• Coached as a handsome Drophead Coupé by Park Ward
• Resident in the United States of America for some time before repatriation to the UK in 2020
• Subject to significant restoration work previously, including a recent complete re-wire with a period-correct braided loom
• Fitted with a nearly-new mohair hood

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 autostrade and Germany’s Autobahnen, the race was on to build a sports saloon that could crack the magic 100mph barrier. Thus, Alvis released first the 3½ 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 4,257cc OHV straight-six unit was suitably reworked, gaining twin SU carburettors and a hotter 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 of its peers.

More information to follow.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430