The ex-Alan Clark MP
1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Open Tourer
Coachwork by Edmunds of Plymouth
Registration no. CS 6856
Chassis no. B30LS
Engine no. H2BF

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 an all-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 engine 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 brakes.

Delivered in November 1937, 'CS 6856' began life as an H J Mulliner-bodied sports saloon and was first owned by a Miss Marjorie A Smith. Little is known of the Bentley's subsequent history until it was sold at auction in December 1993 and described as follows:

"This car carries a particularly attractive and sporting cut-away door tourer body by Edmunds of Plymouth which was fitted in 1960. In recent years it has been the property of a flamboyant ex-government minister and Bentley enthusiast. During his tenure an extensive mechanical restoration was carried out by renowned Derby Bentley experts Ristes in Nottingham, and there are invoices showing an expenditure of some £25,000 upon the engine, suspension and rear axle. The car has since been described by an expert as being 'one of the fastest and finest driving Derbys I have come across'."

The 'flamboyant ex-government minister' was Alan Clark, the author and diarist, who was Conservative MP for Plymouth Sutton from 1974 to 1992 and for Kensington and Chelsea from 1997 until his death in September 1999. Clark served as a junior minister during the Thatcher government of 1979-1990 and was once described by his colleague Norman Lamont as "the most politically incorrect, outspoken, iconoclastic and reckless politician of our times".

A passionate motoring enthusiast, Clark bought his first car, a 6½-litre Bentley, while still at Eton. He went on to deal in classic and Vintage cars, amassing an impressive collection of Bentleys while also writing columns for Thoroughbred & Classic Cars magazine in the UK and Road & Track in the USA. He later recounted his motoring exploits in a book entitled Backfire: A Passion for Cars and Motoring.

Clark spent a considerable amount of money on 'CS 6856', as detailed in the aforementioned £25,000 worth of bills from Ristes, the work including an engine rebuild. It seems the odometer was zeroed following the restoration, so the 24,918 miles now showing is the distance covered since the mechanical work's completion.

The Bentley has had three owners since Clark, the immediately preceding keeper acquiring it from Orchid Cars in May 2003. Expired MoTs show that the Bentley covered some 15,000 miles during his 13 years ownership, mainly on tours with the Bentley Drivers Club. On one occasion 'CS 6856' was voted 'Car I Would Most Like To Take Home' by fellow entrants at a Silent Sports Car Club event at Chatsworth House.

The current vendor purchased the Bentley at a UK auction in 2016, at which time the car was said to have always proved reliable and never to have let the then owner down. It had recently been fitted with a new hood, side screens and tonneau cover. While in the vendor's care the Bentley has benefited from the expert attentions of noted marque specialist Glen Grindrod with no expense spared (see bills on file) and has covered only 4,198 miles since the most recent engine rebuild. The extensive restoration included the chassis, one-shot lubrication system, new wheels, new radiator core, new cylinder head, all chrome restored and much more. A Payne overdrive was fitted in 2019 and the vendor confidently states that the car is now in the best mechanical shape since it left the factory. Since its acquisition the Bentley has successfully completed the Flying Scotsman and the inaugural Rally the Globe (Carrera Iberia - 2019). Serviced and rally ready, this dashing Bentley is ready for the fortunate next owner to enjoy this summer.