Vehicle Description
Bentley rose to prominence with powerful early models equally
capable of winning the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans or carrying the
most elegant coachwork effortlessly. However, even the fascinating
figure of Woolf Barnato - diamond heir, investor, Le Mans winner,
and leading Bentley Boy - could not save Bentley from receivership
in 1931. W.O. Bentley believed he had agreed with Lagonda for a
sale to be approved by the receivership court, until a higher offer
from an unidentified bidder was presented. The bidder was revealed
to be Bentley's keen rival, Rolls-Royce. After Rolls-Royce acquired
Bentley's assets in 1931, it quickly terminated the 8-Liter model,
which threatened the Rolls-Royce Phantom's lock on the British
luxury market. However, recognizing the value of the Bentley name
in the marketplace for sporting and owner-driven automobiles,
Rolls-Royce leveraged the brand to set new trends. In 1933,
Rolls-Royce introduced the Derby-built Bentley, the 3 1/2 Liter. It
was based on a 126-inch wheelbase chassis code-named Peregrine. The
chassis frame was a lightweight yet rigid design specific to the
Derby-built Bentleys, with adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers on
the live axles. Fast and comfortable with exquisite road holding
and manners, Bentleys were preferred by racing drivers like Malcolm
Campbell and Raymond Mays. The first Roll-Royce-engineered Bentley,
the 3 1/2 Liter, was recognized by W.O. Bentley as the best car
ever to bear his name. It had already proven to be a strong seller,
remaining in production when the 4 1/4 Liter joined it three years
later. The 4 1/4 Liter in essence shared a chassis, gearbox, and
rear axle with its smaller-engine sibling but provided improved
performance, a broader torque band, more horsepower, and
exceptionally silent operation at virtually any speed. The engine
shared the dimensions of the Rolls-Royce 25/30 but employed a
Bentley-specific crossflow overhead valve cylinder head with dual
SU carburetors. The engine is mated to a four-speed synchromesh
manual transmission, further displaying how approachable of a car
the 4 1/4 is to drive. For just £50 more than the 3 1/2 Liter, the
4 1/4 Liter was an obvious choice for buyers and it soon fully
replaced the smaller engine car. As with all Rolls-Royce's and
Bentley's of the period, the 4 1/4 Liters were sent to one of the
many standard coachbuilders the two companies used. Chassis number
B147HM is a unique specimen, featuring a two-door "Top Hat" coupe
body by the esteemed coachbuilder Freestone & Webb. The
coachbuilder was known for their signature razor edge, Top Hat
design, of which many 4 1/4's received, but only in four-door
versions. The car offered is the only two-door produced,
distinguishing itself from its peers. Finished in two-tone grey and
black with black wire wheels; the exterior is smart and sporty, as
a Bentley should be. Inside, the 4 1/4 Liter upholds the British
luxury standard of the period. The interior features fabulously
well-worn dark green leather seats, adding a touch of vintage charm
and authenticity. Polished wood veneers and intricate detailing
complete the cabin, providing a serene and comfortable environment.
The spacious cabin lacks a backseat, save for a jump seat on the
passenger side, making it ideal for touring with ample luggage
space. Instrumentation is elegantly laid out, and attention to
detail is evident in every aspect of the interior, making it a true
pleasure to experience. Ordered and delivered new to Miss GM
Philcox of Sussex, B147HM spent a fair portion of its life in
England. In October of 1945, the car made its way to Suffolk under
the ownership of Mrs. Alan Nash, who seemingly sold the motorcar to
a lawyer and teacher, N. Harrow Esq. The car was then relocated to
London where it was offered for sale by Jack Olding & Co. The trail
cools until 1974 when Charles Schmidt of Massillon, Ohio sold the
car to Celestine Remlinger of the same town. The car remained in
their possession until 2003 when it was acquired by the previous
owner, a prominent collector of the marque and active Rolls-Royce
Owners Club member. B147HM has been cared for lovingly, especially
by the previous owner. At some point in its life, our motorcar was
restored, however, no historical documents can pinpoint an exact
date. The car currently presents well and is mechanically even
better. The adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers work marvelously
via the steering wheel controls; the right-hand floor-mounted
shifter, and transmission shifts wonderfully. The advantage of a
synchromesh transmission truly sets itself above its competitors,
allowing for effortless driving. Accompanying B147HM are the Derby
factory build sheet, owner's card, and other historical documents
from the RROC. Known as the Silent Sports Car, the 4 1/4 Liter
provides drivers and their passengers with an experience of
virtually silent, high-speed motoring. An attractive older
restoration that has demonstrated its competence and quality by
being driven but also diligently maintained. This is a
connoisseur's Bentley 4 1/4 Liter, a gorgeous one-off coupe at its
most elegant and dual-purpose best. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7729-1937-bentley-4-25-litre-coupe/
