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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 first owner of this car was Ernest Taylor who took delivery in Guildford, Surrey, in 1937. It was later sold to Paul Jameson, who kept it in England until 1970, when it was exported to the U.S. and sold to William Sherman, in Jamestown, New York. The car remained with Mr. Sherman until 1975 when U.S. Coast Guard Captain John Faigle, of Governor's Island, New York, bought it.
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
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 first owner of this car was Ernest Taylor who took delivery in Guildford, Surrey, in 1937. It was later sold to Paul Jameson, who kept it in England until 1970, when it was exported to the U.S. and sold to William Sherman, in Jamestown, New York. The car remained with Mr. Sherman until 1975 when U.S. Coast Guard Captain John Faigle, of Governor's Island, New York, bought it.
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
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.
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.
2013 RM Auctions - Monterey
Sale Price :
USD $341,000
1938 Bentley 4.25-Liter Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Bentley 4.25-Liter
(Data based on Model Year 1938 sales)
1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Coupé by de Villars Chassis#: B1LE Sold for USD$74,902 2024 RM Sothebys : Paris | |
1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Sedanca Coupé by Gurney Nutting Chassis#: B187LE Sold for USD$323,766 2020 RM Sothebys : London Online | |
1938 Bentley 4 ¼-litre Chassis#: B66LS Sold for USD$70,049 2020 Bonhams July Motoring Auction | |
1938 Bentley 4¼ Litre Open Tourer Sold for USD$78,547 2019 Shannons - Sydney Autumn Classic | |
1938 Bentley 4 1/4 L Coupé Vanvooren Chassis#: B-132-LS Sold for USD$341,040 2018 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Sportsman's Coupe by De Villars Chassis#: B8MR Sold for USD$181,176 2017 Coys : Thoroughbred & Vintage at Fontwell House | |
1938 BENTLEY 4¼ LITRE MR OVERDRIVE Chassis#: B28MR Sold for USD$112,990 2017 Coys Blenheim Palace | |
1938 BENTLEY 4¼-LITRE 'HIGH VISION' COUPÉ Chassis#: B83LE Sold for USD$146,259 2015 Bonhams : The December Sale | |
1938 Bentley 4.25 Litre Sports Saloon Chassis#: B145KU Sold for USD$58,626 2013 H & H Auctions - Chateau Impney | |
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Concealed Head Coupe by H.J. Mulliner Chassis#: B92LS Sold for USD$341,000 2013 RM Auctions - Monterey | |
1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre 'High Vision' Sports Saloon Chassis#: B28MR Sold for USD$104,716 2013 Bonhams - The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale | |
1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre All-Weather Tourer by Thrupp & Maberly Chassis#: B137LE Sold for USD$225,500 2013 RM Auctions - Amelia Island | |
1938 Bentley 4 ¼ litre Chassis#: B125LE Sold for USD$213,136 2012 Bonhams - Collectors' Motor cars and Automobilia at Goodwood | |
1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé Chassis#: B199LE Sold for USD$145,066 2012 Bonhams - Paris, La Halle Freyssinet Motocars | |
1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Cabriolet Chassis#: B125LE Sold for USD$234,888 2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of London | |
1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre All-Weather Cabriolet Chassis#: B190LS Sold for USD$137,500 2010 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions | |
1938 Bentley 4¼ litre MX Vanden Plus Open Tourer Chassis#: B117MX Sold for USD$235,842 2008 Coys Auction -Brands Hatch | |
1938 Bentley 4 ¼ Brougham Semi Razor Edge Saloon Chassis#: B162 KT Sold for USD$86,278 2006 Coys Auction - True Greats |
Bentley 4.25-Liters That Failed To Sell At Auction
1938 Bentley 4.25-Liter's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Coupé | B8MR | 2020 Bonhams : Goodwood Speedweek | $140,000 | $160,000 | |
1938 BENTLEY 4¼-LITRE CABRIOLET | B154LS | 2020 Bonhams : The Bonmont Sale | $300,000 | $500,000 | |
1938 BENTLEY 4¼-LITRE FOUR-DOOR CABRIOLET | B125LE | 2020 Bonhams : The Bonmont Sale | $240,000 | $300,000 | |
1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Boattail Speedster | B161LE | 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Riyadh Auction | |||
1938 Bentley 4.25 Litre James Young Sedanca Coupe | B72MR | 2017 H & H Auctions Imperial War MuseumDuxford | $180,000 | $220,000 | |
1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Coupe by De VillarsLot | B-8-MR | 2015 Silverstone Auction Classic Sale | $115,000 | $135,000 | |
1938 Bentley 4.25 Litre Sports Saloon | B145KU | 2014 H & H Auctions Chateau Impney | |||
1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Drop Head Coupe | B153LE | 2012 Gooding and Company Pebble Beach Auction | $150,000 | $250,000 | |
1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Coupe | B8MR | 2011 Bonhams The December Sale | $80,000 | $100,000 | |
1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Fixed Head Coupe | 2010 Gooding and Company Pebble Beach Auctions | $250,000 | $325,000 | ||
1938 Bentley 4 ¼-Liter Derby Special | B183KU | 2005 Bonhams RollsRoyce, Bentley Motor Cars and Related Automobilia | $40,000 | $50,000 | |
1938 Bentley 4 ¼-Liter Derby Special | B183KU | 2005 Bonhams Collectors' Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia | $40,000 | $50,000 | |
1938 BENTLEY 4 1/4 LITER CABRIOLET | 2003 Bonhams MOTOR CARS | $140,000 | $170,000 |
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1938 Bentley 4.25-Liter
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