The Bentley 4.5 Litre, often referred to as the Bentley 4½ Litre, is one of the classic models from Bentley’s storied history, celebrated for its performance and design. Produced between 1929 and 1931, it was part of Bentley’s lineup during the interwar period and is renowned for its racing pedigree and luxurious craftsmanship. The 4½ Litre Bentley is celebrated for its combination of power, luxury, and racing success, particularly in endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Bentley achieved notable victories. The model is a prime example of the engineering excellence and craftsmanship that Bentley is renowned for.
Bentley 4.5-Litre
Meet ‘Mr. Fred’, one of only two Bentley 4.5-Litre Drophead sports coupés still in existence with bodywork by Salmons & Sons, the legendary Newport Pagnell coachworks that was to become the home of Aston Martin. What’s more, this beautiful 1928 aluminium-bodied automobile was the personal car of company owner Mr Fred Salmons – giving rise to its affectionate name. Founded in Buckinghamshire in 1830 by Joseph Salmons, the coachworks progressed from creating high-quality horse-drawn coaches and dog carts to bodying some of the earliest and finest cars for all makes of automobile chassis from 1898 onward. Its bespoke workmanship was much coveted. This 4.5-Litre’s front wings are a wonderful example of the type of elegance and form in aluminium for which Salmons was known, while its distinctive mother of pearl instrument panel is a thing of delicate beauty.
Engine and Performance
- Engine: 4.5-liter (4,398 cc) inline-6
- Power Output: Approximately 110-125 horsepower
- Torque: Around 250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
Dimensions and Weight
- Length: About 4,550 mm (179 inches)
- Width: Approximately 1,750 mm (69 inches)
- Height: Around 1,600 mm (63 inches)
- Wheelbase: 3,050 mm (120 inches)
- Weight: Roughly 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Design and Features
- Body Style: Various, including two-door and four-door configurations, with coachwork provided by renowned British coachbuilders such as Vanden Plas, Gurney Nutting, and others.
- Suspension: Front independent suspension with semi-elliptic leaf springs and rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes
Performance
- Top Speed: Around 160 km/h (99 mph)
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 10 seconds
In 2014, William Medcalf received an almost unbelievable call about a dismantled Bentley in a house in the middle of London that had to be cleared. Upon arrival, Medcalf discovered a mountain of parts were haphazardly strewn throughout the house, garden and garages which would prove a logistical challenge if nothing else. When he found the original coachwork on the roof of a local lock-up garage, things really got interesting.
It turned out that the 1928 Bentley was one of only eight 4½ litre Bentleys bodies by coachbuilder Victor Broom, and the only known survivor. The car was purchased in 1962 by a student for £350, but having found it expensive to run, he decided to lay it up and dismantle it ready for a restoration that never happened.
The disassembled 4 ½ litre Bentley that had been resting for more than 50 years in London was re-patriated to the West Sussex, where a talented team got to work on preserving the car’s originality. The engine still wears its original lead seal as fitted new in 1928, as well as its original finishes. The interior wood and gauges have all just been pain-stakingly cleaned. The car also sports some original leather features such as the sump guard and spring gators. Every nut, bolt and washer was present and correct and the whole car kept as original as possible.
Everything that was original and in full working order was left alone for future generations, with only necessary overhauls being made. The chassis, for example, was coach-painted as it would have been back in 1928, and the body was returned to Saxe blue over cream as finished in period. The car’s first outing in 50 years was to the 2017 Concours d’Elegance, where its incredible journey from borderline extinction to pure and pristine Bentley ownership captured the hearts of thousands of guests.
