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Bentley entered into receivership in 1931 was acquired by Rolls-Royce. The Bentley Company is said to have been in this predicament due to their automobiles being so well designed that their list of clients dwindled due to not needing another vehicle. When Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley, the first issue was to re-examine the products and determine what caused the demise of the company and what could be done to revitalize the nameplate. The supercharger was a proven technology and powerful but it was noisy and lacked refinement.
Bentley had a long tradition of quality and superior performance. This goal was to be continued with the Litre-series. As engines grew in size, so did the size of the vehicles and ultimately, the weight. The Bentley Motor Company realized this and made every effort to protect sophistication, performance, style, refinement, quality, and handling.
The Rolls-Royce 20/25 engine was used as a base for Bentley. Dual S.U. carburetors and a revised manifold raised horsepower to 110. A four-speed manual gearbox was adapted and provided smooth shifting.
The original engine was a 3.5-liter unit which was flawless in design with only one exception - it was too small. As time progressed, the engine was enlarged, resulting in the 4.5- 6.5- and 8-liter Bentley's.
Claude Raoul Benoit Lang commissioned two one-off Bentley's during the late 1930s. At the age of 27 he sent one of the chassis's to Vesters & Neirinck to be fitted with coachwork. The second was delivered less than three years later. M. Lang was actively involved in the design of the car and built to his specifications.
The early history of the Vesters & Neirinck Coachbuilding Firm is unknown. It is believed to have begun around 1914. In 1923 the Vester & Neirinck Firm was an exhibitor at the Belgian Auto Salon. From the following years, the firm would show its work to various shows in an effort to attract new clientele. Their vehicles were often built atop chassis's by Minerva, Rolls-Royce, Delahaye, Delage, and Graham. Their most notable work was the Lang Fixed Head Coupe. Also part of their resume was around 11 examples built with Derby Bentley's chassis.
This 1937 Bentley 4.25 Liter Fixed Head Sport Coupe with coachwork by Vesters & Neirinck of Brussels was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, CA where it was one of the highlights of the show. Its history is prestigious and the craftsmanship is unique and refined. It is powered by a 4257-cc six-cylinder overhead valve engine that produces 125 horsepower. It sits atop a 126-inch wheelbase and is finished in black lacquer paintwork with a saddle leather interior. There is seating for two and is bodied with a light aluminum body and steel front wings. The teardrop-style wings appear as though they are suspended in space; they are not attached to any running boards as there is none on this vehicle. It has a large sunroof and a hidden luggage compartment. There is an interior hidden tool compartment and an exterior chrome luggage rack. The rear-mounted spare tire cover has an engraved monogram from the original owner on the side of the chrome faring.
The vehicle stayed in the possession of M. Claude Lang until 1977 when it was sold to Monsieur J. who retained the vehicle until 1989 when it was sent to its third owner. The vehicle has traveled less than 35,100 kms from new. When offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction marked its first time on US soil. The vehicle did find its fourth owner at the auction, selling for $1,265,000.
In 2009, this car was brought to Gooding & Company's Scottsdale Auction where it had an estimated value of $900,000 - $1,400,000. It was sold for $1.2 million at the hammer. It was also announced that this Bentley had an invitation to the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2009
Bentley had a long tradition of quality and superior performance. This goal was to be continued with the Litre-series. As engines grew in size, so did the size of the vehicles and ultimately, the weight. The Bentley Motor Company realized this and made every effort to protect sophistication, performance, style, refinement, quality, and handling.
The Rolls-Royce 20/25 engine was used as a base for Bentley. Dual S.U. carburetors and a revised manifold raised horsepower to 110. A four-speed manual gearbox was adapted and provided smooth shifting.
The original engine was a 3.5-liter unit which was flawless in design with only one exception - it was too small. As time progressed, the engine was enlarged, resulting in the 4.5- 6.5- and 8-liter Bentley's.
Claude Raoul Benoit Lang commissioned two one-off Bentley's during the late 1930s. At the age of 27 he sent one of the chassis's to Vesters & Neirinck to be fitted with coachwork. The second was delivered less than three years later. M. Lang was actively involved in the design of the car and built to his specifications.
The early history of the Vesters & Neirinck Coachbuilding Firm is unknown. It is believed to have begun around 1914. In 1923 the Vester & Neirinck Firm was an exhibitor at the Belgian Auto Salon. From the following years, the firm would show its work to various shows in an effort to attract new clientele. Their vehicles were often built atop chassis's by Minerva, Rolls-Royce, Delahaye, Delage, and Graham. Their most notable work was the Lang Fixed Head Coupe. Also part of their resume was around 11 examples built with Derby Bentley's chassis.
This 1937 Bentley 4.25 Liter Fixed Head Sport Coupe with coachwork by Vesters & Neirinck of Brussels was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, CA where it was one of the highlights of the show. Its history is prestigious and the craftsmanship is unique and refined. It is powered by a 4257-cc six-cylinder overhead valve engine that produces 125 horsepower. It sits atop a 126-inch wheelbase and is finished in black lacquer paintwork with a saddle leather interior. There is seating for two and is bodied with a light aluminum body and steel front wings. The teardrop-style wings appear as though they are suspended in space; they are not attached to any running boards as there is none on this vehicle. It has a large sunroof and a hidden luggage compartment. There is an interior hidden tool compartment and an exterior chrome luggage rack. The rear-mounted spare tire cover has an engraved monogram from the original owner on the side of the chrome faring.
The vehicle stayed in the possession of M. Claude Lang until 1977 when it was sold to Monsieur J. who retained the vehicle until 1989 when it was sent to its third owner. The vehicle has traveled less than 35,100 kms from new. When offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction marked its first time on US soil. The vehicle did find its fourth owner at the auction, selling for $1,265,000.
In 2009, this car was brought to Gooding & Company's Scottsdale Auction where it had an estimated value of $900,000 - $1,400,000. It was sold for $1.2 million at the hammer. It was also announced that this Bentley had an invitation to the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2009
2009 The Scottsdale Auction : Gooding & Company
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $900,000-USD $1,400,000
Sale Price :
USD $1,320,000
2006 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction
Sale Price :
USD $1,265,000
1937 Bentley 4¼ Liter Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Bentley 4¼ Liter
(Data based on Model Year 1937 sales)
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé By Vanden Plas Chassis#: B 32 KT Sold for USD$150,668 2023 RM Sothebys : Paris | |
1937 BENTLEY 4¼-LITRE PILLARLESS SALOON BY VANDEN PLAS Chassis#: B127JY Sold for USD$124,620 2021 RM Sothebys : A Passion for Elegance | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre All-weather Tourer Chassis#: B179JY Sold for USD$192,954 2018 Bonhams : London Olympia | |
1937 BENTLEY 4-1/4-LITER SEDAN Chassis#: B190KT Sold for USD$37,400 2018 Barrett-Jackson : Las Vegas | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre 'Woodie' Shooting Brake Chassis#: B142JD Sold for USD$135,128 2018 Bonhams : Goodwood Revival | |
1937 BENTLEY 4 1/4 SALOON Chassis#: B92KT Sold for USD$53,000 2017 Dragone Lime Rock Park | |
1937 Bentley 4 ¼ Litre Fixed Head Coupe Chassis#: B91JY Sold for USD$286,000 2017 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, AZ | |
1937 BENTLEY 4 ¼ LITER ALL-WEATHER PHAETON Coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly, Ltd. Chassis#: B-39-KU Sold for USD$173,250 2016 Bonhams : The Amelia Island Auction | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Sports Saloon Project Chassis#: B188LS Sold for USD$21,280 2015 Bonhams : The Beaulieu Sale | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre 'Aerofoil' Sports Saloon Chassis#: B90KT Sold for USD$385,603 2015 Bonhams : The Chantilly Sale | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Open Two-Seater by Carlton Chassis#: B55KU Sold for USD$1,595,000 2014 RM Auctions at Monterey | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Parallel-Door Sedanca Coupé Chassis#: B28KT Sold for USD$234,797 2014 LES GRANDES MARQUES DU MONDE AU GRAND PALAIS | |
1937 Bentley 4.25 Litre Vanden Plas Coupe Chassis#: B128KT Sold for USD$226,928 2013 H & H - Rockingham Castle | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Saloon Chassis#: B117KU Sold for USD$35,588 2012 RM Auctions - London | |
1937 Bentley 4 ¼ Litre Sports Saloon Sold for USD$30,542 2012 Coys - Blenheim Palace | |
1937 Bentley 4.25 Litre Vanden Plas Pillarless Saloon Chassis#: B127JY Sold for USD$31,042 2012 H & H Auctions - Rockingham Castle | |
1937 Bentley 4 ¼ Litre Coupé by Gurney Nutting Sold for USD$293,146 2012 Coys Auction - Monaco 'Legende et Passion' | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupe Chassis#: B197HM Sold for USD$91,048 2012 Bonhams - Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre All Weather Tourer Chassis#: B170KT Sold for USD$212,901 2011 Bonhams - The December Sale | |
1937 Bentley 4¼ Litre Allweather Convertible Chassis#: B7HM Sold for USD$249,683 2011 Bonhams - Collectors' Motor Cars |
Bentley 4¼ Liters That Failed To Sell At Auction
1937 Bentley 4¼ Liter's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre All-weather Tourer | B7HM | 2021 Bonhams : Goodwood Revival : Collectors Motor Cars and Automobilia | $90,000 | $140,000 | |
1937 BENTLEY 4¼-LITRE BROUGHAM SALOON | B33JY | 2021 Bonhams : The Bond Street Sale | $70,000 | $100,000 | |
1937 Bentley 4¼ Litre Derby Park Ward Razor Edge Pillarless Saloon | 2019 Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic | ||||
1937 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Sports Tourer | B1KU | 2019 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | $400,000 | $500,000 | |
1937 Bentley 4 ¼ Litre Aerofoil Sports Saloon | B 90 KT | 2017 Bonhams : The Chantilly Sale | $300,000 | $400,000 | |
1937 Bentley 4¼ LITER SPORTS SALOON | B119KU | 2017 Bonhams : Scottsdale, AZ | $150,000 | $180,000 | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé | B79KU | 2016 Bonhams : The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale | $180,000 | $240,000 | |
1937 Bentley 4.25 Litre Vanden Plas Style Tourer | B-183-JY | 2012 The Pavilion Gardens | |||
1937 Bentley 4 1/4-Litre Sedanca Coupe | B70KT | 2011 Gooding and Company Pebble Beach Auctions | $300,000 | $400,000 | |
1937 BENTLEY VANDEN PLAS DROPHEAD COUPE | 2001 Kruse Auction Scottsdale Arizona | $47,500 | |||
1937 BENTLEY VANDEN PLAS DROPHEAD COUPE | 2001 Kruse Auction Scottsdale Arizona | $51,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $278,853 range.
2015 Rolls-Royce 'Silver Spectre' Shooting Brake by Niels van Roij Design and Carat Duchatelet Chassis#:SCA665C03FUX79064 Sold for $280,625 2024 RM Sothebys : Dubai | |
2008 Porsche 911 GT2 Chassis#:WP0AD29968S796159 Sold for $280,000 2024 RM Sothebys : ModaMiami | |
1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II Chassis#:WDB2010361F736028 Sold for $280,000 2024 RM Sothebys : ModaMiami | |
2004 FERRARI 575M Chassis#:ZFFBV55A440138074 Sold for $280,000 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island Concours | |
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon Chassis#:DB6/2362/L Sold for $281,135 2024 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde a Paris | |
1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:194377S102077 Sold for $280,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:136370R212791 Sold for $280,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Chassis#:194377s119104 Sold for $280,500 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Sport Saloon Chassis#:DB6/2541/L Sold for $280,000 2023 Bonhams : Audrain Concours Auction | |
2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Chassis#:wp0af2a96ks165540 Sold for $280,500 2023 Mecum : Dallas | |
1992 FERRARI 512 TR Chassis#:ZFFLG40A6N0092202 Sold for $280,000 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1961 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:1Y86H420180 Sold for $280,000 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1957 PORSCHE 356 A SPEEDSTER Chassis#:83215 Sold for $280,000 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1957 Lancia Appia GT Zagato Berlinetta Chassis#:812.01.1258 Sold for $280,000 2023 Bonhams : Quail | |
1967 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES I 4.2-LITRE FIXED HEAD COUPE Chassis#:1E32935 Sold for $277,200 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1960 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Series II by Pinin Farina Chassis#:1775 GT Sold for $280,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet Chassis#:2929758 Sold for $280,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda Hemi Chassis#:BS23R0B100010 Sold for $280,000 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | |
2001 Porsche 911 GT2 Clubsport Chassis#:WP0ZZZ99Z1S695146 Sold for $277,722 2023 RM Sothebys : The Carrera Collection | |
1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Convertible Coupe by LeBaron Chassis#:7801512 Sold for $280,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island |
1937 Bentley 4¼ Liter
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