1939 Bentley 4¼-Litre MX Sedanca Coupé

• The ultimate expression of pre-war motoring refinement
• Desirable M-series overdrive model
• Original engine, gearbox and registration
• Believed unique coachwork
• Restored to concours standard by Fiennes Restorations (bills available) concours condition throughout
• Extensive history file

Introduced in 1936, the 4¼-Litre Bentley chassis, developed from the preceding 3½-Litre, was the finest that the wealthy sporting motorist could aspire to. Although Rolls-Royce's acquisition of Bentley Motors in 1931 had robbed the latter of its independence, it did at least ensure the survival of the Bentley name. Launched in 1933, the first of what would become known as the 'Derby' Bentleys continued the marque's sporting associations, but in a manner even more refined than before. Even W O Bentley himself acknowledged that the 3½-Litre model was the finest ever to bear his name.

Based on the contemporary Rolls-Royce 20/25, the 3½-Litre Bentley was slightly shorter in the wheelbase at 10' 6" and employed a tuned (115bhp), twin-SU-carburettor version of the former's 3,669cc overhead-valve six-cylinder engine. Add to this already remarkable package a part-synchromesh four-speed gearbox and servo assisted brakes, and the result was a vehicle offering the driver effortless high performance in almost absolute silence. 'The Silent Sports Car', as it was quickly dubbed, had few peers as a tireless long-distance tourer, combining as it did traditional Rolls-Royce refinement with Bentley performance and handling.

By the end of the 1930s the 'Derby' Bentley 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 braking. Land speed record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell appreciated its formidable performance, praising the 'absolute perfection' of the Bentley's engine, handling, and braking.

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. These and other improvements, most notably the adoption of Marles cam-and-roller steering in place of the Rolls-Royce worm-and-nut, coincided with the introduction of the 'M' series cars in 1939.

Refinement, reliability, and effortless long-distance cruising (3,000 revs equates to 78mph) were hallmarks of the coveted overdrive-equipped 'M' series. Only some 200-or-so were produced during 1939 and all are most highly regarded today.

With its 4¼-litre engine and overdrive gearbox, 'B35MX' represents the Derby Bentley in its ultimate and most desirable incarnation. The Bentley was delivered on 17th May 1939 to its first owner, leading fashion designer Captain Edward Henry Molyneux, and registered as 'FXM 600'. It is believed to be the only one of its kind bodied as a Sedanca Coupé by Thrupp & Maberly. Subsequently the Bentley passed through various hands of note including those of the 8th Earl Bathurst and Mr Derek Randall, chairman of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club. It has been in our vendor's private collection for the last 15-or-so years.

The Thrupp & Maberly body is finished in its original colour, though the interior has been re-trimmed in dark red (changed from beige). Between 2002 and 2004 the car was treated to a comprehensive concours-standard restoration by renowned specialists Fiennes Restorations at a cost exceeding £170,000. Since the restoration's completion the Bentley has covered circa 10,000 miles and been kept in a heated and dehumidified garage. Even some 20 years on it still looks beautiful, reflecting the high quality of Fiennes' workmanship. Our vendor has shown the Bentley twice at concours events, winning trophies at both.

Serviced by P&A Wood in 2023 and by Frank Dale this year, who re-lined the front brakes, 'FXM 600' has covered a mere 350 miles in the past two years and is ready to delight its fortunate next custodian. Offered with a current UK registration document, the car comes with an extensive history file of documentation going back to its early years, including details of the various owners and numerous bills and invoices relating to routine maintenance and the aforementioned restoration. Retaining its original registration number, engine, and gearbox, this fabulous Derby Bentley would grace any important private collection and is not to be missed.