1937 Bentley 4.25 Litre Park Ward Saloon

Registration No: USU 879
Chassis No: B25KU
MOT: Exempt

• Supplied new to C.J. Dawson Esq. of Clapham
• A very handsome post vintage sports saloon
• Much expenditure during the 1990s
• Starts with ease and running very well

By the mid-1930s, there was something of a horsepower war going on among the top British car manufacturers. With the advent of high-speed Continental roads such as Italy's autostradas and Germany's autobahns, the race was on to build a sports saloon that could crack the magic 100mph barrier. Thus, Alvis released first the 3.5 Litre and then the 4.3 Litre, Lagonda evolved the M45 into the more powerful LG45 and Bentley gave its customers the option of a larger 4¼ Litre engine during the 1936 season. A derivative of that fitted to the Rolls-Royce 25/30 the 4257cc OHV straight-six unit was suitably reworked gaining twin SU carburettors and a wilder camshaft in the process. Priced at £50, a comparatively small sum compared to the cost of a basic chassis, it proved so popular that the standard 3½ Litre powerplant was soon dropped. Nicely balanced to begin with, the Derby Bentley chassis was more than capable of handling the extra power and torque. Equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension, assisted drum brakes, a precise four-speed manual gearbox and worm and nut steering, its poise and responsiveness proved more than a match for many peers.

Effectively the in-house coachbuilder to Rolls-Royce and Bentley, Park Ward crafted a new four-light saloon design for the latter’s 4¼ Litre model which utilised a metal rather than wooden support frame for its outer panelling. Lighter, stiffer and stronger than previous bodies, the all-steel structure also proved more durable. First registered as ‘EGJ 57’ and supplied new to C.J. Dawson Esq of Kings Avenue, Clapham, this particular 4¼ Litre Park Ward Saloon then belonged to A.D. Whitworth Esq. of The Connaught Club and W. Beaumont Esq of Huddersfield. Seemingly taken off the road for a while or perhaps resident overseas, the Bentley was re-registered with the DVLA as ‘USU 879’ during March 1990. Belonging to Jon Radgick Esq at the time, he had had the four-seater prepared for that year’s London to Peking Motor Challenge by V&R Autos of Finchley until an errant conrod prompted its withdrawal. Entrusted to PCW of Nottingham in early 1991, the engine was reportedly overhauled with a reground crankshaft, new clutch, replacement liners, fresh pistons and new conrods etc. The cylinder head was gas flowed in accordance with advice from Fiennes Engineering and the recirculating masses balanced. Bruce Young Coachworks of Weybridge installed a new headlining the following year with the exterior brightwork being refurbished too. The subject of a bare metal repaint in its current Burgundy over Claret colour scheme, the Bentley also benefited from a braking system upgrade. Previously fitted with overdrive for improved high-speed cruising, the 4¼ Litre Park Ward Saloon changed hands several times thereafter. Entered from a deceased estate, ‘USU 879’ has not seen much use of late but started readily for our photography session. Presenting as a well-preserved older restoration, it remains a very elegant Post Vintage Thoroughbred. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and paperwork file.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217