Vehicle Description
Following on the success of the 3-Litre model, W.O. Bentley had
supplemented the line with the big, six-cylinder 6 � Litre, which
was offered to accommodate growing customer demand for larger,
heavier, and increasingly luxurious coachwork. The 6 � and the
high-performance Speed Six derivative were flagship models;
powerful touring cars built to compete with Rolls-Royce's New
Phantom. By 1927, the 3-litre four-cylinder had been developed as
far as it could be taken, and Bentley needed a suitable
replacement. Unlike Rolls-Royce, who remained staunchly opposed to
motorsport, Bentley's core audience remained the racing fraternity,
and while the 3-liter had more than proven its worth, the time had
come for a stronger and more powerful variant to take its place.
The 3-liter had proven its worth, so W.O. stuck with what worked
for the new model, retaining the four-cylinder, sixteen-valve,
overhead-cam layout, albeit with displacement punched out to 4,398
cubic centimeters. The chassis, brakes, and gearbox were suitably
upgraded and strengthened to handle the additional output of the
new engine. The new 4 � Litre was powerful and fast, proving itself
at LeMans and elsewhere in the hands of the Works "Bentley Boys."
As always, Bentley only supplied the cars only as rolling chassis
to dealers and customers, so the choice of coachwork was left to
the buyer or selling dealers. Vanden Plas remained Bentley's
favored coachbuilder, and they constructed the majority of the
bodies for all Cricklewood-built Bentleys, which ranged from sporty
open tourers to more formal saloons and coupes. The 4 � Litre
remains the quintessential Vintage Bentley, supported by a
passionate and knowledgeable group of owners who take great pride
in using their cars as W.O. Bentley originally intended. We are
pleased to offer this delightful 1930 4 � litre tourer, chassis
number FS 3601. According to Stanley Sedgwick's excellent reference
All the Pre-War Bentleys, this home market car was first delivered
in August 1930 to William Findlay. It was originally equipped with
a Weymann Saloon body by Vanden Plas, and registered GH5449, a
number plate it proudly displays. Little is known of the car's
early history beyond the factory records; however, it is understood
that the current open four-seat tourer body was fitted by one of
the masters of Vintage Bentley restorations, Tony Townshend of
Whittonditch Works. In recent years, this beautiful Bentley enjoyed
long-term, single-family ownership both in England and the West
Coast of the United States where it was used regularly by an active
member of the Bentley Driver's Club. The owner and his family
participated in numerous BDC tours and events and kept the car in
fabulous condition for driving enjoyment. It presents in excellent
condition, with a light and pleasant patina that suits a Vintage
Bentley so well. The classic dark green paintwork is in very good
order on the wings, bonnet, and chassis. The painted body parts
were restored in 2011 in England, while the car was being serviced
by Elmdown Engineering in Berks, England. Some minor blemishes are
visible on the bonnet, which come hand-in-hand with regular use.
The Weymann-style fabric body is in excellent order, showing a mild
patina that is in keeping with this being a well-loved and
regularly exercised example. It is detailed with exterior tool
boxes, folding windscreen, dual Brooklands aeroscreens, a
Brooklands style fan-tip exhaust and beautiful nickel-plated Karl
Zeiss headlamps. Weather equipment includes a vinyl folding hood
and two-piece tonneau covers for front and rear cockpits. Turn
signals have been added for additional safety while touring, and
are easily removable should the next owner so choose. The
four-passenger cabin is trimmed in complementing green leather,
which has taken on a careworn charm over the years of regular use.
The leather seats are in fine condition, showing appropriate levels
of character. Likewise, the green carpets are in good order, with
some slight wear in places. Original instrumentation graces the
wood dash, which also includes original switchgear and controls. In
2017, the engine was completely rebuilt and the car was thoroughly
inspected from end to end, with over $160,000 in receipts
documenting the mechanical work. The work was performed by a marque
specialist in California, and the exhaustive rebuild includes new
valvetrain, new pistons, and every nut, bolt, and fastener was
carefully examined. In concurrence with the engine rebuild, the
clutch was rebuilt and relined with improved friction materials.
Prior to installation, the engine was detailed and it presents in
excellent condition today. It retains important period correct
components including brass-body S.U. carburetors and dual ML ER4
magnetos. The gearbox is an appropriate C-Type unit which has been
paired with a Laycock de Normanville overdrive unit, transforming
this Bentley into an incredibly capable high-speed tourer. The
recent owner has enjoyed the car regularly, ensuring it is reliable
and enjoyable for Bentley Club touring and events. It is an
absolute joy to drive, with the prodigious torque and refinement
expected of a W.O. era Bentley, along with the additional comfort
and cruising ability provided by the overdrive unit. This is a
fantastic opportunity to acquire a dialed-in, tour-proven
Cricklewood Bentley that benefits from long-term ownership and
cost-exclusive care. The iconic style of the open four-seat
coachwork and pleasing, broken-in character make it a fabulous
choice for regular enjoyment in BDC tours or other motoring events
worldwide.
