| Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Fixed Head Coupe by Park Ward "The Honeymoon Express" Frank Dale & Stepsons | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Year : 1938 Make : Bentley Model : 4 1/4 Litre (Overdrive) Coachbuilder : Park Ward Body Type : Coupe Colour : Garnet Trim : Tan Leather History : During the late 1920’s and early 1930’s Bentley ran into grave financial trouble and by 1931 Rolls-Royce had stepped in and bought the assets and goodwill of the defunct company and formed a new one, Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Rolls-Royce had considered the Bentley marque to be a growing threat to their future success, but following their purchase decided to continue the Bentley name, albeit under their own stewardship, taking the company in an entirely new direction with the creation of the “Silent Sports Car” or Derby Bentley. In 1933 the new Bentley 3 ½ Litre model was released and was an instant success. The combination of effortless power and style met with almost universal praise. It was powered by a developed twin carburettor version of Rolls-Royces own 20/25 model and was installed in a low 126 inch wheelbase chassis that basically remained unaltered until the cessation of production in 1939 due to the outbreak of hostilities. Synchromesh was present on third and fourth gears and the Derby’s were fitted with a cross flow cylinder head and superb servo assisted brakes, encapsulating all of the perfection of Rolls-Royce engineering in this small sporting Bentley. Fitting of individual coachwork by approved body builders continued in true Rolls-Royce fashion giving potential buyers a great deal of choice in the look of their new motor car. 1936 saw further improvements with the introduction of the 4 ¼ Litre model when production of the 3 ½ Litre unit ceased. Steady development continued throughout the cars production and in late 1938 even more power was obtained when the overdrive models were introduced. The MX/MR series 4 ¼ Litre Derby Bentleys differentiated themselves from the earlier 4 ¼ Litre models with a number of mechanical improvements which included the fitting of an overdrive gearbox, with third gear being a direct drive and top gear an overdrive gear, providing higher cruising speeds at lower revolutions. This innovation proved to be a great success but the introduction of the Marles steering box which provided lighter and more pleasant steering was looked upon as an even greater improvement. These two upgrades were complemented with the fitment of 17 inch wheels and 6 ½ inch tyres as opposed to the previous 18 inch 5 ½ inch units. Modified gear ratios and slight engine modifications also improved acceleration under certain conditions. The slower running engine coupled with the over drive top gear resulted in greater silence and smoothness. And finally centralised chassis lubrication and automatic shock absorbers with over-riding hand control were fitted. The MX/MR models were truly the ultimate incarnation on the Derby chassis and are still very much sought after some seventy years on. Just two hundred MX/MR chassis were created, finding their way to lucky owners with a variety of coachwork designs and are rightly considered to be collector’s items. During the great depression coachbuilders Park Ward experienced financial problems and approached Rolls-Royce for help. Funding was acquired by Park Ward in return for a thirty three per cent stake in the company, which benefited all concerned. Park Ward produced a large number of bodies for Derby Bentley chassis in a range of forms, with their saloon style bodies being particularly popular. Drophead coupes and fixed head coupes were also available upon request, built in smaller numbers. One such fixed head coupe came in the form of B30MR, a unique creation that became Park Wards 1938 Earls Court Motor Show car. This special fixed head coupe of radical design was constructed with the intention to challenge the contemporary Mercedes as a high speed transcontinental express. The spare wheel was housed in the boot, with space behind the single bench seat reserved for luggage. It came complete with electric windows and rear blind, rear wheel spats and a generous sunroof. When it appeared on Stand 104 at Earls Court in 1938 it quickly acquired the title “The Honeymoon Express” because of the lack of rear seats, this space reserved instead for luggage, leaving only room for “two people and two toothbrushes.” The official description from the Earls Court Catalogue reads as follows “4 ¼ Litre 6 Cylinder Bentley Single Coupe. Coachwork by exhibitors, seating two; sunshine roof; luggage accommodation behind seats; spare wheel in boot at rear; frameless glasses with mechanical lifts; illuminated built in number plate with reverse and stop lights; Triplex glass throughout; tools in boot; cigar lighters; arm rests; electric backlight blind; wheels discs; bumpers; fire extinguishers; upholstery in soft fawn leather; cellulose paintwork in maroon with fine line on mouldings.” Following its time on display B30MR became the personal transport for the chairman of Park Ward and was then used during World War II by a London Rolls-Royce dealer, with the paint being changed to camouflage. Following the cessation of hostilities the car was returned to Rolls-Royce and painted black. Following the war years B30MR was purchased by a collector in America who owned the car for almost five decades. It was purchased by the current and most recent owner in the United States some ten years ago and shipped back to England for inspection. Following a detailed review the owner decided to restore the car to its former glory, regardless of cost. A six year body off, nut and bolt restoration ensued with every mechanical part overhauled to “as new” condition. Whilst all of the mechanical aspects were being restored to the highest standards, the cosmetic aspects were tended to in an identical fashion. The detailed and exhaustive restoration has resulted in a car of exceptional quality. Full details, photographic records and bills, which are substantial, can be viewed upon request detailing the restoration works. B30MR was subsequently rewarded at the 2011 Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Rally and Concours, winning first place in its class. In our opinion it would be ideal for future concours entry with the obvious choices being Villa d’Este and or Pebble Beach. This superb Derby Bentley is unique, stylish, complete in every respect and in superb condition both mechanically and cosmetically. In our opinion it would add significant value to even the very best collection of desirable motor cars. Condition : Concours condition Technical Data : Four speed manual gearbox, 6 cylinder in-line engine, 4.25 litres displacement, 4257cc capacity. Servo-assisted brakes. FOR MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS PLEASE GO TO WWW.FRANKDALE.COM
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