Highlights

Rare and desirable Barker-bodied example, first registered in 1938
In the same family for over 57 years, with the current registered keeper since 1991
Previous owner was Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club (RREC) chairman 1974–75
Displayed at the 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee in the grounds of Windsor Castle
Maintained by the current owner, a classic car garage proprietor, for approximately 35 years

The Appeal

The 4¼ Litre Bentley was introduced in 1936 in the face of ever-increasing, ever-aggressive competition. The car's coachwork only got more ambitious, and more of an Achilles heel for the 3½ Litre predecessor, and the boys in Derby were dedicated to keeping them competitive. A swathe of coachbuilders got their hands on the four-and-a-quarter, and those wearing bespoke coachwork by Barker, one of the most prestigious British coachbuilders of the period, are particularly coveted.

This particular car has been in the same family for over 57 years, having been purchased in 1969 by the current owner's father, who went on to serve as RREC chairman in 1974–75. The current registered keeper, himself the owner of a classic car garage, acquired the car in 1991 and has personally maintained it ever since. During its time in family hands, the Bentley has been used extensively for European touring holidays and has attended numerous events, including the 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee display in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The car benefited from a thorough exterior refurbishment in the early 1970s and has since been rewired, with further exterior and interior work carried out over the years. Mechanically, the vendor states the car remains standard and drives beautifully. Accompanied by an album of period photographs, the RREC archive build sheet and a collection of MOT certificates, this is a well-documented, long-term family-owned Bentley with genuine provenance and plenty of character.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1938 in the United Kingdom
Six registered keepers from new
Acquired by the current owner's father in 1969; current registered keeper since 1991
Used extensively for family holidays in Europe and numerous events over the decades
Seven rally plaques accompany the car
Accompanied by an album of period photographs documenting family ownership
RREC archive build sheet included
Several MOT test certificates from 1996–2010
MOT-exempt
Odometer reads 34,099 miles; believed to have gone 'around the clock'

The Condition

Thorough exterior refurbishment carried out in the early 1970s; little used and dry-stored since
Bodywork in good order with no obvious dents or dings
Brightwork is contrasting very nicely
Original badges
Has benefited from a rewire, and both exterior and interior refurbishments over the years
Interior finished in light grey leather with an appropriate amount of patina
Rare original tool box present under the driver's seat
The vendor states the car is in very good condition throughout

The Mechanics

4,250cc inline six-cylinder engine
Four-speed manual transmission
Engine bay in good condition
Described by the vendor as mechanically standard
Reported to be in good, drivable order

BEFORE YOU BUY

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