1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Tourer

This Bentley was delivered in January of 1929 to W.L. Van Allen, wearing registration YE 312 and fabric saloon coachwork by Weymann. In the 1950s, it was acquired by Charlie Lowe Jr., and it was from him that the current owner acquired the car in the early 2000s. At that point, a project began to upgrade the 4½ Liter Bentley to Blower specification along with a proper Le Mans VDP style tourer body.

The project was undertaken by an American engineer and Bentley expert in conjunction with Neil Davies Racing in the UK. Many correct Brlower specifications were located, including an original Speed-Six rear axle, along with an original works style hood. A new Neil Davies Racing 5.2 liter heavy sump engine was commissioned. The early John Bentley Engineering supercharger produces 8-10psi of induction pressure and is fed by large 'Works' specification aluminum SU carburetors. It is estimated that the engine delivers 200 horsepower and is backed by a fresh D series gearbox. Its Le Mans VDP style tourer coachwork was constructed in the United States and finished and trimmed in the United Kingdom. It has a large Works-type fuel tank, original Zeiss headlamps, a works-type hood, and cycle fenders. The dashboard carries large Works-style instrumentation and original Air Ministry switchgear.

Additional Brower specification upgrades include leaf springs and shocks, reinforced frame with Works 'Le Mans' style truss work, late pattern Bentley self-energizing brakes, and Alfin drums all round.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021