- The only ‘Top Hat’ two-door coupe produced
- Highly desirable 4 ¼-litre engine
- Largely known ownership from new
- The quintessential 'silent' sports car
LOT 605
Selling on Saturday Evening
Coachwork by Freestone & Webb
1937 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre ‘Top Hat’ Coupe
The first Roll-Royce-engineered Derby-built Bentley, the 31/2 Litre, was recognized by W.O. Bentley as the best car ever to bear his name. It had already proven to be a strong seller, remaining in production when the 4¼ Litre joined it three years later. The 4¼ Litre in essence shared a chassis, gearbox, and rear axle with its smaller-engine sibling but provided improved performance, a broader torque band, more horsepower, and exceptionally quiet operation at virtually any speed. The engine shared the dimensions of the Rolls-Royce 25/30 but employed a Bentley-specific crossflow overhead-valve cylinder head with dual SU carburetors. The engine is mated to a four-speed synchromesh manual gearbox further displaying how approachable a car the 4¼ is to drive. For just £50 more than the 31/2 Litre, the 4¼ Litre was an obvious choice for buyers and it soon fully replaced the smaller engine car.
As with all Rolls-Royces and Bentleys of the period, the 4¼ Litres were sent to one of the many standard coachbuilders the two companies used. Chassis number B147HM is a unique specimen, featuring a two-door 'Top Hat' coupe body by the esteemed coachbuilder Freestone & Webb. The coachbuilder was known for its signature razor edge, Top Hat design, of which many 4¼s received, but only in four-door versions. This car offered is the only two-door produced, distinguishing itself from its peers. Finished in two-tone grey and black with black wire wheels; the exterior is smart and sporty, as a Bentley should be.
Inside, the 4¼ Litre upholds the British luxury standard of the period. The interior features comfortably worn dark green leather seats, adding a touch of vintage charm and authenticity. Polished wood veneers and intricate detailing complete the cabin, providing a serene and comfortable environment. The spacious cabin lacks a backseat, save for a jump seat on the passenger side, making it ideal for touring with ample luggage space. Instrumentation is elegantly laid out, and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the interior, making it a true pleasure to experience.
Ordered and delivered new to Miss G.M. Philcox of Sussex, B147HM spent a fair portion of its life in England. In October of 1945, the car made its way to Suffolk under the ownership of Mrs. Alan Nash, who seemingly sold the motorcar to a lawyer and teacher, N. Harrow Esq. The car was then relocated to London where it was offered for sale by Jack Olding & Co. The trail cools until 1974 when Charles Schmidt of Massillon, Ohio, sold the car to Celestine Remlinger of the same town. The car remained in their possession until 2003 when it was acquired by the previous owner, a prominent collector of the marque and active Rolls-Royce Owners Club member.
B147HM has been cared for lovingly. This car presents very well mechanically and is a pleasure to drive. The adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers work marvelously via the steering wheel controls; the right-hand floor-mounted shifter, and gearbox shifts wonderfully. The advantage of a synchromesh gearbox truly sets itself above its competitors, allowing effortless driving. Accompanying B147HM are the Derby factory build sheet, owner's card, and other historical documents from the RROC.
Known as the Silent Sports Car, the 4¼ Litre provides drivers and their passengers with an experience of virtually silent, high-speed motoring. It wears an attractive high quality older restoration and has demonstrated its competence and quality by being driven but also diligently maintained. This is a connoisseur's Bentley 4¼ Litre, a gorgeous one-off coupe at its most elegant and dual-purpose best.
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