To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale event, April 1-3, 2016.

Chassis No.
B34PV

Estimate:
$375,000 - $400,000 US

This exciting “Bentley Special” harkens back to the era of “The Bentley Boys” and their great successes in the early days of the famed Le Mans 24-hour endurance race; these victories and other race wins on the continent set the stage for a British automotive icon. How many amongst us didn’t have the famous and similar blower Bentley in their Matchbox collection growing up? I know this writer did; play racing them to further successes in the fertile mind of youth.

This 1930s appearing Vanden Plas-style Le Mans-bodied Bentley Special was created in the United Kingdom by very gifted craftsmen on a genuine Bentley chassis, using all Bentley parts. The body is reported as an “Everflex aluminum body built over an ash wooden framing. It is powered by an eight-cylinder inline engine with four carbs that is paired with a four-speed manual transmission on a right-hand drive platform. This is also based on the rare long wheel base version, which some feel makes the car look much more handsome and inviting for pleasure trips in greater comfort. Built recently; it is reported to “look and drive like new.”

Among the many appealing styling elements are cycle-type fenders, knock-off wire wheels, foglamps and headlights have wire-mesh protective screens, side-mounted spare, fold-down windshield with individual glass deflectors, louvered hood with leather securing straps, Bentley foot plates, individual front seats, externally placed handbrake, beautiful polished copper and aluminum engine bay components, black canvas soft-top, full instrumentation, engine-turned dash fascia, quick-fill style of fuel cap and a very impressive exhaust exit tip.

The Bentley was recently imported into the United States with the duties paid; the Bentley has a U.S. title as well as the original UK and German papers. The Bentley Vanden Plas has an impressive presence and is built in an immaculate style that should translate to many miles of driving pleasure, appreciative gazes and pure motoring fun.
1952 Bentley Vanden Plas Le Mans Tourer Re-creation