Lot details
Registration No: XV 634
Chassis No: AB3363

INTRODUCTION

I was requested on 27th October, 2011, to inspect, for the purposes of authenticating, a 1928 4.5 litre Bentley motor car, registration number, XV 634, a car said to have been delivered new from the Bentley Motor Works at Cricklewood, North London, and first registered in the name of J F C Inglefield, with Freestone and Webb Coupe body, in December, 1928.

Made available to me, was a history file and the car for inspection in its current condition. I was able to examine most components visually but could not gain access to all parts usually taken to fully authenticate the originality of the car. I was able to start the car immediately. It was a quiet engine with instant start up and idle. Both ML magnetos appeared to function correctly. I was impressed by the overall looks, condition and quality of this vehicle.

DETAILS

I was advised that the car presented to me was as follows:-

1928 Bentley 4½ Litre Tourer
Registration No. XV 634
Chassis No. AB3363
Engine No. AB3362

ENGINE

It appears to be fitted with an original pattern block, with a number 115 stamped on the right side rear top, suggesting it is a replacement but it was not possible to define the bore and thus the cubic capacity. I could not discern an original block number. The block is fitted with cosmetic blanking plates to original pattern, but this prevented a clear authentication without removal of one plate to inspect the foot of the block.

Crankcase is original to the car (and numbered AB3362), CAV co-Axial starter. Original pattern cross shaft housing. ML ER4 magnetos of original pattern. Desirable twin S. U. sloper carburettors original and numbered correctly to inlet manifold. Original pattern flywheel and plate clutch assembly with clutch stop. (Slight wear on ring gear). The long core radiator has a SERK "A" pattern film core (not original pattern Gallay), quick lift filler cap and stone guard.

The steering column has original number AB3363. Non-original petrol feed piping (adapted for under dashboard "T" bar tap) but original Autovac still piped and used. Correct water pump. Original pattern cast exhaust manifold. Modern oil filter adaption fitted (easily removed). Belt driven original pattern four blade aluminium fan on original stand. Original Zenith fuel filter.

CHASSIS

This 10 feet 10 inch wheelbase frame has the correct numbering in the right positions and appears to be totally original, with side rail stringers retained, being an average of 0.188mm or 3/16th inches thickness (correct). Some 271 of these frames were delivered in 1928 with varying body styles.

I was happy to confirm the chassis number, crank case and steering column numbers were all correct and apparently original. Bonnet original, but not to this car, being number FT 3225 for a Mulliner saloon delivered in October 1928 and now in Wales.

The front axle appears to be original and correct to the car (AB3363). The car also sports the advanced and desirable self-wrapping front brakes. Rear axle original to car (numbered AB3365) and correct but could not verify ratio, said now to be 3.33 to 1. (Nosepiece number AB3365). Overdrive fitted with modern Hardy Spicer propshaft.

Correct well base 21inch wheels shod with 600x21 Dunlop tyres.
Double Andre Hartford friction dampers front and rear (non original).
Original pattern Perrot shafts.

GEARBOX

I was unable to confirm if the gearbox fitted was original and numbered to the car but it is of the correct "C" type.

FUEL TANK

A reproduction Le Mans-style quick fill 45 gallon tank with non-correct taps and blocks fitted, apparently in good order, with rubber protected lines to and from the taps.

BODYWORK

The body is a replacement, recreated by unknown builder in the style of a short Vanden Plas Le Mans Tourer and may be the third body built for this car. Tool trunk fitted behind. Fold flat windscreen of correct pattern for road use, with supplementary Brooklands style Aero screens. Leather trim not to VDP detailing (this element of the car design varied widely according to individual taste). 3 litre reproduction steering wheel (not correct for 1928 car). Oval window in hood, cut away sides, no side curtains.

Dashboard non-original but fitted with usual array of instruments, some original pattern. Speedo and Rev counter appear to be modified late modern adaptations. Clock non-original to Bentley make but attractive addition and rare eight day chronograph. Original pattern switch plate bearing chassis number AB3363. Smiths 0-60 Oil pressure gauge, Smiths 0-100 Temperature gauge, Original light switch /ammeter. Two barrel dash lights, centre throttle pedal. (NOTE: - Brake pedal travel excessive). P100 headlights with integral side lights. Cycle wings, step plates, twin Rubbolite rear lamps. Single central spot lamp.

Provenance (deduced from accompanying history file)

First owner recorded in Bentley works records as J FC Inglefield.
Extensive and well kept ownership records available. Car used in film "School for Scoundrels" and adapted as the "Swiftmobile".

DRIVING

I was able to undertake a twenty minute road test and found the car to be pleasant to drive. The Clutch Stop requires adjustment as it was not easy to engage either first gear from rest or higher gears until the gearbox was really warm. Clutch otherwise smooth, with correct pedal travel. Brake pedal travel requires adjustment but operation of brakes very good, the servo affect of the self-wrapping front brakes making them most effective. Steering typically light and positive. Handling satisfactory, but both rear brake drums rub back plates on cornering. Slight adjustment needed to rectify this.

Engine very quiet and pulls satisfactorily. Ticks over very quietly and runs evenly on each magneto. Oil pressure very good at steady 40psi at 30mph and above, on tick over 20psi warm. Water temperature good at steady 60 degrees in ambient temperature of 18 degrees.

OVERALL

This is a most desirable, apparently matching numbers car for a discerning owner, who if willing, could with confidence invest in, and then use, it with little additional work. All Bentleys are renowned for their great durability, strength and power. It ought to be possible to undertake long journeys at full legal speeds (with high rear axle ratio and overdrive, this car should cruise comfortably where permitted, at 100mph). A prospective owner could have confidence in this car. It has an MOT test certificate valid until May 2012.

I offer this report as my personal opinion of the car registration number XV634 following my visual examination and do not hold it out to provide an exhaustive engineer's quality report, nor can I vouch for all the documentation or verbal information supplied with it, but I have no reason to doubt anything I have been shown or told.

PHILIP STRICKLAND 14/11/2011