"The original engine PB3546 for this chassis PB3546 is now in chassis 1222 based in South Africa"

Peking-Paris Rally, June 2013

1930 4½ Litre Bentley
This 4½ litre Bentley is one of only eighty that were delivered new in 1930 and benefits from having a very late specification. Heavy pattern chassis frame, self-wrapping front brakes etc.

The engine has been rebuilt and a steel crank shaft and rods fitted some 10,000 miles ago. The gearbox, differential and the braking system have all been rebuilt. All works have been carried out by marque specialists and all invoices are available as well as an extensive history file showing continuous history with just ten owners.

In 2005 she crossed Australia and in 2009 took on Alaska. The car was originally fitted with a Vanden Plas body number 1637 which was a four seater sports. This was subsequently changed for a new body built by James Pearce approximately 25 years ago finished in desirable book binders material. She retains her original windscreen, fixtures and fittings.

Bentley Alaska Tour 2009

In 2005, BDC Western Australia organised the first Bentley Drivers International rally in Australia attracting 50 entrants from nine countries. They started with their rear wheels in the Indian Ocean and finished with their front wheels in the Pacific Ocean north of Sydney.

Neil and Sheila Carpenter’s 4½ failed to proceed an hour from the finishing line and had to be trailered in. Not to be beaten, WA BDC member Kevin Cochrane drove his 4WD into the Pacific Ocean with the 4½ on the trailer and the Carpenters in the driving seats sipping champagne.

This car was owned by Colin Kilpatrick from 1984 to 1996.

"GC 3656 was owned by my grandfather T S Kilpatrick CBE in Sheffield and I remember riding in it once or twice in the late 1970s/early80s, as a child and teenager.

Grandfather passed it on to my uncle Colin (although it looks as if TSK remained the registered keeper?) when downsizing to a smaller house. TSK passed away in 1995. I have the feeling Colin had a lot of work done to the car before it was sold in 1996. This must have included the substantial bodywork change?

It was also used for the wedding of one of my cousins and I recall following it along the motorway on the return journey when the engine seized with lack of coolant, resulting in frantic arm waving and pulling over to the hard shoulder. The car recovered in no time at all, once water was obtained.

I am happy to forward any questions by email if current owners are interested. It is possible that photos could be obtained and scanned. I will also ask if any film footage exists."

More Info: According to original Vanden Plas Coachbuilder records, this car was originally fitted with Body No. 1637 with a 4-seater Sports; £179; 1/1930.

Michael Hay, in his book Bentley: The Vintage Years, 1997, states: "Vanden Plas body no. 1637. Eng 1055 ex ch. 1046 now PL 3479 ex PL 3481. Was boat-tail, pearce Vanden Plas tourer fitted 1989."

"The info here is wrong. Jim Pearce built an an exact replica of the original VDP body from original photos. It was NOT boattailed at any stage. I got the photos from the second owner. The windscreen is not the original. Jim Pearce organised that." - Colin Kilpatrick (Former owner)