This particular 4.5 is the 15th 4.5 Bentley built. It was dispatched from the Cricklewood works to
Vanden Plas Coachbuilders, and fitted with body number 1428, a 3-Door 4-seater Sports, which it
still retains, confirmed by the numbers in the original floorboards According to Vanden Plas records the
car was originally finished Thornly and Knight No.6 Grey, with the wings and chassis in black cellulose,
and upholstered in brown antique leather. The wings and running boards were custom ordered to extend
all the way to the body, and extraordinarily useful feature which keeps the passengers dry. Of interest the
windscreen surround and door locks were originally finished in black nickel. The car was also fitted with
a rear auster screen that it still retains. This is an extremely rare fitting on a VDP tourer.

It was first delivered to a Mr. Ernst Waring Spencer, who resided in Rotherhaly. According
to the original buff logbooks Mr. Spencer retained the car until 1934. His ownership is
very well documented in the factory service records. The car passed to noted Bentley dealer H.M. Bentley
and partners, a firm run by W.O. Bentley’s brother. It then passed to a Captain McIllingivray from Ross
Shire, Scotland. While in the Captain’s ownership the factory service record continues, as numerous parts
were dispatched to the owner.

The car remained with Captain MacGillinnay until 1939, and perhaps through the war.
Not much is know about the cars history during the war years, but it resurfaced again in
1951. At this time it was owned by a Bentley Drivers Club member Mr. J.A. Stodent. In 1954 the
original engine was removed. Due to wide availability of parts from scrapped and wrecked Bentleys
during this period, another engine numbered MR3392 was fitted. The cars original engine is extant but is
fitted to another car. Also during this period the original back axle was replaced with a
much stronger 6.5 litre unit numbered WK2654, the car retaining its original numbered axle
carrier. The front axle was also likely replaced during this period with a Bentley unit.

In 1960 the car passed to a Mr. G. Sandwith, of Broadstone, Dorset. The car would remain in Sandwith
family until 1997, the last Sandwith owner being noted BDC member Mrs. T Lewllyn. At
some point in time Mrs Lewellyn decided to subject the car to a further engine rebuild. This was
done at 46,847 miles, this rebuild incorporated a new crankcase, crank, rods, pistons, valves, and
phoenix roller rockers. This also included new thin wall bearings, and uprated oil pump. During this
rebuild an original block, cam chest, and sump were retained. The Llewellyns being extremely active
in the BDC, David being the prior president, fitted the car with touring boxes under the original
running boards. They used the car on an extensive basis for continental touring

In 1997 the car was sold to a Mr. R. Southward in New Zealand, who retained the car until 2011,
when he sold it to Mr Peter Dunkerley. The car was recently imported to the US by the consignor who
acquired it last year. Upon its arrival it was inspected and serviced by noted Bentley expert Dr.
John Porter. During this service, the clutch was totally reconditioned, the plate clutch being relined, new
clutch Springs fitted and the clutch plate machined. Additionally a full engine tune, brake inspection,
lubrication and new tires fitted

Having been owned and enjoyed by prestigious member so the Bentley Drivers Club for most of its life,
the car today is finished very attractively in green with black leather interior, and has a lovely
patinated feel. Of interest is that the sump and the cam cover still carry the original fettle finishing
marks that were applied at the factory. On a recent test drive the car performed flawlessly. Most cars of
this age have obvious evidence of slackness and wear in their handling and creaking and rattles in the
coachwork. This car has none of this and feels tight and performs as a beautiful old Oxford shoe. 10’10
1/2” vintage Bentley’s chassis are noted for their balance and this one handles beautifully, engine is
responsive, with a lovely exhaust note, and uprated servo assisted brakes stop the car with great
confidence. This a superb, rare, example of a 4.5 Litre Vanden Plas tourer Bentley, with rare specification
and continuous history. Welcome on any Concours Lawn, and eligible for multiple motoring events
world wide. It will continue is a wonderful usable motorcar into it second century and beyond.