Thermal Clubhouse 2017 (?)

"1931 Bentley 8 Litre at Classic Car Show 2015 London Excel"

BDC Concours, 29 June 2013

 

This car was featured in the Brightwells Classic Car Auction Catalogue of June 1, 2005.

Lot number 26
Hammer value N/S (est. No Reserve)
Description Bentley Vanden Plas 4 Litre Drophead Coupe
Year 1931

States: MPL 246 1931 Bentley 4-litre Vanden Plas DHC (previously registered GP 8571)

1931 Bentley Vanden Plas 4 Litre Drophead Coupe
At the end of the vintage period in 1930, the exalted firm of Bentley Motors were looking for a smaller stablemate for their magnificent 8 litre, more suited to the prevailing economic climate and to compete with the recently introduced 20/25 horsepower Rolls Royce. The result was the 4 litre, a car rather different from the ?old school? Bentleys. It was more modern and refined in concept with a six cylinder 120 horsepower engine with Ricardo designed inlet over exhaust valvegear. This was fitted into a modified and shortened 8 litre chassis, and the bodies were then produced by the best of the nations coachbuilders, foremost amongst whom one of course Bentley's new neighbours in North London, Messrs Vanden Plas. This example, on the short 11ft 2in chassis and fitted with an extremely elegant drop head coup? body with rear trunk (Body No 1749 -- this is an error -- the Body No. should be 1740 -- VintageBentleys.org) is one of two such bodies on 4 litre chassis by Vanden Plas was first registered in September 1931 to Lord Nunburnholme. The car was last run in 1958 and prior to this was slightly modified to the extent of fitting more enveloping front wings. The body was then partly dismantled to replace some woodworm infested timber, and has remained in this form ever since. Mechanically the car is thought to be sound and the engine is free although it has not been run, and all the major components are present, except some of the dashboard instruments. Even the paintwork and red leather upholstery are believed to be original and untouched since 1931. This would make for a relatively straightforward restoration project, resulting in a very attractive and highly original touring car by the most celebrated of coachbuilders on the Bentley Chassis. This must surely be one of the most completley original vintage Bentleys surviving in unrestored condition, and thus presents an exeptioally rare opportunity for a sympathetic rebuild.

Bentley 4.8 Litre Sports - SOLD
Bentley 4/8 Litre Sports has been Rebuilt using all the Very Best Original Bentley Parts and along the lines of 'Old Number 1'

Vanden Plas Bentley 4-Litre, Chassis No. VF4017