Coys Auction
Ascot Racecourse,
Berkshire SL5 7JX
Saturday 2 October 2010 at 3pm
Following Rolls-Royce's takeover of Bentley in 1931, the first new Bentley had been the 3½ Litre of 1933. Basically a sporting version of the Rolls-Royce 20/25, it utilised a shorter chassis together with a more powerful version of the 20/25's six cylinder engine with new crossflow cylinder head. Producing 105bhp and mated to a four-speed synchromesh transmission, the 3,699cc engine provided the 3½ Litre with 90mph plus performance. For 1936 Rolls-Royce enlarged the engine to 4,257cc. Retaining the 3½ Litre's crossflow cylinder head, twin SU carburettors, twin fuel pumps and single coil ignition, power rose significantly to 126bhp, which allowed an almost 100mph maximum speed and notably improved acceleration. Otherwise, the specification of the 4¼ Litre was much the same as its predecessor, ie: a separate chassis, complete with centralised lubrication system, employing leaf spring suspension and adjustable