1931 Bentley 4 Litre

History

The final new model produced by W.O. Bentley before the company was absorbed into Rolls-Royce was the 4 Litre Bentley, which was produced from June of 1931 to June of 1933. Just 50 examples were produced. Bentley, who had been known for building cars that had continued to grow in size, weight, and opulence, decided to go in a different direction with their 4 Litre model. With the world feeling the effects of the Great Depression, the 4 Litre was aimed at a new audience of consumers and to help restore Bentley to a good financial state.

The 4 Litre model rested on a shortened 8 litre chassis and was listed for two-thirds the price of a Bentley 8 Litre. The Ricardo designed straight 6 engine had a 3.9 litre displacement and offered 120 horsepower. The design had an inlet-over-exhaust arrangement, which would find its way into Bentley and Rolls-Royce motor cars up to 1959.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2014