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� 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� 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� Liter joined it three years
later. The 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� is to drive. For just £50 more than the 3� Liter, the 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� 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�'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� 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� 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� 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/
