Description:
Year : 1939
Make : Bentley
Model : 4 1/4 Litre
Coachbuilder : Vanden Plas
Body Type : Drophead Coupe
Colour : Smoke Green & Velvet Green
Trim : Red Leather
History : During the late 1920’s and early 1930’s Bentley ran into grave financial trouble and by 1931 Rolls-Royce had stepped in and bought the assets and goodwill of the defunct company and formed a new one, Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Rolls-Royce had considered the Bentley marque to be a growing threat to their future success, but following their purchase decided to continue the Bentley name, albeit under their own stewardship, taking the company in an entirely new direction with the creation of the “Silent Sports Car” or Derby Bentley. In 1933 the new Bentley 3 ½ Litre model was released and was an instant success. The combination of effortless power and style met with almost universal praise. It was powered by a developed twin carburettor version of Rolls-Royces own 20/25 model and was installed in a low 126 inch wheelbase chassis that basically remained unaltered until the cessation of production in 1939 due to the outbreak of hostilities. Synchromesh was present on third and fourth gears and the Derby’s were fitted with a cross flow cylinder head and superb servo assisted brakes, encapsulating all of the perfection of Rolls-Royce engineering in this small sporting Bentley. Fitting of individual coachwork by approved body builders continued in true Rolls-Royce fashion giving potential buyers a great deal of choice in the look of their new motor car. 1936 saw further improvements with the introduction of the 4 ¼ Litre model when production of the 3 ½ Litre unit ceased. Steady development continued throughout the cars production and in late 1938 even more power was obtained when the overdrive models were introduced, which were known as the MX/MR series cars.
The original Bentley sales literature outlined the key improvements that improved the overdrive cars performance which included the provision of an overdrive gearbox which would allow the car to attain a greater maximum speed without exceeding maximum engine revolutions. The steering was of improved design, providing greater control under all conditions. Modified gear ratios and slight engine modifications also improved acceleration under certain conditions. The slower running engine coupled with the over drive top gear resulted in greater silence and smoothness. And finally centralised chassis lubrication and automatic shock absorbers with over-riding hand control were fitted. The MX/MR models were truly the ultimate incarnation on the Derby chassis and are still very much sought after some seventy years on. Just two hundred chassis examples were created, finding their way to lucky owners with a variety of coachwork designs, and one of the most desirable of all was the drophead coupe coachwork by Vanden Plas who were based in Hendon north London.
The beauty and elegance of chief designer John Bradley’s creations are still very much admired today and we are pleased to be able to offer one of just sixteen original Vanden Plas drophead coupes on the overdrive chassis for sale at this time. Chassis No B105MX has been part of a small collection of high quality Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars for the past twenty five years where it has enjoyed a great deal of restoration works, including a new ash frame. Although it is an older restoration it still presents beautifully both cosmetically and mechanically as it has been sparingly used over the past two decades, whilst being carefully maintained and cared for. The stylish coachwork is finished in smoke green and velvet green with a black hood and presents very well. The gently patinated but very sound red leather interior is complemented by beige carpeting bound in red leather. The walnut dashboard and door cappings are also remain in good condition. Frank Dale & Stepsons have maintained B105MX in recent years and prepared the car thoroughly in our workshops prior to the car being entered into a prestigious rally in the later part of 2008. The works included a thorough service and full mechanical check. A new stainless steel exhaust system was also fitted along with attention being given to the braking system, which included the relining of the brake shoes. B105MX is a very nice example of this rare and much sought after overdrive model and one that we are very pleased to offer for sale.
Condition : An older restoration still in very good condition.
Technical Data : Four speed manual gearbox, 6 cylinder in-line engine, 4.25 litres displacement, 4257cc capacity. Servo-assisted brakes.
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