Description
This car is Lot 145 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at the Goodwood Members' Meeting Sale on the 13th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Saturday 12th April from 09:00 until 17:00 and Sunday 13 April from 09:00, at Goodwood Members' Meeting.
Lot 145
1928 Bentley 4½-Litre Vanden Plas Style Tourer
Registration no. YV 9986
Chassis no. KM3076
Originally a Weymann saloon by H J Mulliner
Professionally restored in the 1970s
Enthusiastically campaigned worldwide
Well maintained
Comprehensive history file
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 destined 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 2nd, 4th and 5th 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 10 of the 667 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.
An early example of the 4½-Litre model, 'KM3076' was completed in May 1928 and first owned by one E C De Rougemont. The Bentley was bodied by H J Mulliner as a Weymann saloon with a black interior and twin spare wheels. In 1932 the car passed to new owner Miss Pauline Boumphrey (research shows she was a sculptor) then passed through the hands of four different owners before being discovered by the previous custodian in a garage in the West Country alongside another 4½-Litre, which was complete and ready to drive.
By now minus its original Weymann body, 'KM3076' was to all intents and purposes a rolling chassis in need of completion. In 1974 the chassis and other parts were despatched to marque specialists McKenzie Guppy Ltd who completed the mechanical rebuild and instructed Mey's to build a body to the owner's design. Most of the documents relating to the rebuild (some 60 items) have been collated and available for viewing in the history file. 'KM3076' was completed in 1976 and as a first run attended the Bentley Drivers' Club's Scottish Whitsun weekend. Some 2, 000 miles were covered in that first year (MoT certificates since 1976 available).
'KM3076' was then enthusiastically campaigned in events around the world: touring South Africa, New Zealand, the USA, and Europe, as well as entering into races, speed trials and general 'Bentleying'. At this time most of the mechanical work was undertaken 'on tour' by talented BDC friends or the owner's personal mechanic. There is some documentation for this period, albeit the bulk of the file relates to recent years when increasingly items had to be replaced as the passage of time and constant use played their part.
The current owner has spent a considerable time on running repairs, endeavouring to return to the former days of reliability, safety, and enjoyment in the driving experience. This part of the history file is thick with invoices, the most recent work being the overhaul of both magnetos by an aircraft specialist. In addition, safety features such as hazard warning lights have been added. 'KM3076' is now ready to be enjoyed and participate in events throughout the coming Vintage motoring season.
The car comes with copies of original Bentley build and service sheets; a photocopy buff logbook (one page); and a current V5C Registration Certificate.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
