Coachwork by Vanden Plas

Chassis No. NX3467

Engine No. NX3470

Reg No. UU6075

- One of the finest original, preservation-class Vintage Bentleys in existence

- A numbers-matching example retaining its original engine, gearbox, coachwork and more

- A very well-regarded, well-documented example

- Freshly rebuilt engine by Phil Reilly & Co and in tour-ready condition

- Accompanied by an expert report from Dr. Clare Hay

Delivered new to Glasgow, to Hardie H. Reid, in June of 1929, this 4 1/2 Litre Bentley was desirably specified with the quintessential Vanden Plas Sports Tourer body, finished with a fabric exterior, a brown leather interior and a sportingly raked front screen. The Bentley was well used prior to the war, accruing some 67,500 miles by the mid 1930s. Its two pre-war owners and thorough service work are documented by the original factory records.

While its war-time whereabouts remain unknown, the car was imported into the US in 1946 and has remained here ever since. With limited ownership, and dutiful use and care, the 4 1/2 Litre has remained a fixture in several prominent collections including that of Ed Sutherland and subsequently Doug Magee. During enthusiast ownership the Bentley has seen regular use including participation in the Copperstate 1000 and numerous NAVBMs, amongst other outings.

The Bentley retains its original frame, engine, C-type gearbox, rear-axle, steering box, all with original stampings. The carburetors and intake manifold remain a numbered and matched set. The hood sides are both stamped as expected with the car’s serial number, and the Vanden Plas body number can be found stamped in three places on the floor, on the car’s original windscreen, and underneath both front seats. The soft top frame retains the brass production disc, and beyond its numbered items, NX3467 is otherwise exceedingly complete, correct and original.

Perhaps of greatest significant is the originality of the cars coachwork and cosmetic finishes. The interior, is without a doubt among the finest original pre-war leather interiors we’ve seen on such a car, from the dashboard and instruments down to the Vanden Plas tags affixed to the door panels. In 2023 the Bentley’s interior received special preservation and treatment by Dr. Gundula Tutt.

Furthermore, receipts for regular maintenance from the past several decades remain on hand and significantly, the car’s engine was overhauled by Phil Reilly & Co. as documented by 2017 invoices. The file is also complete with provenance, historical records, correspondence and photographs throughout the car’s life in the US.

NX3467 is a privilege to have on offer. A perfectly specified 4 1/2 Litre, this car remains one of the finest unrestored, preservation-class examples to remain today. One would be hard pressed to find a better example extent, benefiting from decades of conscientious stewardship. Welcome at high level concours events internationally, the Bentley is just at home on local drives or long distance rallies where it has proven itself time and time again.