Bentley 4½ Litre
Compare naturally aspirated, Works Le Mans and supercharged cars, including the later continuation.
What to check before buying
Ask for the build record, frame and engine stampings, and evidence of when the body and supercharger were fitted.
The Bobtail’s period engine number and later crankcase stamping illustrate why each component needs its own record.
Documented auction results
If you’re deciding what to offer, start with transactions for cars of similar specification and history. Check the sale date, condition, and whether the price included buyer’s premium.
| Chassis | Date and auction | Outcome and price | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM3903 | Nov 2021RM Sotheby’s · London 20211929 Bentley 4½-Litre Supercharged Tourer by Vanden Plas | UnsoldEstimate GBP 3,800,000 to GBP 4,200,000 | Auction evidence |
| KM3088 | Mar 2017RM Sotheby’s · Amelia Island 20171928 Bentley 4½-Litre Le Mans Sports "The Bobtail" by Vanden Plas | UnsoldEstimate USD 6,500,000 to USD 7,500,000 | Auction evidenceRM distinguishes the original engine number from the crankcase stamping. |
| MS3929 | Aug 2015RM Sotheby’s · Monterey 20151931 Bentley 4½-Litre Supercharged Two-Seater Sports in the style of Vanden Plas | SoldUSD 4,015,000 · Published sold price | Auction evidenceFactory Blower chassis with a later two-seat rebody. |
Commission a search or pre-purchase review
Source a car
Set the model, specification, budget, and timetable. We run the private search and screen candidates against your brief.
Private sourcingAssess a car you’ve found
Review the seller’s records, comparable sales, and questions for an independent marque specialist before deciding what to offer.
Pre-purchase advice
We agree the written scope, fee, and any specialist costs before work begins.
Factory specification and chronology
- Public introduction
- 1927
Alternative names
Also recorded as 4 1/2 Litre, 4.5 Litre.
Documented variants
| Variant | Production | Body style | Coachbuilder | Wheelbase | Factory specification | Documented examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley 4½ Litre | — | Tourer, Coachbuilt bodywork | — | — | — | |
| Bentley 4½ Litre BlowerBentley Blower, Blower | — | Tourer | — | — | — | SM3903MS3929 |
| Bentley 4½ Litre Blower Continuation | — | Open racing car | — | — | — | |
| Bentley 4½ Litre Works Le Mans | — | — | — | — | Competition | KM3088 |