1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé

• Desirable M-series overdrive model
• Single family ownership from 1967 to 1993
• Present ownership since 1993
• Restored by marque specialists P&A Wood 1995-2004 at the cost of over £200,000

By the end of the 1930s the 'Derby' Bentley, introduced towards the beginning of that decade following the firm's take-over by Rolls-Royce, had undergone a number of significant developments, not the least of which was an increase in bore size in 1936 that upped the capacity to 4,257cc, a move that coincided with the adoption of superior Hall's Metal bearings. This new engine was shared with the equivalent Rolls-Royce - the 25/30hp - and as had been the case with the preceding 3½-Litre model, enjoyed a superior specification in Bentley form, boasting twin SU carburettors, raised compression ratio and a more 'sporting' camshaft. Thus the new 4¼-Litre model offered more power than before while retaining the well-proven chassis with its faultless gear-change and servo-assisted brakes.

It was the construction of modern highways in Continental Europe, enabling cars to travel at sustained high speeds, that had prompted the introduction of the Hall's Metal bearings and would lead eventually to the adoption of on an 'overdrive' gearbox and improved lubrication system on Bentley's peerless Grande Routière, improvements which coincided with the introduction of the M-series cars towards the end of 1938.

The Derby Bentley was, of course, an exclusively coachbuilt automobile. Of the 2,442 manufactured, almost 50 percent were bodied by Park Ward in a limited number of styles, and this particular example carries drophead coupé coachwork by the respected London-based firm. Delivered in December 1938, chassis number 'B78MR' was originally ordered by Mrs Wallace Vernon and first registered as 'GMV 869'. By 1967 the Bentley was owned by a Mr and Mrs Pearson of Thaxted, Essex. In 1976 Mrs Pearson sold the car to her nephew, Peter Coni, OBE, CQ and Chairman of Hentley Royal Regatta from whose estate it was purchased by the current vendor in 1993.

Between 1995 and 2004 the Bentley underwent a 'bare chassis' restoration at the premises of renowned marque specialists P&A Wood, which ended up costing around £200,000 (see all invoices and extensive correspondence on file). One of the car's more recent post-restoration excursions was to the Silent Sports Car Club's 90th Anniversary meeting in September 2023.

Additional documentation includes a 2005 MoT, an old-style continuation logbook, and a current UK V5C Registration Certificate. The car also comes complete with jack, tools, and an original handbook. With its low-slung hood, and complete with overdrive this wonderful two door drophead by Park Ward really must be seen to be appreciated.