1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre

Model History

Auction sales research

Specifications

Body styles and Chassis Data

Exterior Photos Interior Photos

Two-Seat Sports Coachwork: Harrison Chassis Num: DS3568   This Bentley 4.5-Liter Two-Seat Sports was ordered as a semi-LeMans chassis. It was a special order with 'LeMans Style' constructed with a large 25-gallon fuel tank, extended bonnet, spring-loaded bonnet strap, stone guard radiator, inboard foot-brake adjustment, adjustable Andre shock absorbers, a low-mounted spare and P100 headlamps with stone guards. It was fitted with a 'British Flexible' Harrison sports two-seat body with a fold-flat wind-screen. The new owner took delivery of the car in August of 1929. The purchaser was J.H. Hanley. In 1930, ownership passed to LH.W. Preston, who used the car in New York for a period of months in 1931. It was purchased by Harecourt Smith in 1933. It was apparently sold in 1939. It is believed that during this period, the rear of the body was opened to accommodate another seat. In 1947, the car was in the care of D.J. Garsten and purchased a year later by R. Elton. That same year, the car was involved in an accident. The driver's side of the car apparently collided with a truck and the axles, fenders and coachwork were seriously impacted. In 1949, Mr. Elton commissioned a professional rebuild of the car with NOS items. At that time, the car was re-registered HBY 625. After the work was completed, Mr. Elton retained the car for another six years before selling to C.A. West in 1955. Seven years later, it was sold to M.A. Roberts of New Jersey. While in his care, the car was restored to its original trans-American record attempt configuration. The original owner had attempted a trans-American record attempt after acquiring the vehicle, but the treacherous and impassible roads of the era made it difficult. The car made it across Iowa, but in Wyoming or Colorado, just before the Great Divide, trouble struck. A supposed blizzard ended the trek when the sump was damaged. In 1984, the car was sold to the current owner. In 2001, the car received a Second in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, First Place and Best of Show at the RROC National Meet in Calgary, Senior and Premier 100 points at CCCA events, and a Senior award, Senior Grand National award and the S.F. Edge Trophy in AACA competition. In 2011, at the Pebble Beach, CA auction presented by Gooding & Company, the car was estimated to sell for $1,000,000 - $1,400,000. It would leave the auction unsold after its reserve was not met. By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011

Auction Sales Information
Auction	Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions
Estimated Value:	$1,000,000-$1,400,000
Lot was not sold

Event	Group
Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions	1898-1931