Of the many chapters in the first century of competition at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most fascinating is Bentley’s five-victory streak there, beginning in 1924, followed by four consecutive wins from 1927 to 1930. Developed from his original 3-Litre chassis, W.O. Bentley’s much more powerful 4.5-Litre arrived in 1925, enhancing the marque’s elite carriage-trade business and building upon its international racing success. Of all Bentleys of the era, the 4.5-Litre race car nicknamed “Old Mother Gun” remains one of the most famous today. It crashed at Le Mans in 1927, but was repaired and then captured Bentley’s third overall Le Mans title in 1928 with “Bentley Boys” Woolf Barnato and Bernard Rubin co-driving. Highly regarded among the Bentley faithful, the 4.5-Litre, also known as the “4½-Litre,” was produced until the end of the original W.O. Bentley firm in 1931, before the Rolls-Royce takeover. Just 667 were built in total. Sporting factory “Our Own Body Order” coachwork by Vanden Plas, featuring lightweight Weymann-style black fabric coachwork, this right-hand drive 1928 Bentley 4.5-Litre Tourer bears Chassis No. TX3239 and Vanden Plas Body No. 1486. The matching-numbers 4398cc/110 HP SOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, numbered TX3241, features dual SU G5 “sloper” carburetors and dual magneto ignition. The original 4-speed D-type racing manual transmission was converted to a plate-type 1931-style clutch, which drives the rear axle with a 3.53:1 gear ratio. Engineering highlights include a long-range rear fuel tank, double-friction front shocks, Bentley and Draper rear shocks and 4-wheel rod-actuated drum brakes. Featuring a repainted black exterior, the Bentley includes a detachable black convertible top and tonneau cover. Other cues include the removed left-rear door, reprofiled left-side door, fold- down windshield with Brooklands-style aero screens, aluminum hood and rear panels, leather hood-retaining straps, steel front fenders, wood running boards and mesh stone guards. Other choice features include an original Barker dipping headlight mechanism, Marchal headlights and driving lights, Bentley’s signature “Flying B” radiator cap and color-matched, knock-off wire wheels. The Bentley’s dark green leather interior includes a black- painted replacement dash panel, front bucket seats, 4,200 RPM tachometer, ammeter, auxiliary gauges, clock, gray carpets with green binding, drilled pedals and manette-type controls. Michelin 7x21-inch tires provide road contact, and there’s also a side-mount spare wheel and tire. Spare wire wheels are included. Documents include a Dr. Clare Hay Report (2010, updated 2014), confirming the originality of the chassis, engine and body, factory build records, a Vanden Plas body sheet, stamped numbers verification and factory literature. Eligible for numerous vintage events, this adventurous 1928 Bentley 4.5-Litre Tourer is a true race-bred vintage legend, ready to collect and enjoy.
