Vehicle Description
*4,257 CC OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
*Twin SU Carburetors
*125 HP at 4,500 RPM
*4-Speed Manual Gearbox
*4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Mechanical Drum Brakes
*Front Solid Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs and Hydraulic
Shock Absorbers
*Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs and Hydraulic
Shock Absorbers
PROVENANCE
Captain Lawrie G. Bain, London, England (acquired from Winter
Garden Garages Ltd. in 1937)
Linread Ltd., Birmingham, England (acquired from the estate of the
above in 1941)
Will Archdale Esq., Birmingham, England (acquired from the above
circa 1947)
Daniel R. Nahum/O.F. Maud & Sons, London, England (acquired from
the above in 1950)
Edward Paul, Hollywood, California (acquired from the above circa
1958)
John E. Milchick, Glendale, California (acquired from the above
circa 1963)
Private, Long-Term Owner, Texas
Current Owner (acquired from the above)
FEATURED MEDIA
Bentley Beauty: The Art of the Coachbuilder on the Derby Bentley,
1933-1940, by Neill Fraser and Tomas Knapek
Bentley: The Silent Sports Car, 1931-1941, by Michael
Ellman-Brown
The Flying Lady, 1960-1964
The Flying Lady, 1961-1963
The Flying Lady, March-April 2004
Vanden Plas Coachbuilders, by Brian Smith
Introduced in fall 1933, the Derby Bentley garnered deserved praise
from the motoring press for its ideal blend of power, handling,
braking, and driving ease. The Motor's review of a Vanden Plas
tourer concluded it was "a car for long journeys and high average
speeds, for unobtrusive performance, for majestic pottering, for
crowded roads; in fact, for interpreting every whim of the driver
in an effortless way." Nicknamed "The Silent Sports Car," these
Bentleys continue to have a loyal following who appreciate not only
their mechanical prowess, but also their beauty and style. Offered
here is an exciting, recently discovered 4 1/4 Litre model equipped
with its original, most sporting Vanden Plas tourer coachwork.
The 4 1/4 Litre model represented the evolution of the original
Derby Bentley featuring a half-inch increase in bore, raising
displacement to 4 1/4 litres, coupled with a higher compression
ratio, resulting in a 10 hp increase over its predecessor. This
car, chassis B1KU, was the first of the KU series, and its chassis
card specified Vanden Plas coachwork with that firm's order book
identifying the open sports tourer as body no. 3597. Vanden Plas'
tourer design evolved over the years, this example featuring
pontoon front fenders and the distinctive beltline molding
incorporating the signature dip midway through the door.
As documented by a wonderful history file, Captain Lawrie Graham
Bain was B1KU's first owner, taking delivery from Winter Garden
Garages Ltd. in August 1937. Linread Ltd., a Birmingham
manufacturer of automotive hardware, purchased the car in May 1941.
The London agency of Jack Barclay Ltd. facilitated the sale, using
images showing its soft top in both raised and lowered positions
and noting mileage of 10,700. Will Archdale - the son of James
Archdale, who headed a large manufacturer of machine tools -
acquired the car around 1947, and by 1950, the car was acquired by
O.F. Maud & Sons, a company owned by Daniel Nahum, passing to him
directly in 1955. Mr. Nahum led a privileged life and reportedly
owned six other Bentleys at the time. Traveling around the world,
he frequently transported a car with him, and B1KU eventually made
its way to America. In the late 1950s, this car was owned by RROC
member Edward Paul of Hollywood, California, and appeared twice in
that club's publication, The Flying Lady. It then passed in the
1960s to fellow RROC member, John E. Milchick of Glendale,
California. Having recently emerged from storage following
long-term family ownership, B1KU still carries its original
coachwork and drivetrain, finished in a pleasing combination of
gray paintwork and black leather upholstery.
In its day, the Vanden Plas tourer was the preferred body style for
the well-heeled customer desirous of a sporting experience. Bentley
advertised it as "the ideal car for those who appreciate the thrill
that only a fast open car can give." Its next owner can look
forward to validating that claim.