In current ownership for 35 years
1928 Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer

• Original Vanden Plas body, windscreen, and D-Type gearbox
• Known ownership history from new
• Formerly owned by the McAlpine family
• Present ownership since 1990
• Fastidiously maintained in current ownership
• Well known in Bentley circles

W O Bentley proudly debuted the new 3-litre car bearing his name on Stand 126 at the 1919 Olympia Motor Exhibition, the prototype engine having fired up for the first time just a few weeks earlier. In only mildly developed form, this was the model which was to become a legend in motor racing history and which, with its leather-strapped bonnet, classical radiator design and British Racing Green livery has become the archetypal vintage sports car.

Early success in the 1922 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, when Bentleys finished second, fourth and fifth to take the Team Prize, led to the introduction of the TT Replica (later known as the Speed Model). However, by the middle of the 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'.

The new 4½-Litre model effectively employed the chassis, transmission and brakes of the 3-Litre, combined with an engine that was in essence two-thirds of the six-cylinder 6½-Litre unit. Thus the new four-cylinder motor retained the six's 100x140mm bore/stroke and Bentley's familiar four-valves-per-cylinder fixed-'head architecture, but reverted to the front-end vertical camshaft drive of the 3-Litre. Bentley Motors lost no time in race-proving its new car. It is believed that the first prototype engine went into the 3-Litre chassis of the 1927 Le Mans practice car. Subsequently this same engine was fitted to the first production 4½-Litre chassis for that year's Grand Prix d'Endurance at the Sarthe circuit. The original 4½-Litre car, nicknamed by the team 'Old Mother Gun' and driven by Frank Clement and Leslie Callingham, promptly set the fastest race lap of 73.41mph before being eliminated in the infamous 'White House Crash' multiple pile-up.

The 4½-Litre was produced for four years, all but 10 of the 667 cars being built on the 3-Litre's 'Long Standard', 10' 10"-wheelbase chassis. Purchasers of the 4½-Litre model were, in common with those of all Vintage-period Bentleys, free to specify their preferences from a very considerable range of mechanical and electrical equipment, in addition to whatever body style and coachbuilder might be required.

A delightful example of this sought-after model, 4½-Litre chassis number 'KM3091' was sold new via Jack Barclay Ltd and first owned by one Hugh Tevis of Baker Street, London W1. The Bentley was completed with four-seater sports tourer coachwork by Vanden Plas with extended bonnet, and left the Cricklewood factory equipped with the D-type close-ratio gearbox. In 1939 the original engine ('KM3090') was replaced with that currently fitted: 'XF3514', formerly in 'XF3515'. Copies of the car's factory service records from new up to 1939 are on file together with a copy of Jack Barclay's used car invoice dated 30th September 1929 and issued to a Mr Stewart of 38A Park Lane, London W1.

The aforementioned files also contain full ownership details for the period 1928 to 1940 and 1946 to the present day (presumably the car was laid up during the war years). From February 1972 to May 1979 the Bentley was owned by the McAlpine family, and there are photographs dating from 1977 during their ownership showing the car still fitted with Vanden Plas wings and running boards (the cycle wings and long-range 40-gallon fuel tank were fitted later). The current owner purchased the Bentley in 1990 from its restorer, renowned marque specialist Stanley Mann, his Speed Six ('GK 2466') being taken in part exchange (copy advertisement and invoice on file). In his ownership, it has been regularly used for numerous weddings, rallies and events all over the UK, including numerous trips to France.

Also present is assorted BDC correspondence and clippings; an auction catalogue description from 1988; a quantity of old MoT certificates; numerous copy and original family photographs taken at events and BDC rallies; a handwritten annual maintenance history from 1990 to 2017; and sundry maintenance invoices including those for significant engine work in 2008 by Blackmore Engineering, including new big ends, conrods, valves, a full-flow oil filter system and a new starter motor. Further invoices for mechanical work from Blackmore Engineering are on file, dated December 2012. Spare parts include a replica 'Flying B' radiator mascot; a pair of new rubber tail lamps with bulbs and coloured discs; 4x wheel locking nuts; a spare wheel locking bolt with retainer to chassis; and a 3-Litre exhaust manifold.

Finished in classic British Racing Green with matching leather interior trim, 'KM3091' remains in lovely order and is a testament to the care it has received over the years. A Bentley Drivers' Club member since 1958, the current owner is only selling because he turns 91 this summer and is finding it a little harder work to use than he used to!