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Stunning 1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Derby Saloon by Park Ward



1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Derby Saloon



When introduced, the 4 1/4 Litre Bentley was thoroughly modern and designed to reliably cross Europe at high speeds in total comfort and safety. With its sweeping fenders, long hood, and handsome bustle-back trunk, it appeared as if it was in a constant state of motion. This particular 4-door saloon was a catalog model with a body by Park Ward. It received a comprehensive frame-off restoration that included a bare-metal respray in the 1990s, and the complementary two-tone beige and cream coachwork highlights the subtle elegance of the design. Among its many wonderful features are a sliding sunroof, massive Bentley headlights, and a traditional chrome grille with Flying B hood ornament. Streamlining is happily merged with old-world formality, giving the Bentley a sleek look thats appealing from any angle and thanks to quality work during the restoration, none of the old world craftsmanship is lost. All four doors close with a reassuringly solid thunk and the car feels robust as it goes down the road. The car has been driven and toured, but thats the point of owning a Bentley.



Front seat occupants are treated to a pair of supportive buckets that wrap around your shoulders, almost as if they were anticipating energetic driving in the cars future. Fragrant tan leather hides are used throughout and have acquired a pleasant patina. Theres natural burled walnut everywhere you look and the original instruments are fully functional. The sunroof slides back manually and theres a clever shade over the rear window thats controlled by a loop of string over the drivers door. The trunk is large and nicely shaped, and this particular car includes a pair of fitted suitcases. It also carries its original hub wrench, jack handle, and tool roll, although the tools are now stored in a very tidy panel built into the passengers front kick panel. Theres also a small canister full of replacement light bulbs. The spare tire, of course, is mounted outside in a metal cover.



On the road its simply a joy, and its here that you can see why Bentley enthusiasts prefer to drive rather than show. The machinery is just brilliant, with smooth clutch take up and well-chosen gears in the 4-speed manual gearbox, so the car can pull through them without interrupting the smooth flow of torque. Acceleration feels effortless in almost any gear and it cruises comfortably at modern highway speeds. The sleek sedan handles well and feels very precise.



Chassis no. B75LE has a mostly known history. Documentation includes original sales information, service records, and information cards, all put together in a bound volume. The cars history following the war is not known, but it surfaced in New Jersey in the late 1950s, eventually passing through the hands of noted Rolls-Royce collector Joe Loecy. It ultimately landed in the most recent owners hands where it underwent a full restoration, which is documented with photographs and receipts. Since completion, the car has been a frequent participant in club events and long-distance tours and appeared as the cover car for the Derby Bentley Societys publication "On The Road." This is a fantastic opportunity to own a sorted, ready to drive and enjoy Derby Bentley with dramatic bodywork. A wonderful example that needs little more than a new loving caretaker. It is not perfect, it is not a show car, but like all great Bentleys, it drives superbly which is what it was designed to do from the start.



Park Ward Coachwork

Quality Older Restoration

Mechanically Strong Driver

Known History: Sales information, Service records, and Information cards

Well-Sorted and ready to be enjoyed by its next loving owner

Appeared as the cover car for the Derby Bentley Societys publication "On The Road"

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Price: $72,500

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