For Sale at Auction: 1936 Bentley 4-1/4 Litre in Auburn, Indiana

Introduced in March of 1936, the Bentley 4�-Litre marked a significant step forward for the Derby-built marque, delivering increased power and improved drivability over its 3�-Litre predecessor. Designed with refinement and effortless touring in mind, the larger engine provided the smooth, flexible performance expected by Bentley's discerning clientele. Chassis were delivered to leading coachbuilders and bestowed with various bodies, that balanced sporting character with luxurious comfort. With sweeping fenders, a well-proportioned profile, and finely detailed interiors, these cars embodied understated British sophistication. Today, the 4�-Litre Drophead Coupe remains a highly regarded pre-war Bentley, admired for its blend of performance, craftsmanship, and timeless style. The factory records show this chassis, B133GP was ordered in April of 1936 and delivered new on June 23, 1936, with engine no. D3BE to renowned London coachbuilder Park Ward, who furnished the car with desirable Drophead Coupe coachwork, making it 1 of just 150 examples to be built in this fashion. Finished to Park Ward's elegant and sporting design, this 4-1/4-Litre was supplied new to its first owner, Peter Kiek of London, representing the height of British motoring sophistication in the prewar era. As documented on the copies of the original build sheets, order forms, and testing sheets, the car retained numerous factory specifications including its 18-inch wheels, Lucas electrical equipment, and correct coach-built detailing, all of which underscore its authenticity today. Following its early life in England, this Bentley was later handled by the well-known firm Frank Dale & Stepsons who sold it to a man by the name of Hanks before being exported to the United States prior to 1971. Shortly thereafter, this example was acquired by Richard Kelley of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In a remarkable turn of preservation, the car was stored in Kelley's garage for over 50 years, effectively safeguarding it as an exceptionally original survivor. In 2022, this garage-find example was rediscovered in its amazing preservation state. Retaining its numbers-matching components, the odometer showed just 24,372 kilometres (15,144 miles), which is believed to be actual and follows suit with the overall condition of the car. Wanting to preserve its original condition, this Bentley was taken to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company in Tulsa, where it received a mechanical servicing, new tires, and wheels, so it could be enjoyed safely on the road. Recent road testing confirms this car has been properly reconditioned and is ready for spirited motoring. Along with the copies of the original documents, this Bentley comes with its original tools, crank, and even factory-supplied fire extinguisher. As 1 of just 150 Park Ward drophead coupes produced, and now recommissioned and road-ready, it presents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly original and numbers-matching Derby Bentley that is equally suited for preservation, exhibition, or immediate touring. * A very original numbers-matching example
* Showing just 24,372 kilometres (15,144 miles)
* 1 of just 150 Park Ward drophead coupes built
* 50-plus years of single ownership
* Well-documented including copies of original factory records
* Mechanically reconditioned and ready for spirited motoring

Introduced in March of 1936, the Bentley 4�-Litre marked a significant step forward for the Derby-built marque, delivering increased power and improved drivability over its 3�-Litre predecessor. Designed with refinement and effortless touring in mind, the larger engine provided the smooth, flexible performance expected by Bentley's discerning clientele. Chassis were delivered to leading coachbuilders and bestowed with various bodies, that balanced sporting character with luxurious comfort. With sweeping fenders, a well-proportioned profile, and finely detailed interiors, these cars embodied understated British sophistication. Today, the 4�-Litre Drophead Coupe remains a highly regarded pre-war Bentley, admired for its blend of performance, craftsmanship, and timeless style.

The factory records show this chassis, B133GP was ordered in April of 1936 and delivered new on June 23, 1936, with engine no. D3BE to renowned London coachbuilder Park Ward, who furnished the car with desirable Drophead Coupe coachwork, making it 1 of just 150 examples to be built in this fashion.

Finished to Park Ward's elegant and sporting design, this 4-1/4-Litre was supplied new to its first owner, Peter Kiek of London, representing the height of British motoring sophistication in the prewar era. As documented on the copies of the original build sheets, order forms, and testing sheets, the car retained numerous factory specifications including its 18-inch wheels, Lucas electrical equipment, and correct coach-built detailing, all of which underscore its authenticity today.

Following its early life in England, this Bentley was later handled by the well-known firm Frank Dale & Stepsons who sold it to a man by the name of Hanks before being exported to the United States prior to 1971. Shortly thereafter, this example was acquired by Richard Kelley of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In a remarkable turn of preservation, the car was stored in Kelley's garage for over 50 years, effectively safeguarding it as an exceptionally original survivor.

In 2022, this garage-find example was rediscovered in its amazing preservation state. Retaining its numbers-matching components, the odometer showed just 24,372 kilometres (15,144 miles), which is believed to be actual and follows suit with the overall condition of the car. Wanting to preserve its original condition, this Bentley was taken to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company in Tulsa, where it received a mechanical servicing, new tires, and wheels, so it could be enjoyed safely on the road. Recent road testing confirms this car has been properly reconditioned and is ready for spirited motoring.

Along with the copies of the original documents, this Bentley comes with its original tools, crank, and even factory-supplied fire extinguisher. As 1 of just 150 Park Ward drophead coupes produced, and now recommissioned and road-ready, it presents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly original and numbers-matching Derby Bentley that is equally suited for preservation, exhibition, or immediate touring.