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Flying Scotsman Rally, April 2014

1930 Bentley 4½ Litre
This rakish vintage Bentley was conceived by the ace preparer L. C. 'Mac' Mackenzie for the celebrated Bentley record breaker Forrest Lycett. His brief was to create a light, fast car suitable for both racing and touring. Lycett, one of the driving forces behind the Bentley Drivers Club competed regularly throughout the 30s at Brooklands and Shelsley Walsh as well as at both the Brighton and Lewes Speed Trials. Post-war Lycett averaged over 90 mph for the flying ¾ mile at Silverstone! Still faithful to its original brief this ultimate specification 4½ litre which includes a counterbalanced crankshaft and lightened flywheel and still retains its original coachwork by Corsica.

GF 1541 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fabulous vintage Bentley with a significant history.

1930 Bentley 4½ Litre

This car is for sale as of Jul 29, 2013

For sale at Fiskens in 2009

Vintage Car Rally, Bute 2007.

PB3543 was offered at Earls Court Motorshow during Oct. 1977.

1930 Bentley 4½ Litre Short-Chassis Two-Seater Reg. No. GF 1541 Coachwork By Corsica, London
Chassis No. PB 3543 Engine No. RB. 3542

Engine, four-cylinder, overhead-camshaft, monobloc, bore 100mm., stroke 140mm., capacity 4,398c.c.: dual magneto ignition: four-speed gearbox, right-hand change: spiral bevel final drive: footbrake on four wheels, handbrake on rear wheels: suspension semi-elliptic front and rear: wheelbase 10ft. 0in.: tyre size 5.50/6.00 x 19: price new in England (standard tourer), £1,295.

769 4 1/2 litre Bentleys of all types were made, but the short-chassis model was always a special-order item, and must be distinguished from 'cut-and-shut' versions modified late in life. This car was commissioned by the late Forrest Lycett (renowned for his subsequent exploits on an 8-litre) and delivered to him on 18 March, 1930. It carries two-seater sports bodywork with cycle-type wings. The vehicle was raced pre-War at Shelsley Walsh and Brooklands, attaining 112 m.p.h. on the Outer Circuit at the latter venue in 1939. It was laid up in 1941, but was again raced successfully at Silverstone and other venues after World War II. The car passed from Mr. Lycett to his godson, its present owner, in 1959, and has not been raced since 1965.

Condition is commensurate with careful maintenance and a total mileage in the region of 45,000. In 1971 the engine was completely overhauled, and a top overhaul with new pistons was undertaken in 1975/6. Some bills for recent work are available. The chassis was stripped in 1973, the transmission was overhauled two years ago, and the car repainted (in its original colours of black with maroon wings) in 1976. Equipment includes two side-mounted spare wheels, and two extra wheels without tyres.

Shelsley Walsh National Open Speed Hill Climb. The car is being driven by writer Nic Peeling's 'Uncle Martin' (his mother's brother).