1923 Bentley 3/4½ Supercharged Two-Seater

Bentley’s early success in the 1922 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, when they finished second, fourth, and fifth to take the Team Prize, led to the introduction of the, appropriately named, ‘TT Replica’ on the existing 9' 9½" wheelbase, short standard chassis. However, by the middle of the decade the 3-Litre was becoming less competitive and this, together with the fact that too many customers had been tempted to fit unsuitably heavy coachwork to the excellent 3-Litre chassis rather than accept the expense and complexity of Bentley's 6½-litre 'Silent-Six', led to the introduction of the '4½'.

The new 4½-litre model effectively employed the chassis, transmission and brakes of the 3-Litre, combined with an engine that was in essence two-thirds of the six-cylinder 6½-litre unit, retaining the six's original bore and stroke and Bentley's familiar four-valves-per-cylinder fixed-'head architecture, but reverting to the front-end vertical camshaft drive of the 3-Litre.

Equipped with their new power unit, the factory lost no time in race-proving its new car. We understand that the first prototype engine went into the 3-litre chassis of the 1927 Le Mans practice car and subsequently was removed and fitted to the first production 4½-Litre chassis, 'Old Mother Gunn' for that year's Grand Prix d'Endurance at the Sarthe circuit. Driven by Frank Clement and Leslie Callingham, things looked promising, having set the fastest race lap at 73.41mph, however the car was eliminated in the infamous 'White House Crash' multiple accident. Bentley built approximately 1,600 3-Litre models, the majority of which were bodied by Vanden Plas with either open tourer or saloon coachwork.

The exquisitely beautiful, two-seat, supercharged Bentley 4½-Litre on offer here was the creation of the late Malcolm Bishop, prominent member of the Bentley Drivers Club, Vintage Sports Car Club and Veteran Car Club, connoisseur of all things W.O., talented engineer and builder of beautiful motor cars.

It was based on the short standard 9' 9½" wheelbase chassis but there is no coachbuilder listed for '216', which left the factory fitted with engine number '217' and was delivered new to a Mrs Gilbey in April 1923. The subsequent fitting of Whitehead four-wheel brakes is noted.

Malcolm entrusted the 3-litre chassis frame to marque specialists Green Farm Racing (Julian Ghosh), who modified it to incorporate ‘Blower’ cross members. The chassis is clearly and correctly stamped #216 on the rear dumb-iron. Correspondence on file from Julian confirms that it is '216' (a 3-Litre chassis). Creating a 'Blower' involves the removal of the two pieces of chassis frame that are stamped with its identity, so these are no longer part of the car.

The engine has been rebuilt around the crankcase of 'SM3906', incorporating Phoenix con-rods, Cosworth pistons, and twin Bosch magnetos. 'SM3906' started life in 'SM3901', which was the first production 4½-Litre Supercharged chassis, UK-registered 'GF 776'. Historical records state that its 'Last recorded owner was 1938. Front dumb-irons on 3-litre Ch. DE 1207. Parts in other cars'.

This car's other notable features include hydraulic braking, Zeiss lamps, and a four-branch stainless steel exhaust complete with Brooklands-style 'can'. There are many notes on file detailing works carried out by engineers John Guppy and Adrian Butt, and some work by Clive Oliver. The coachwork was built by Specialist Welding & Fabrication of Okehampton in 2005.

The car is beautifully presented in Midnight Blue, with a depth of shine that you could almost dive into and the wire wheels are finished in a matching hue. The seating is in navy blue leather and the attention to detail throughout is exceptional, top-points Concours d’Elegance standard undoubtedly, but what really stands out are the engineering solutions and presentation, every pipe, joint, clip and bracket thoughtfully designed and carefully fitted, a veritable work of art in Aluminium, steel, copper, brass, leather and chrome.

However it wasn’t built just to turn heads. This is a very powerful, supercharged 4½-Litre created to compete and race and be driven with alacrity everywhere else. We understand that it’s on the button and eligible for events within the VSCC, Legends Pre-War, Bentley Drivers Club etc. and, if 'function follows form', will undoubtedly perform well.

This is a stunning car, a credit to one man’s vision and to the talents and skills much in evidence within those small companies dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of pre-war cars. We invite and encourage your viewing of this wonderful 'Blower' Bentley.