
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 472
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Pillar-less Sports Saloon Coachwork by Vanden Plas Registration no. DLW 654 Chassis no. B191HM
Offered here is a very stylish, desirable and rare Vanden Plas-bodied pillar-less sports saloon on the 4¼-Litre Derby Bentley chassis, with coachwork in sound structural condition and all correct in specification. London-based coachbuilder Vanden Plas had forged its not inconsiderable reputation by a most fortuitous alliance with Bentley, bodying some 700-or-so of the latter's chassis during the 1920s, including the Le Mans team cars. The firm survived Bentley's demise and resurrection under Rolls-Royce ownership, diversifying into other makes and resuming the relationship with its old partner to produce some of the most sublime designs on the Derby Bentley chassis.
'B191HM' was delivered in February 1937 and first owned by a Miss Durand. The car was registered as 'DLW 654' and left the factory fitted with engine 'W4BN' (the current engine, 'E7BG', is ex-'B65JY'). In the early 1990s, the Bentley was stripped to a bare chassis and restored from the ground upwards, as documented by the accompanying photographic record. Since then, the car has been stored in less than ideal conditions, resulting in visible deterioration of some areas of the paintwork, although the overall impression is fine and the interior is still very good. Approximately £7,700 was spent on re-commissioning in 2019 and 2020. The car is in running order but offered as something of a project, needing attention in various respects before use. Sold strictly as viewed, it comes with a current V5C document.
Vendor Score Total: 63 /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: 13 /25
Body Work: 2
Paint: 2
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 13 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3
INTERIOR TOTAL: 13 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 4
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 13 /20
Starting: 3
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 3
Car History File: 3




























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