Sold for $341,000 at 2013 RM Auctions - Monterey.
This 1938 Bentley 4.25 was bodied by H.J. Mulliner and features a unique one-off disappearing top. The car was initially sold by the famous Rolls-Royce/Bentley dealer Jack Barclay of London, England. Their emblem remains attached to the front bumper.

This car is believed to have participated in the 1939 Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Brighton Rally and is featured in Johnnie Green's book 'BENTLEY Fifty Years of the Marque.'

Only 2,141 4.25 W.O Bentleys were designed and manufactured. They were constructed between March of 1936 and May of 1939.

Sold for $341,000 at 2013 RM Auctions - Monterey.
The 4¼-Litre was the second Bentley-badged model, produced after Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley Motors in 1931. The first was the 3½-Litre, which shared many components with the Rolls-Royce 20/25. As roadways improved, it became clear that a more powerful version of the 3.5-liter would be needed for reliable, day-long, high-speed touring. The company considered supercharging the 3.5-liter model, but bench-testing proved disappointing. Bearings wore out quickly, and torque delivery was inconsistent. Instead, the company focused their efforts on increasing engine capacity. Bore size increased from 3¼ inches to 3½ inches resulting in a 4,257-cubice centimeter engine. Bearings were upgraded from 'white metal' to a new aluminum/tin alloy for the main and big ends. Larger valves, a larger oil sump, bigger carburetors, and longer air silencers were also fitted to the new 4¼-liter engine.

The engine was offered as an option on the last series 3½-Litre Bentleys. By 1936, the GA-series 4¼-Litre car was launched. The speed-related hydraulic damping system, introduced with the 4¼, provided a more stable ride and crisper handling.

Chassis B92LS
The original owner of this car specified Dunlop tires and that the car was to be built for 'UK Town and Touring' use. The body style is a disappearing top, drophead coupe that was designed and built by H.J. Mulliner and given the term 'concealed head.' This car is one of one hundred and two 4¼-Litre Bentley chassis bodied by the firm. Most were saloons with about 15 being drophead coupes. It is not clear how many of those 15 were built with the concealed head design.

The car has since been treated to a restoration resulting in a class award at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014