One of only 47 Park Ward Drophead Coupés built on the 4 1/4 litre Derby Bentley chassis
Originally supplied by Jack Barclay in May 1936
Original registration 'CXM 103' restored by the current owner
In current ownership since 2008
Major engine overhaul undertaken in 2008–2009, with continued servicing through to 2023
The Appeal
The 4 1/4 Litre Derby Bentley is among the most celebrated of all pre-war motor cars, and the Park Ward drop head coupé is one of the rarest body styles fitted to the chassis. Of the 467 Park Ward bodies built on the 4 1/4 Litre chassis, only 47 were Drophead Coupés.
Chassis B108GA was originally supplied in May 1936 by Jack Barclay to Mr Eric W Butler. It carries engine P4BS, a period-correct 4.25-litre unit originally fitted to an H J Mulliner saloon in August 1936. The car has covered approximately 2,000 miles during the current ownership, used sparingly in Hampshire and Sussex. The owner also took the trouble to restore the original registration, 'CXM 103'.
For the collector of pre-war British motor cars, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of a very select group of Park Ward Drophead Coupés on the 4 1/4 Litre Derby Bentley chassis.OUL_0330 Luke Papworth.jpg8.79 MB
History and Paperwork
Home market example first registered May 1936
Originally supplied by Jack Barclay to Mr Eric W Butler
Original colour scheme recorded as maroon with black wings and wheels; brown leather upholstery
Chassis number: B108GA
Current engine: P4BS, a period replacement originally fitted to an H J Mulliner saloon in August 1936 (original engine number N8BT)
Current owner since April 2008
DVLA data shows registered April 1998 and therefore shows only one former registered keeper (neither correct)
Original registration 'CXM 103' restored by the current owner (previously registered as 'JSJ 877')
Approximately 2,000 miles covered during current ownership, the vendor states
Exempt from MOT and road tax
Numerous invoices documenting work carried out over the past 18 years
Summary of works (extracted from accompanying invoices):
08/24 - Mike Thomas Trimming Ltd - £2,875.00 Hood removed to B post, old headlining replaced with grey wool cloth, hood refitted and interior tidied
11/23 - 68,822 - Mark Taylor RR & B Ltd - £3,021.94 Four new tyres supplied, fitted and balanced, steering box lubrication, calorstat replaced, ignition points and condenser replaced, timing reset
10/23 - 68,813 - Mark Taylor RR & B Ltd - £2,981.40 Engine overheating investigation: cooling system flushed with citric acid and high-volume purge, new 50% antifreeze mix, ignition timing and carburettor checked
05/16 - 68,770 - Blackmore Engineering Co. - £688.13 Fuel system overhaul: tank drained, filters cleaned, lines blown through, carburettors cleaned, new SU fuel pump, axle oil change, tappets adjusted and oil change
05/16 - 68,770 - Blackmore Engineering Co. Road test, contact points, ignition timing and carburettor dash pots. Note regarding old fuel tank staining
10/15 - Adrian Gorvin - £45.50 Two Derby Bentley HT coils tested cold and at temperature; no faults found
10/15 - Fiennes Restoration Ltd - £61.57 Winding/ballast resistor and two condensers supplied
02/15 - 68,649 - Blackmore Engineering Co. - £276.70 Car collected by trailer, condenser replaced and coils swapped to diagnose no-start fault
03/12 - 68,347 - Blackmore Engineering Co. - £458.40 Voltage regulator repaired by specialist and refitted
02/12 - 68,347 - James E. Pearce - £6,558.00 New woolcloth headlining, door latches and rubbers, silentbloc bushes, strainer bar, boot seals, new aluminium glove box, headlamp alignment and map light
10/10 - Blackmore Engineering Co. Charging circuit fault: dynamo removed, tested and refitted. Voltage regulator sent to specialist. Spark plugs, rocker cover, tappets, oil change and steering box checks
10/10 - Blackmore Engineering Co. - £301.35 Oil change (Castrol XL20/50), oil filter and general service
Some micro-blistering/bubbling to the paintwork (see photographs)
Park Ward knew a thing or two about styling. This is a supremely elegant car from every angle, designed to embody the sporting nature the Bentley marque was renowned for, while offering all the comfort and refinement of parent company Rolls-Royce.
As the photographs attest, this Drophead Coupé presents very well in this fetching two-tone scheme. The interior is particularly smart, while the coachwork appears very straight. There is some visible bubbling and micro-blistering to the otherwise glossy paintwork. The wet weather equipment reportedly operates well and is in good condition.
Major engine overhaul in 2008–2009, including reboring of pistons, and attention to the radiator core, water pump, and oil filter
Electrical system and fuel supply addressed in 2016, including a new petrol pump and new ignition coils
Engine serviced in 2023, radiator flushed, and new battery fitted
Marketed as the "Silent Sports Car", the Derby Bentleys were altogether less raucous than those produced during the Cricklewood days. However, performance remained brisk, and their handling was praised in period.
Our car has undergone notable mechanical work, as detailed above. It has been used sparingly during recent years, while being maintained in running order.OUL_0316 Luke Papworth.jpg9.92 MB
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