Found on Bonhams website on October 14, 2019

LOT 160
16 Aug 2019, 10:00 PDT

Quail Lodge Auction
Carmel, Quail Lodge & Golf Club

1929 Bentley 4½ Liter Sports Tourer
Coachwork by Vanden Plas
Chassis no. FB3317 (see text)
Engine no. FB3320
US$ 700,000 - 850,000

- 4,398cc SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
- 4 Overhead Valves Per Cylinder
- 110bhp at 3,500rpm
- 4-Speed C-Type Manual Gearbox
- Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
- 4-Wheel Drum Brakes with Servo Assist

- Well-known and documented example accompanied by detailed Clare Hay Report
- Retaining original coachwork, engine, drivetrain and suspension
- Thoroughly maintained by marque expert Steve Babinsky
- Colorado Grand and California Mille Participant

Reaching 90 years of age, this British sportscar looks today much as it would have done when completed by the dream team of W.O. Bentley's Cricklewood Works and Vanden Plas' coachbuilding house. Of course, it was that partnership that provided the juice for the campaigns at Le Mans throughout the 1920s and garnered no fewer than 4 outright wins. Each were built in this guise of the most potent Bentley to date, clad in lightweight open bodywork. It was a recipe for success, and provided Bentley and the famous Bentley Boys, the likes of Henry 'Tim' Birkin, Woolf Barnato, Clement Watney, and so on, with numerous other wins around the UK and Europe, at Brooklands and beyond. Back in the day, it would have been every boy's wish to pilot one of these fabled machines, and that desire has perpetuated the brand through 99 years of existence.

Few marques have had as many coachwork and engine replacements as the early Bentleys. Many closed bodies were replaced by sporting, open tourers, both in-period and after the war, and few original bodies have survived intact, making FB3317 all the more desirable. Besides originality, proper maintenance is vital, and the value of a vintage Bentley is not diminished if it has sensible updates, thoughtful maintenance, and supporting documentation. Consequently, after 90 years, this example is a rare find.

Archived by Bentley Motors and Vanden Plas, and subsequently by clubs like the Bentley Drivers' Club and Rolls-Royce Owners' Club, early Bentleys can often be accurately documented. The ownership history of FB3317 is admirably complete, starting with its first owner in 1929, F.W. Howarth, of The Danes, Higher Crumpshall, Manchester. Clearly a Bentley enthusiast, he first owned a 1925 3-Liter Arnold Saloon, then a 1928 4½-Liter J. Gurney-Nutting Saloon, and a 1930 4½-Liter Supercharged Vanden Plas Coupé.

He was followed by B.C. Garnham, of London, in 1933 and G. Forbes, of Essex, in 1936. Following a presumed wartime slumber, the car re-emerged in 1946 with a succession of known owners, most notably Captain Geoffrey Hunt, who brought FB3317 to the New World in 1956. At some point, presumably before its export to America, the original chassis frame was replaced by AD3671. This practice was not uncommon at the time; presumably, AD3671 was in better condition than FB3317, which is known to have been repaired multiple times in the 1930s. It is further known that Captain Hunt installed the Marchal headlamps, which remain with the car to this day, whilst the dating of the current cycle wings is unknown.

In 1966, owner W. A. Boone restored the car, and he won many concours events with it. The rebuild is recorded in number 100 of the Bentley Drivers' Club's Review from May 1971, and Boone notes that the wooden body frame was restored by Don Carpenter, of Wizard Works in Kenosha, Wisconsin; since the body was extensively restored at this time, it is possible that the wings were replaced then as well. In any case, to this day, the body retains the hallmarks of the Vanden Plas craftsmen.

Boone and FB3317 participated in club tours and events, including RROC Spring and Fall Tours in the U.S.; Vintage Racing at Laguna Seca, California, and Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin; a Bentley Drivers' Club Tour of England, covering 1,200 miles; and the SCCA Michigan Miglia, which covered 1,000 miles in three days. Awards include the NIRCCA Grand Award for Excellence and an RROC First in Class for "Vintage Bentley" in 1970; the AACA's "S. F. Edge Award for the outstanding restoration of the year of a foreign-made automobile in a national event" in 1972; the BDC, "Best Overseas Car" at Kensington Gardens, London, in 1974; and 100 points in the "Senior Foreign" class at the Indianapolis National Grand Classic in 1976.

Published references include seven in the Bentley Drivers' Club Review between 1974 and 1982 and five in the RROC Flying Lady between 1971 and 1979. In addition, FB3317 is mentioned in Vanden Plas Coachbuilders, by Brian Smith, and All the Pre-War Bentleys - As New, by Stanley Sedgwick. Perhaps the most astute observations have been made by Clare Hay, author of many archival Bentley reference volumes, including Bentley: The Vintage Years; Bentley Factory Cars, Bentley Speed Six; and Bentley Eight Liter. Hay inspected the car thoroughly in early-2013 to examine the original components and map out for the first time where and why repairs, replacement of parts, and sensible upgrades were performed.

In the incredibly detailed report, every component of the car is examined, photographed, and recorded. Aside from the replacement chassis, Hay notes that the engine, the desirable close-ratio C-Type gearbox, number 6442, the steering box, and the front and rear axles remain original to the car, as do the correct-type Bentley & Draper shock absorbers. The front brakes are the original 1929 type, although it is noted that the finned brake drums are a later update and are considered superior to the original units. The fuel system is correct, including the matched pair of SU HVG5 carburetors and Ki-Gass cold starting pump, as is the matched pair of ML ER4 magnetos. The car even retains its original leather trays between the chassis and the sump flange, which are almost always missing, as well as the quick release radiator cap, which was originally fitted to racing cars and ordered by F.W. Howarth from Bentley in April 1930.

FB3317 has retained its complete identity throughout its entire life and has participated on rallies such as the Colorado Grand and California Mille. It has been cared after and maintained by expert restorer Steve Babinsky and recently received $16,000 worth of work in 2018. Offered from a prominent East Coast based collection of some of the best sports and racing cars made, this Bentley is ready to be enjoyed and would be welcomed in clubs, like the Bentley Owners' Club Ltd., and invited to the finest events round the globe. Unlike many cars from the 1920s, a Bentley is thrilling to drive, and one is an essential part of a pre-war collection.

Footnotes
Please note, this vehicle is titled under the engine number.

"Two of the six pre-war Bentleys on the 2016 Colorado Grand, on Utah 128, following the Colorado River toward lunch in Moab today (Sep 14, 2016)."

1929 Bentley
Location: Central, VA 24574
Trans: Manual
Condition: Excellent
Price: $685,000
Status: Sold

Villa Erba - 25 May 2013
1929 Bentley 4½-Litre Open Tourer by Vanden Plas

May 25, 2013: Sold for €490.000

Villa Erba - 25 May 2013

1929 Bentley 4½-Litre Open Tourer by Vanden Plas
€530.000 - €690.000

Chassis no. FB3317 :: Engine no. FB3320

100 bhp, 4,398 cc, 16-valve, SOHC four-cylinder engine, twin SU carburettors, four-speed manual gearbox, front beam and live rear axle with semi-elliptic springs, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 130.5 in.

- One of two hundred and four 4½-Litre Bentleys fitted with Vanden Plas coachwork
- Documented in detail by noted Bentley expert Clare Hay
- Known ownership, awards, and history
- Original coachwork, drivetrain, and suspension

The ownership history of FB3317 is admirably complete, starting with its first owner in 1929, F.W. Howarth, of The Danes, Higher Crumpshall, Manchester. Clearly a Bentley enthusiast, he first owned a 1925 3-Litre Arnold Saloon, then a 1928 4½-Litre J. Gurney-Nutting Saloon, and a 1930 4½-Litre Supercharged Vanden Plas Coupé.

He was followed by B.C. Garnham, of London, in 1933 and G. Forbes, of Essex, in 1936. Following a presumed wartime slumber, the car re-emerged in 1946 with a succession of known owners, most notably Captain Geoffrey Hunt, who brought FB3317 to the New World in 1956. At some point, presumably before its export to America, the original chassis frame was replaced by AD3671. This practice was not uncommon at the time; presumably, AD3671 was in better condition than FB3317, which is known to have been repaired multiple times in the 1930s. It is further known that Captain Hunt installed the Marchal headlamps, which remain with the car to this day, whilst the dating of the current cycle wings is unknown.

In 1966, owner W. A. Boone restored the car, and he won many concours events with it. The rebuild is recorded in number 100 of the Bentley Drivers’ Club’s Review from May 1971, and Boone notes that the wooden body frame was restored by Don Carpenter, of Wizard Works in Kenosha, Wisconsin; since the body was extensively restored at this time, it is possible that the wings were replaced then as well. In any case, to this day, the body retains the hallmarks of the Vanden Plas craftsmen.

Boone and FB3317 participated in club tours and events, including RROC Spring and Fall Tours in the U.S.; Vintage Racing at Laguna Seca, California, and Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin; a Bentley Drivers’ Club Tour of England, covering 1,200 miles; and the SCCA Michigan Miglia, which covered 1,000 miles in three days. Awards include the NIRCCA Grand Award for Excellence and an RROC First in Class for “Vintage Bentley” in 1970; the AACA’s “S. F. Edge Award for the outstanding restoration of the year of a foreign-made automobile in a national event” in 1972; the BDC, “Best Overseas Car” at Kensington Gardens, London, in 1974; and 100 points in the “Senior Foreign” class at the Indianapolis National Grand Classic in 1976.

Published references include seven in the Bentley Drivers’ Club Review between 1974 and 1982 and five in the RROC Flying Lady between 1971 and 1979. In addition, FB3317 is mentioned in Vanden Plas Coachbuilders, by Brian Smith, and All the Pre-War Bentleys - As New, by Stanley Sedgwick. Perhaps the most astute observations have been made by Clare Hay, author of many archival Bentley reference volumes, including Bentley: The Vintage Years; Bentley Factory Cars, Bentley Speed Six; and Bentley Eight Litre. Hay inspected the car thoroughly in early-2013 to examine the original components and map out for the first time where and why repairs, replacement of parts, and sensible upgrades were performed.

In the incredibly detailed report, every component of the car is examined, photographed, and recorded. Aside from the replacement chassis, Hay notes that the engine, the desirable close-ratio C-Type gearbox, number 6442, the steering box, and the front and rear axles remain original to the car, as do the correct-type Bentley & Draper shock absorbers. The front brakes are the original 1929 type, although it is noted that the finned brake drums are a later update and are considered superior to the original units. The fuel system is correct, including the matched pair of SU HVG5 carburettors and Ki-Gass cold starting pump, as is the matched pair of ML ER4 magnetos. The car even retains its original leather trays between the chassis and the sump flange, which are almost always missing, as well as the quick release radiator cap, which was originally fitted to racing cars and ordered by F.W. Howarth from Bentley in April 1930.

FB3317 has retained its complete identity throughout its entire life; thus, it will be welcomed in clubs, like the Bentley Owners’ Club Ltd., and invited to the finest events round the globe. Unlike many cars from the 1920s, a Bentley is thrilling to drive, and one is an essential part of a pre-war collection.

1929 Bentley 4½ Litre

Description
1929 Bentley 4½ Litre Open Tourer by Vanden Plas s/n FB3317 (AD3671), Engine no. FB3320 British Racing Green with Black Leather

This Open Tourer is unique in that it wears the body, engine and registration with which it was born. It was delivered in January of 1929 from the Bentley Motors, Ltd. Cricklewood, England factory to its first owner F.W. Howarth, The Danes, Higher Crumpshall, Manchester, England. Likely in the late 1930s, however, the original chassis bearing the number FB3217 was evidently exchanged for one bearing the number AD3671, which corresponds to another wonderful Bentley 4½ Litre that was sold new in March of 1930 to a Mr. W Holgate. In this format, the Bentley offered here has been the recipient of numerous concours and club awards for excellence and originality, and is truly a well known and respected car among W.O. enthusiasts. As evidenced by the detailed factory records provided by the Bentley Driver's Club the vehicle passed through several European owners before arriving in the United States from England in 1956.

Price - $995,000
Mileage - 22003
Classic car ID - c0467
Bodystyle - Coupe
Doors - Two door
Engine - 4 cylinder
Transmission - 4 speed manual
Exterior color - Green

1929 Bentley 4½ Litre Open Tourer by Vanden Plas
Original Vanden Plas Open Tour Coachwork. Well Known and Respected by Bentley Enthusiasts.

Price - $995,000
VIN - FB3317
Exterior Color - British Racing Green
Interior Color - Black Leather
Mileage - 22003 Miles
Engine - 4.5 Litre SOHC Four Valve 4-Cylinder no. FB3320
Transmission - 4-Speed

Comments
1929 Bentley 4 ½ Litre Open Tourer by Vanden Plas
s/n FB3317 (AD3671), Engine no. FB3320
British Racing Green with Black Leather

This Open Tourer is unique in that it wears the body, engine and registration with which it was born. It was delivered in January of 1929 from the Bentley Motors, Ltd. Cricklewood, England factory to its first owner F.W. Howarth, The Danes, Higher Crumpshall, Manchester, England. Likely in the late 1930s, however, the original chassis bearing the number FB3217 was evidently exchanged for one bearing the number AD3671, which corresponds to another wonderful Bentley 4 ½ Litre that was sold new in March of 1930 to a Mr. W Holgate. In this format, the Bentley offered here has been the recipient of numerous concours and club awards for excellence and originality, and is truly a well known and respected car among W.O. enthusiasts. As evidenced by the detailed factory records provided by the Bentley Driver’s Club the vehicle passed through several European owners before arriving in the United States from England in 1956.

The Boone family of Winnetka, Illinois acquired the car in 1966 after which a complete ground-up restoration followed of the original Vanden Plas body as well as all mechanical aspects of the car. Confirming the quality of the restoration, the car was a consistent top award winner competing at 19 major events from 1968 to 1976. Those included three AACA meets, seven GIRCCA spring concours, two RROC National meets, seven Grand National Classics and one BDC International meet. Honors include the 1970 NIRCCA Grand National Award for Excellence, 1970 RROC 1st Place Vintage Bentley, 1972 AACA S.F. Edge Award for the Outstanding Restoration of the Year for a Foreign Made Automobile Entered in a National Meet, 1974 Best Overseas Car, PDC Kensington Gardens, London and 100 points in the 1976 Senior Foreign at the Indianapolis Grand Classic. The previous owner had participated in seven North American Vintage Bentley Meet rallies from 2000-2008, and the car has benefited from regular road us of some 400-500 miles per year.

The car makes a strong visual impression and the restoration work performed by the Boon Family is holding up exceptionally well. The car has been carefully maintained and is replete with period details such as the large Le Mans petrol tank, headlight with stone guards, Hartford shock absorbers, Wefco spring gators, twin leather bonnet straps, a corded steering wheel and sloper SU carburetors. Paint, brightwork, body fabric, and upholstery all share a uniform, light patina which the discerning collector’s eye will appreciate on a W.O. Bentley. That said, the car certainly remains nice enough, and correct enough, for concours showing. In its desirable and original Open Tourer format, this Bentley is likely to be a welcomed entrant to many of the world’s most prestigious motoring gatherings, both concours and tour events, and its current condition will lend itself nicely to participating in both.

Very recently, to insure reliability for long distance touring, the fuel system and fuel take were restored, the carburetors cleaned, and very smart LED turn signals fitted, among other minor works. Included with the car are records for the recent work performed. Please note that the car is titled to the engine number.

1929 Bentley 4½ Litre Open Tourer
by Vanden Plas

Chassis No. FB3317

Estimate:
$700,000-$900,000 US

Auction Date:
To be auctioned on Saturday, August 20, 2011

100 hp @ 3,500 rpm, 4,398 cc SOHC four-cylinder, four-speed manual transmission, right-hand drive, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension. Wheelbase: 130"

- Matching-numbers Vanden Plas Tourer with known provenance
- Original Bentley factory maintenance records through 1939
- Award-winning older restoration with lovely patina
- Well maintained and regularly driven by current and previous owners
- Eligible for countless AACA, CCCA, RROC and BDC meets

Chassis FB1337
FB1337 is a truly remarkable Bentley. Unlike many of its sister cars, it was never converted to fashionable Le Mans replica status. It exists today with the body, chassis, engine and registration with which it was born. Delivered in January 1929 from the Bentley Motors, Ltd. Cricklewood, England facility, its first owner was F.W. Howarth, The Danes, Higher Crumpshall, Manchester, England. Detailed factory records provided by the Bentley Driver’s Club are available for inspection as they indicate the car’s mechanical history through 1939. It passed through several owners before arriving in the United States from England in 1956.

The Boone family of Winnetka, Illinois acquired the car in 1966 after which a complete ground-up restoration followed of the original Vanden Plas body as well as all mechanical aspects of the car. Confirming the quality of the restoration, the car was a consistent top award winner competing at 19 major events from 1968 to 1976. Those included three AACA meets, seven GIRCCA spring concours, two RROC National meets, seven Grand National Classics and one BDC International meet. Honors include the 1970 NIRCCA Grand National Award for Excellence, 1970 RROC 1st Place Vintage Bentley, 1972 AACA S.F. Edge Award for the Outstanding Restoration of the Year for a Foreign Made Automobile Entered in a National Meet, 1974 Best Overseas Car, PDC Kensington Gardens, London and 100 points in the 1976 Senior Foreign at the Indianapolis Grand Classic. The current owner has participated in seven North American Vintage Bentley Meet rallies from 2000-2008. In addition, the car is regularly driven 400-500 miles per year.

FB1337 is painted an appropriate British Racing Green over green hides. Both exhibit a lovely patina attesting not only to a proper restoration many years past but also the pride and care lavished during the stewardship of its owners. In the current owner’s collection since February 1999, the car has been carefully maintained and is replete with period details such as the large Le Mans petrol tank, headlight with stone guards, Hartford shock absorbers, Wefco spring gators, twin leather bonnet straps, a corded steering wheel and sloper SU carburetors. The bodywork is finished in the traditional Vanden Plas style with an aluminum bonnet and fabric covered coachwork.

We are told the vintage Bentley runs and drives beautifully. Compared to the countless show cars that rarely see the open road, it is refreshing to witness yet another Bentley enthusiast regularly driving this important motor car and ensuring that it is well sorted. It represents a rare opportunity to own a spectacular, unmolested car with known provenance that maintains its original Vanden Plas body and matching-numbers engine and chassis. This is what Bentley experts consider to be one of the best 4½-Litre Bentleys available today. Without question, the new owner will be the envy at AACA, CCCA, RROC and BDC meets.

Addendum
Please note this vehicle is titled by its Engine Number FB3320. Please also note number FB3320 was found to be stamped on the front dumb iron, which corresponds to a sister 4½ Litre Bentley. Upon further research we believe the car’s chassis was replaced in the 1930s with an original 4½ litre chassis, numbered AD3561. This is, however, a very well known Bentley in enthusiast circles.

This car is up for sale at RM Auctions Monterrey 2011 event. Estimated USD 700.000-900.000

These photographs were taken by Edward LaBounty at the 2008 NAVBM.

Photograph was taken during Rolls-Royce Owners Club National Meet in Dearborn, Michigan, in 1970.