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
