Vehicles of this era of W.O Bentley were known for their robustness and reliability, forged in competition at Le Mans. Today, this makes them exceptional reliable rally or touring cars

This W.O Bentley era 1928 Bentley 4½ Litre, chassis NT3138, is a well known Australian car with an interesting history, presented in replica Vanden Pas coachwork following recommissioning by renowned Australian expert Rod Warriner.

The car features in the Bentley Drivers Club of Australia, Inc’s ‘Vintage Bentleys in Australia’ prepared by Clare Hay, Rob Watson, Phillip Schudmak and Tony Johns.

It is understood to have been delivered in Gurney Nutting-built Weymann saloon coachwork in February 1928, with Sandys Macaskie in the UK being the first owner. Vintage Bentleys in Australia notes that it may have been used as an ambulance in the UK during World War II.

The car was brought into Australia in 1989, where it was owned by well known Australian motoring personality Clive Smith in Victoria. It had been purchased as a project and was restored by renowned Australian Bentley expert Rod Warriner on behalf of Clive. It is now presented in the aforementioned Vanden Plas open tourer coachwork.

Consistently enjoyed by its Australian owners, including a run in Clive’s hands in the historic support event at the 1997 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, it has become a well known car in the local community.

W.O Bentley was a superb engineer, who pioneered the use of aluminium pistons amongst other innovations. The 4,398 cc 4 ½-litre Bentley engine was a very advanced crossflow design, featuring an overhead camshaft with four valves per cylinder, each cylinder twin sparked. This is mated to a robust four-speed manual transmission without synchromesh, with the car sitting on semi-elliptic leaf springs and featuring four-wheel mechanical drum brakes.

These vehicles are known as exceptional touring cars due to their strong torquey engine and reliability, which is in no small part a result of having two magnetos with twin-sparked cylinder heads. This allows the car to run happily on both as standard and continue on unabashed even if one stops working. The seller emphasises the strength of this example’s performance, reporting that they have enjoyed it at track days where it ran well above road speeds comfortably.

The Vanden Plas-styled coachwork is reported to be in excellent condition, finished in similarly well presented British Racing Green paint. Brightwork, colour-matched wire wheels, canvas roof, leather trim and other accents present with a lovely patina - the German silver radiator with stone guard a particular highlight.

The cabin is finished in green and is understood to have been maintained in good condition. The seller reports no issues with controls, switchgear or electronics.

A collection of service documentation will accompany the vehicle.

This 1928 Bentley 4½ Litre is a strong and usable vintage Bentley, well known to the Australian community and benefiting from a lovely presentation and consistent use throughout its life in Australia. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a vintage Bentley for use in Australia’s vibrant and active vintage touring community.

Descriptions and information are supplied by the seller or owner of the vehicle and are believed to be accurate and not misleading to the best of their knowledge. Prospective buyers are required to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and independent verification is strongly recommended.