1939 Bentley 4¼-Litre Vanden Plas-style Tourer
Registration no. FLK 969
Chassis no. B-143-MX

Offered here on the Derby Bentley's late, MX, overdrive chassis is an amazingly accurate reconstruction of Vanden Plas' design number '1459'. Only four of the latter were produced in period, one of which was used as a reference point to create the car we see today. Extraordinary attention to detail has gone into its construction, perfectly replicating the myriad details of the original car, even down to the spring-loaded screw fittings securing the side screens.

Chassis number 'B-143-MX' was delivered to its first owner in July 1939 carrying four-door sports saloon coachwork by Park Ward. Its first owner was a Captain John B Vaughan. Many years later the Bentley was found in a barn in dilapidated condition, seemingly having covered only 69,000 miles from new. Examination of various mechanical and other components indicated that the mileage was likely genuine; indeed, when measured, the crankshaft was found to have no discernible wear.

The car was still in its faded pale green livery when the rebuild commenced in 2013. Once the body had been removed, the chassis was found to be beautifully preserved with no serious corrosion and only light surface rust. The car was completely disassembled down to its component parts and a painstaking 4,000-hour restoration then ensued. A beautiful new ash frame was constructed, again with reference to an original car, taking some 700 hours to make, while the body was hand-formed in aluminium on an English Wheel by a master craftsman. In total, the project cost some £240,000 in parts and labour (bills on file).

'FLK 969' is finished in maroon over black with stone-coloured leather upholstery and matching carpets. A set of tools is located under the front seats and also in a foldout panel in the passenger foot well. The boot has a storage area for the side screens when not in use. There is also a useful foldout panel, as per the original cars, enabling additional luggage to be carried with the boot open. The car also comes with a set of side screens; a two-part tonneau cover with dividing zip for the front; and a hood bag. As befits a fine example of 'The Silent Sports Car', 'FLK 969' is said to drive beautifully, running effortlessly in modern traffic. The engine is reported as powerful, while the Marles steering box is said to be a revelation, representing a major advance over the non-overdrive cars and making the steering light and direct in operation. Having covered only a few hundred shakedown miles since its completion in 2021, this car wants for nothing. Beautiful and unique, the car has formed the centrepiece of the owner's small collection of Derby and other Bentleys, which is only being dispersed because his 80th birthday is approaching.