1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Vanden Plas Drophead Coupé

After a period of reflection and prevarication, Rolls-Royce decided that a sportier version of its 20/25 model could establish a niche for itself in the marketplace as a luxury sports tourer. Having explored various options, it was decided to power the new sporting Bentley with a more highly tuned version of the 20/25 unit - a six-cylinder, pushrod engine fitted with twin S/U carburettors, increased compression, improved con rods and modified cam profiles, with a capacity of 3,669cc. Built at Derby alongside Rolls-Royce and launched in September as, unsurprisingly, ‘the 3½-Litre’, the new model possessed excellent handling characteristics and could achieve a top speed of 97mph when fitted with lightweight bodywork.

Polite muttering amongst Bentley aficionados that the 3½-litre was, perhaps, a little underpowered was addressed in 1936 when Rolls-Royce introduced the enlarged 4,255cc engine, with the new car naturally being entitled the 4¼-Litre.

Over the years, Derby cars were fitted with a wide range of body styles by a number of established coachbuilders, clearly illustrated in 2023 when 60 Derby Bentleys returned to Crewe to celebrate the 90th Anniversary and between the cars, there were 40 coachwork styles showcasing the bespoke bodywork for the model in the 1930s. Included within those coachbuilding companies was London-based Vanden Plas who had forged its not inconsiderable reputation by a most fortuitous alliance with Bentley, bodying some c.700 of the latter's chassis during the 1920s, including the Le Mans team cars.

With its 4¼-Litre engine and versatile Drophead Coupé body by Vanden Plas, B-199-LE is a particularly fine example of a late Derby Bentley and we understand that it was restored by respected French restorers, Le Coq, in the 1970s and since then has benefited from major work over the years by LMB in Belgium and Fiennes Engineering in Clanfield leaving the car in tip-top condition.

It was treated to a very expensive repaint in April 2023 in Midnight Blue and still displays a remarkable depth of shine with even panelwork and good shut lines. The Dove Grey leather is generally very good as is the dashboard and woodwork, however the silver grey carpets would probably benefit from a clean. The engine bay is simply splendid, nicely detailed and a source of pride. According to our vendor 'The navy blue mohair roof folds easily down and may be raised and lowered by just one person' and additionally 'the engine runs in silence and is both strong and powerful, starting readily'. The car’s history file contains a number of invoices for maintenance, repair and restoration over the years and makes fascinating reading.

It's worth noting that this car is fitted with the optional 3.64:1 rear axle ration which is almost identical to the MR & MX 'overdrive' series of cars and consequently is very long legged and relaxed at speed. 

Overall, this is a very handsome Vanden Plas Derby and being offered without Reserve, we imagine will attract considerable interest.

Professional images to follow.