1937 Bentley 4.25 litre For Sale in St Louis, MO, 2146375620 Tweet

Bentley rose to prominence with powerful early models equally capable of winning the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans or carrying the most elegant coachwork effortlessly. However even the fascinating figure of Woolf Barnato diamond heir investor Le Mans winner and leading Bentley Boy could not save Bentley from receivership in 1931. W.O. Bentley believed he had agreed with Lagonda for a sale to be approved by the receivership court until a higher offer from an unidentified bidder was presented. The bidder was revealed to be Bentleys keen rival Rolls-Royce.After Rolls-Royce acquired Bentleys assets in 1931 it quickly terminated the 8-Liter model which threatened the Rolls-Royce Phantoms lock on the British luxury market. However recognizing the value of the Bentley name in the marketplace for sporting and owner-driven automobiles Rolls-Royce leveraged the brand to set new trends. In 1933 Rolls-Royce introduced the Derby-built Bentley the 3 Liter. It was based on a 126-inch wheelbase chassis code-named Peregrine. The chassis frame was a lightweight yet rigid design specific to the Derby-built Bentleys with adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers on the live axles. Fast and comfortable with exquisite road holding and manners Bentleys were preferred by racing drivers like Malcolm Campbell and Raymond Mays.The first Roll-Royce-engineered Bentley the 3 Liter was recognized by W.O. Bentley as the best car ever to bear his name. It had already proven to be a strong seller remaining in production when the 4 Liter joined it three years later. The 4 Liter in essence shared a chassis gearbox and rear axle with its smaller-engine sibling but provided improved performance a broader torque band more horsepower and exceptionally silent operation at virtually any speed. The engine shared the dimensions of the Rolls-Royce 25/30 but employed a Bentley-specific crossflow overhead valve cylinder head with dual SU carburetors. The engine is mated to a four-speed synchromesh manual transmission further displaying how approachable of a car the 4 is to drive. For just 50 more than the 3 Liter the 4 Liter was an obvious choice for buyers and it soon fully replaced the smaller engine car.As with all Rolls-Royces and Bentleys of the period the 4 Liters were sent to one of the many standard coachbuilders the two companies used. Chassis number B147HM is a unique specimen featuring a two-door Top Hat coupe body by the esteemed coachbuilder Freestone & Webb. The coachbuilder was known for their signature razor edge Top Hat design of which many 4s received but only in four-door versions. The car offered is the only two-door produced distinguishing itself from its peers. Finished in two-tone grey and black with black wire wheels; the exterior is smart and sporty as a Bentley should be.Inside the 4 Liter upholds the British luxury standard of the period. The interior features fabulously well-worn dark green leather seats adding a touch of vintage charm and authenticity. Polished wood veneers and intricate detailing complete the cabin providing a serene and comfortable environment. The spacious cabin lacks a backseat save for a jump seat on the passenger side making it ideal for touring with ample luggage space. Instrumentation is elegantly laid out and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the interior making it a true pleasure to experience.Ordered and delivered new to Miss GM Philcox of Sussex B147HM spent a fair portion of its life in England. In October of 1945 the car made its way to Suffolk under the ownership of Mrs. Alan Nash who seemingly sold the motorcar to a lawyer and teacher N. Harrow Esq. The car was then relocated to London where it was offered for sale by Jack Olding & Co. The trail cools until 1974 when Charles Schmidt of Massillon Ohio sold the car to Celestine Remlinger of the same town. The car remained in their possession until 2003 when it was acquired by the previous owner a prominent collector of the marque and active Rolls-Royce Owners Club member.B147HM has been cared for lovingly especially by the previous owner. At some point in its life our motorcar was restored however no historical documents can pinpoint an exact date. The car currently presents well and is mechanically even better. The adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers work marvelously via the steering wheel controls; the right-hand floor-mounted shifter and transmission shifts wonderfully. The advantage of a synchromesh transmission truly sets itself above its competitors allowing for effortless driving. Accompanying B147HM are the Derby factory build sheet owners card and other historical documents from the RROC.Known as the Silent Sports Car the 4 Liter provides drivers and their passengers with an experience of virtually silent high-speed motoring. An attractive older restoration that has demonstrated its competence and quality by being driven but also diligently maintained. This is a connoisseurs Bentley 4 Liter a gorgeous one-off coupe at its most elegant and dual-purpose best.Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7729-1937-bentley-4-25-litre-coupe/