Chassis Number: XR3347
Engine Number: XR3347
Reg No: XV 494

Jan 29, 2013: Sold for $726,000

From the Collection of John Webb de Campi
Formerly the Property of E. Ann Klein

1928 Bentley 4½ Litre Harrison British Flexible Coupe
Coachwork by Harrison
CHASSIS NO. XR3347
ENGINE NO. XR3347
Registration No. XV 494

Price: $600,000 - $800,000

- Exceedingly Rare Matching-Numbers, Original-Bodied Example
- The Only Remaining 4½-Litre Harrison Coupe
- Exceptional Provenance and Limited Ownership
- Recent and Exacting Restoration
- Shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
- Ideal International Event Entrant
- An Important and Desirable Vintage Bentley

- 4,398 CC SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
- Twin SU “Sloper” Carburetors
- 110HP
- 4-Speed Non-Synchromesh D-Type Gearbox
- 4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes
- Semi-Elliptical Leaf-Spring Suspension with Friction Plate Shock Absorbers

Constructed in late 1928, XR3347 was specified as a standard 4½ Litre chassis to be fitted with Harrison British Flexible Coupe coachwork. XR3347 was particularly specified with chromium plating of the hardware, a special A.T. speedometer, “Sloper” SU carburetors and the most desirable D-type gearbox. Ordered new by J.D. Gordon of both Scotland and London, XR3347 received the 1929 London registration XV 494.

Mr. Gordon, a highly regarded and world-traveling engineer, specified the new 4½ Litre Bentley for long-distance use between his two homes. One of just two coupe bodies produced by Harrison for the 4½ Litre and the sole surviving example, XR3347 received rather unique equipment. In keeping with Bentley’s sporting heritage, the coupe coachwork was outfitted with a raked front screen with opening capabilities, rain visors over the side windows and, most impressively, helmet fenders.

Although the exterior remained tastefully simple, finished in black with chrome trim and wheel discs, the interior was comfortably appointed. The pleated leather seats offered an unusual integral rolled pillow which provided lumbar support and an adjustable feature. The cabin was lavished with deep veneers and a silk screen for the rear window controlled from the front passenger seat.

Mr. Gordon put his new Bentley to good use and saw that the car received regular care and maintenance by Bentley Motors. Records survive showing the regularity of service work as well as the mileage. By the close of 1931, XR3347 had ???? covered some 28,000 miles. Service records continued through 1938 without an indicated change in ownership. Unusual to most Vintage Bentleys is an apparent decade or more of ownership by the first steward.

Unfortunately, the destruction of certain registration records in London accounts for a brief gap in the history of the car. However, the Bentley survived the war intact and unharmed, and by 1954 came into the hands of noted Bentley collector and enthusiast E. Ann Klein of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Amongst an assortment of high-quality automobiles of various marques, Ms. Klein had some 14 Vintage Bentleys, including the well- known Blower “The Green Hornet.” Perhaps for the addictive road manners of the Blower, XR3347 saw little or no use in Ms. Klein’s care and remained a fixture in one of her Pennsylvania garages.

A close friend of Ms. Klein’s, renowned automotive collector and author John Webb de Campi, first saw XR3347 in 1973. Although the Bentley had been sitting untouched for 19 years, John was enamored with the car and proposed buying it from his friend to restore. In January of that year, a letter from Ms. Klein to Mr. de Campi marked the sale.

A series of photos illustrates the process of removing the 4½ Litre from its two-decade-long resting place. The photographs attest to an impressively complete and original Vintage Bentley in fine condition. Further photographic documentation provides an inventory of parts as well as a process of disassembly. The photos represent one of the purest and most original Vintage Bentleys to remain post-war.

Although the restoration process was slow while awaiting Mr. de Campi’s retirement, progress was made during 34 years until he passed away in 2007. It was then decided by the de Campi family that the Bentley was to be finished and shown in Mr. de Campi’s honor at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The fastidious restoration reached a level of detail few automobiles receive, even Vintage Bentleys. With thorough photo documentation of the original finishes, the interior was exactingly restored using matched materials in both texture and color. The wood veneers were beautifully refinished, retaining the great majority of original product. The original ivory interior hardware was retained to show its lovely patina.

The engine rebuild was entrusted to Billings Cooke of Vintage Garage. Upon disassembly of the motor, the utter originality and minimal wear was noted. To further the sympathetic restoration, many sound mechanical parts were restored and reused.

The chassis and body were expertly prepared by chief restorer Paul Connors and chief mechanic David Kennedy at Competition Motors in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. As an example of the thorough work completed, the correct top material was sourced and the cutting and stitching pattern replicated to utilize Harrison’s small V-shaped grooves that helped to flatten the seams. Painstakingly restored to original specifications, the Bentley saw only one deviation from the original – the Midnight Red finish, a favorite of Mr. de Campi.

Completed in 2009, the Bentley Coupe was breathtaking. The quality and attention to detail was abundantly evident. In August, the car was taken to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, shown in Mr. de Campi’s name, where it was well received by enthusiastic individuals. Furthermore, it was the first public showing of XR3347 in well over 55 years.

In an additional outing to the Fairfield Concours, it deservedly achieved a First in Class. Minimally used or shown since, the 4½ Litre receives monthly attention and exercise from its chief mechanic.

Among the finest restorations conducted on a Vintage Bentley, the Harrison Coupe is a testament to the originality and purity of the marque. XR3347 is one of the few remaining 4½ Litre models to retain its original body on a matching-numbers chassis. Offering exceptional provenance and extremely limited ownership, XR3347 is ready for use in a host of international concours and driving events where the restoration and drivability will leave their mark.

Here's the color of the car presently. The color was the only change made in the restoration — it was originally black as were more cars that left the Bentley factory than most owners want to admit! Because of losing John I wanted a slightly cheerier but still deep color, thus "midnight red". We found it photographed best in SNOW! (This photo was taken when the car was to be loaded on INTERCITY for its trip south to Florida).

~~~~~

Bentley Drivers Club had verified that the original registration number history was destroyed with others by City of London when records became too numerous to store. M. Gordon, the son, advised us that his father had stored the Bentley during the War years, after which Ann & Bill Klein contacted J.D. Gordon directly and/or through Henly's (a dealer with whom Mr. Gordon may have placed the car for sale). So we were only the 3rd owners. No wonder it was so original!

So we truly appreciate your help filling in the car's history.

Looks like this gorgeous 4.5 is going on the block at Goodings Amelia Island auction on March 9, 2012.

Pebble Beach, 2009

Ann and Bill Klein bought this car about 1953 and brought it to the U.S.A. and planned to use it as a parts car. Very few parts had actually been removed when Bill passed away about 1971. I bought the car from Ann and set about getting it running, but found the oil drain tubes in the block had perished and the oil lever was rising and the water lever was lowering... damn. I started the restoration but business matters got in the way and not much more happened for thirty years.

We are now full speed ahead on a full, last nut and bolt restoration. I trust we will have the car on the road next year.

The following information received from J Malcolm Gordon:

"Chassis no: XR3347
Engine no: XR3347
Registration no: XV 494
Ownership years - From: 1928
Ownership years - To: 1953

As previously advised, it was my late father who owned the car from 1928 to 1953.

I have now discovered photos which completely overturn the history of the car. It was evidently originally built, we assume by Harrisons, as a two-seater with drop-head and dicky (rumble) seat. Here are four photos in this guise, in which the hood irons can be seen.

It was later rebuilt as a four-seater, with a fixed (cloth) head. This is the car that was restored and that I remember. You can see on either side of the windscreen the trafficators (winkers).

I do not know when the conversion was made. Does anyone have Harrisons' records? The Bentley specification and maintenance sheet I have been given, which goes up to 1936, gives no hint. It might have been prompted by my father's marriage in 1936, or the impending arrival of my sister in 1939. I haven't yet found any other photos to confirm the date.

Can anyone shed more light on the modification?"

This car was owned by J D Gordon from 1928 to 1953.

We have been contacted by J M Gordon (son of first owner J D Gordon):
"Strictly speaking this was the car commissioned by my late father, J D Gordon, but I recall riding in it as a child... I would like to be put in touch with the current owner/restorer to share memories..."

Interested persons may contact us at info@vintagebentleys.org.