
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 444
1928 Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer Coachwork by believed Vanden Plas Registration no. YV 4790 Chassis no. 2801 (see text)
By the middle of the 1920s decade the 3-Litre's competitiveness was on the wane and this, together with the fact that too many customers had been tempted to fit unsuitably heavy coachwork to the excellent 3-Litre chassis rather than accept the expense and complexity of Bentley's 6½-Litre 'Silent Six', led to the introduction of the '4½'.
This Bentley 4½-Litre 'bitsa' was built in the 1990s by Julian Ghosh of Green Farm Racing. Using their new '4½' chassis, the car was built to incorporate engine 'AD3662' (originally in chassis 'AD3664'); steering box 'AD3664'; front axle 'RN3033'; B-type gearbox with close-ratio C-type gears '5038'; and rear axle '4268'. The body is believed to be by Vanden Plas, although there are no numbers on the woodwork to confirm this. The Bentley was completed, MoT'd and registered with the DVLA in 1997 and carries a Bentley ignition/chassis plate numbered '2801' as recorded on the V5C. The red leather seats are in good order, however no carpets fitted and could be imp[roved with some minor finishing touches.
'YV 4790' has been in the VSCC member's ownership since the late 1990s and was much used in the early 2000s. Boasting a lusty engine fitted with high-compression pistons and bronze-bodied SU carburettors, this is the ideal car for long-distance rallies and is very sensibly priced. Running and driving, it has not seen active use since 2015 so will need some re-commissioning before returning to the road.
Vendor Score Total: 69 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 3
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 11 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 2
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10
Main components: 3
Ancillary components: 3
ENGINE TOTAL: 16 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4
Car History File: 4





























Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialist
Head of Department