For Sale: 1936 W.O. Bentley 4,5L Le Mans

WO Bentley 4 ½ litre, Le Mans Tourer
- Ultra-rare British car
- Regularly campaigned in historic rallies
- Registered in the Belgium
- UK V5 present
- FIVA ID
- Engine number: RC 491 E
- Chassis number: RC42 - DS3570
4398cc cc, 4 cylinder engine, 4-speed manual
A Remarkable Vintage Bentley
The Bentley RC42 is an exceptional vehicle, part of an elite series of vintage Bentleys from the mid-1930s. Crafted by Bentley in 1936, it holds a prestigious place as one of the six exclusive 4 ½-litre models produced by Bentley using original parts manufactured before the Bentley Cricklewood factory was taken over by Rolls Royce in 1931 following the bankruptcy of Bentley Motors.
R.C. (Reconditioned Chassis)
The transition of ownership brought about a treasure trove of new old stock and reconditioned components. Two automotive veterans, Nobby Clarke, the former Bentley Racing Team Manager, and Hubert Pike, a former Bentley Director, conceived the idea of constructing the R.C. (Reconditioned Chassis) Series, consisting of ten masterpieces - six 4 ½-litre models and four 3-litre models. All cars were constructed by the Bentley Factory in their service department using original WO Bentley parts.
Six 4 ½-litre
With the chassis numbers RC41 to RC46, the six 4 ½-litre vehicles were designed to meet highly sought-after specifications. These included a 10ft 10in wheelbase chassis, a standard crank 4 ½-litre engine, The latest and most sought after D Type gearbox, a 3.53 Speed Six-type rear axle, servo-type self-wrapping front brakes with a sturdy front axle, and 4-litre steering gear.
To clarify the unique status of this vehicle, there were only six (6) RC-Series 4.5 Litres produced by Bentley's Service Department, and they are as follows:
RC41: Completely original with matching numbers, in its original condition.
RC42: Rebodied with a Le Mans-style Tourer body.
Matching numbers. (Originally Vanden Plas 2 door drophead tourer)
RC43: Features a non-original chassis number (UK3286).
RC44: Rebodied with a Le Mans-style Tourer body.
RC45: Rebodied with a Le Mans-style Tourer body.
RC46: Rebodied with a Le Mans-style Tourer body.
Exterior
Among the collection of new old stock parts, RC42 boasts a 4.5 Litre 1929 chassis DS3570, Originally draped in an aluminum two-door, four-seater Tourer body crafted by Vanden Plas (identified as Nr. 3471 according to original Vanden Plas Coach builder records).
The car now has a very good Le Mans style body with green paint and racing green fabric which are in superb condition.
Restoration
Originally registered as DMX 417 (with the original British registration still available), RC42 underwent a transformation between 1992 and 1994. The skilled hands of Mark Huckle from Lincolnshire in England, Huckle painstakingly rebuilt this Bentley into a Le Mans-style body. The craftsmanship proved to be very well conceived, as evidenced by the car's crowning achievement of being named the Vintage Champion at the Bentley Drivers Club1994 Blenheim Palace Concours.

Engine rebuild
In 2010, an extensive engine rebuild was undertaken by the skilled hands of Bentley Specialist, John Ambler Restorations, from West Yorkshire, GB, included the installation of a Phoenix crank and rod set and diaphragm clutch conversion. Subsequently, the Bentley has only traveled a mere 9,000 miles and every mile is listed an a notebook including fuel used etc.
The present owner, a proficient engineer, has shown meticulous care for this automotive gem, making various enhancements to elevate the driving experience. Notable modifications include the installation of an RH throttle pedal, a Halda trip master, additional spotlights, Blockley tires, rebuilt magnetos and starter motor, overhauled SU carburettors, an authentic Fish-tail SS exhaust system, an electrical cooling fan, and regular maintenance on brakes, steering, and suspension.

Time-earned charm
Cosmetically, this vintage Bentley is in wonderful condition and exudes a time-earned charm, reflecting its endurance and quality while being lovingly maintained.
For those seeking an authentic, matching numbers vintage Bentley with exceptional provenance and history, this opportunity is truly one-of-a-kind. It is primed for immediate enjoyment. It comes with Dutch and British registration documents and a FIVA ID card, and all mechanical components still bear matching numbers, just as they did when the car left the RR & Bentley factory in 1936. It will also leave with a full major service by HCS before delivery.
Interested to know more?
HCS is looking forward to hearing from you.
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