bentley Motors' service records show that Mrs Marshall drove the '4½' extensively during the ten years she owned it, and the sight of a woman at the wheel such an imposing motor car must have caused quite a stir in 1930s London.

Between 1929 and 1938, 'GU 9000' was maintained by Bentley Motors, and in 1939 the car was sold to Mr E Bird in Kent. Various logbooks trace the owners during the post-war period, showing the Bentley spent time in Upper Richmond and Queens Club Gardens. It later moved to Oxford and then, in 1947, to West Bromwich, remaining with that owner until 1959 when it bought by the immediately preceding owner.

When acquired by the latter in 1959, the Bentley was finished in cream over black; this was not to the new owner's taste so the car was repainted in its present blue over black livery. The rear dickey seat had already been modified (it is believed in the 1950s) and turned into a more conventional boot, opening from the rear, while 18" wheels were fitted in the 1960s. During the next 34 years, the Bentley provided its owner with virtually trouble free motoring, and in the late 1960s Hoffman & Mountford carried out a major overhaul of the engine.

Around 1983, the Bentley and its owner moved to Guernsey where 'GU 9000' was used regularly. No major restoration was required and so the car acquired a fine patina of age, the original brown leather interior being particularly delightful. A new tonneau was made in the early 1990s, while other noteworthy features include an overdrive; Lucas headlights and sidelights; additional (later) spotlights; twin running board-mounted spare wheels; and a Raydoyt searchlight.

Acquired by the late owner in 1993, 'GU 9000' remains extremely unspoilt and original. It is a jewel of a car, worthy of inclusion as the centrepiece of any significant private collection.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

Bentley Mk VI 1950 4.25 litre 6 cylinder standard steel saloon for restoration. Ive owned this car for almost 30 years and used to drive round in it. First photo shows the car in the late 1990's before we took it off the road to do some work. Its has sat in a barn every since. It is in good mechanical condition and drove ...

123
3 Mar 2024
Nottinghamshire
Private
7
Picture of 1928 Bentley 4.5L Harrison Tourer - For Sale

10th production 4 1/2 Litre chassis built to 1928 model specification with a Harrison “British flexible” Weymann-style body Long-term ownership with every custodian including 30 years in the US, sold to the current owner by Fiskens in 2013 Retains its original chassis, engine and body as confirmed in the accompanying ...

22 Mar 2024
Bedfordshire
Premium Dealer (see stock)

The mileage is low and there are few major problems. The car has been fitted with wiper blades (left and right), engine oil, oil filter, drain packings, all fan belts, air conditioning filter (left and right), air cleaner, 8 plugs, brake oil, 4 boot dampers, 4 wheel centre caps, fuel filter, quarter Emblems left and right, ...

3,700
17 Feb 2024
Japan
Private
8
Picture of 1926 Bentley 4.5L - For Sale

Fresh total restoration by specialists R.C. Moss Semi-team car specification, striking blue coachwork Wartime history in Africa and epic tours from Zambia to South Africa Prior very long-term ownership and concours-winning restoration Accompanying report by marque authority Dr Clare Hay

19 Mar 2024
London
Premium Dealer (see stock)

NO CANVASSERS 2002 Bentley Arnage R Auto Emerald Black Green/Cream interior 89000 miles FSH Main dealer/Specialist Had a £5k service approx 2000 miles ago Recent tyres Upgraded Sat/Nav/Bluetooth with DVD screens in rear headrests Really nice car that I’ve used for high days, replacement forces sale. I will ...

89,000
17 Feb 2024
Yorkshire
Private

Undisturbed 1952 Bentley 4½-Litre Drophead Coupé with Coachwork by Park Ward Ltd. This 1952 Bentley 4 1/2 Park Ward Drophead with Coachwork by Park Ward is an undisturbed original example out of 40 year ownership. B424NZ is a Park Ward DHC delivered May 1952. RHD Body D.28 Design 99. The car was imported to the US ...

15 Mar 2024
United States

Beautiful Bentley S-3. Part of a private collection. Fully functional. Restored 14 years ago. Compatibility of components confirmed by documents from RREC England. More Photos and videos on WhatsApp.<br><br>

85,000
5 Feb 2024
Poland
Private
12
Picture of 1930 Bentley 4 12 Litre Blower - For Sale

1930 4½ Litre Blower Bentley (Original Fifty)  ·       Likely the first production Blower to leave the works ·       Built to homologate the Birkin team cars ·       Retains original engine fitted to chassis (the first production Blower engine) and original Vanden Plas coachwork ·       ...

13 Mar 2024
Hertfordshire
Premium Dealer (see stock)
8
Picture of 1928 Bentley 4.5L - For Sale

Fresh total restoration by specialists R.C. Moss Semi-team car specification, striking blue coachwork Wartime history in Africa and epic tours from Zambia to South Africa Prior very long-term ownership and concours-winning restoration Accompanying report by marque authority Dr Clare Hay This Bentley 4 ½ Litre has ...

12 Mar 2024
Hertfordshire
Premium Dealer (see stock)
8
Picture of 1928 Bentley 4.5L Harrison Tourer - For Sale

10th production 4 1/2 Litre chassis built to 1928 model specification with a Harrison “British flexible” Weymann-style body Long-term ownership with every custodian including 30 years in the US, sold to the current owner by Fiskens in 2013 Retains its original chassis, engine and body as confirmed in the accompanying ...

12 Mar 2024
Hertfordshire
Premium Dealer (see stock)

1929 Bentley 4.5 litre Blower. Chassis number: PL3481 Registration Number: SV4904 (To be reinstated.) Chassis PL3481 was originally fitted with a saloon body and registered in 1929. The car suffered an accident in the 1940's at which time it went off the road prior to being rebuilt & fitted with the original ...

25,079
9 Mar 2024
Northamptonshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Bentley Continental Gtc 6.0 Mulliner Driving Specification, Possibly the best example around for age, spec, condition and price. Later Model 63 reg, 21 " 6 Double Spoke Alloy Wheels in Black With Diamond Turned Finish , Message seats . Most Sought after Colour Combination, Onyx Black with Linen Quilted Leather Interior ...

34,240
13 Feb 2024
Hampshire
Private

- You're one ride away from a good mood - Bentley. Bentley and Rolls-Royce have been in bed together for a very long time. You would think that they were biting each other, but nothing could be further from the truth... The Rolls was intended for the English landlord who was to be driven to and from his hunting cottage ...

93,272
21 Mar 2024
Netherlands

First registered June 1930: GJ 6301 Original and current UK Registration: GJ 6301 Original Chassis number: AD3665 Original Engine number: AD3661 This 1930 4 1/2 litre Bentley is one of 667 production 4 1/2 litre cars manufactured by the Bentley Motors Company of Cricklewood, London between 1927 and 1931. Being preceded ...

1 Mar 2024
Belgium
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Elegantly proportioned and highly finished Bentley MKVI Special built by Belrose Classics Coachbuilders. With great reliability, a Bentley MKVI is the perfect platform to build into a Special. This unique vehicle was built with the biggest attention to detail and all comfort while still respecting the magic of a pre-war ...

200
2 Feb 2024
Belgium

Originally supplied by Jack Barclay and finished in Wildberry with Sandstone hide with Burr walnut inlay, this Bentley Turbo R LWB will simply take your breath away. It is surely one of the best available right now and must be seen to be fully appreciated. The car has a comprehensive service history with service and repair ...

59,420
26 Mar 2024
West Midlands

This is a reluctant sell of my immaculate GTC . It comes with 19 inch Split Rim Black Alloys , Mulliner seats Spec with Embroidered Bentley Emblem , Walnut Veneer , Black Canvas Hood , Windstop supplied , Stainless Steel pedals , Electric Heated seats , Air Con , Climate Control , Electric Tailgate , Parking Sensors , ...

79,700
4 Mar 2024
Buckinghamshire
Private

JUST 2 OWNERS FROM NEW,INCREDIBLE FBSH WHICH TOTALS IN EXCESS OF £30,000,SUPERB COLOURS. This Vehicle is a true example of what is considered by any Bentley Enthusiast as a Perfect example of this much sought after Gtc.The Pedigree of ownership, mileage,Spec and servicing is perfect.Such pedigree will command and hold ...

69,000
24 Mar 2024
Oxfordshire
Private

1926 HM Bentley 3-4 1/2 Litre Isabel was bodied as standard sporting Vanden Plas 4 Seater and delivered to eastern Garages in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1926 and first registered in the ownership of Miss Isabel Clark in Aberdeenshire in 1927 with a continuous record of ownership since then. The car still wears its original ...

27,706
25 Jan 2024
Australia