1931 Bentley 4.5 Litre Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: KX 7520
Chassis No: XT3626
Mot Expiry: None

In calling his first major model, the 3-litre, the soon to be world famous Walter Owen Bentley was the first motor manufacturer to describe his 1919 announced new car in terms of engine size rather than horsepower.
The standard coachwork chosen by Bentley customers was 4-seater open tourer bodywork from coachbuilders Vanden Plas, although other bodies, ranging from minimalist 2-seaters to landaulets as well as sports-saloons were produced on a bespoke basis by many other coachbuilders.
Between 1924 and 1930, the marque clocked up five victories at Le Mans with their 3-litre Speed Models. Royals, like Prince George drove one, as did major celebs of the day, like Gertrude Lawrence. `The Bentley Boys', led by the very high profile millionaire sportsman Woolf Barnato, dominated not only the sports pages, but the high society columns of the newspapers.
The really significant year for Bentley watchers, however, was 1927, where keen consumers could not have missed Callingham and Clement in the all new 4½-litre Bentley, which clocked up the fastest lap of 73.41mph...before famously retiring through involvement in the White House crash.
The 4½ had certainly made its mark, however, and victories for the model were to follow at Montlehery and in the 1928 Le Mans, as well as scoring a second place, again at Le Mans, in 1929. Such was its reputation and image among movers and shaker of the day that 667 4½ cars were sold, with an additional 50 supercharged 4½s being snapped up.
Even in standard form, a 4½, which had the same cylinder dimensions as the 6½, could exceed 90mph, and the semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension and 4-wheel fully-compensated drum brakes were well received. Later cars also gained from a change to sump pan and crankcase made out of Elektron.
Offered here is a 1931-built Bentley 4½ which has been dry-stored in the proverbial barn. We understand that although KX 7520 was last used around 1985, when moved out of the barn, the 4½ four was found to be free running. As originally supplied by agents Jack Olding Limited to the first and second prewar owners, Sir Stanley Cochrane and R O H Armstrong-Jones, chassis XT 3626 was fitted with saloon coachwork made by the Mayfair Carriage Company. Although prior to 1950, Bentley Motors/Club records indicate that the original body was changed to coupe coachwork, again by Mayfair, whilst the current 4-seater open tourer bodywork would appear to date from 1955. The original engine was changed to the present 1929-made power unit number AB 3352 prior to 1950.
The current condition of bodywork and blue and black paintwork is described as fair and the Marchal headlamps likely to be original. The grey interior with one or two switches added under the dashboard is said to be fair and, as mentioned, the engine turns and the C Type 4-speed manual gearbox would appear to be good. The 24,969 miles displayed may well be the genuine total from new and much of this unrestored project's long history has been recorded in the documents file. In short, here is an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a genuine 4½ for what just might turn out to be a most reasonable sum.
Please note: We apologise, but the chassis number shown in the catalogue is incorrect and is in fact XT3626.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle is a non runner.