1939 Bentley Drophead - No Sale at $400,500

1939 DERBY BENTLEY 4.25 litre
Chassis No: B199MX

Coachwork by North Stables, Oxfordshire U.K. Vanden-Plas style tourer, one of three cars built to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s specifications – these include low windscreen; also folds flat. Aluminium body including guards for light weight.

Only 200 M series were built with very few having survived. The M series was a vast improvement over previous 3.5 & 4.25 Derby’s, with stronger rear axles, cam and Roller steering instead of worm and nut, which improved the accuracy of straight ahead stability. Overdrive gearbox with higher ratios in every gear, with third gear being the same as top gear in previous mpdels. Top gear now 3,000 r.p.m at 80mph. Big end and main bearings were larger and stronger to cope with the now altered camshafts, which gave more torque and power.

Out of total production of 2,500 cars, 10% were drophead coupes, less than 1% were tourers, which were lighter than the cabriolets and of course Campbell specifications were even lighter. These cars now had a top speed of 100 mph or more depending on body style.

Specs & Details:

Auction Date: 07 Feb 2008
No Sale: $400,500
Miles: 38601
Engine: 6
Transmission: manual
Exterior Color: green
Interior Color: green