When faced with more powerful competition from the likes of Alvis and Lagonda, Bentley replaced its much-loved 3½-Litre model with the 4¼ of 1936. As the name suggested, the new car gained a larger-capacity straight-six engine to find an additional 20 horsepower to make a true 100 mph top speed attainable. However, only 1,234 examples would be completed before World War II forced production to cease.

According to an accompanying copy of the Derby factory build card for chassis B133LE, this car was initially sent to coachbuilder Park Ward of North London to gain Sports Saloon bodywork. Recorded with a 5 July 1938 completion date, the car was delivered new to Mr Edward Neville Syfret. Then holding the rank of Captain in the Royal Naval following his service during World War I, Syfret started World War II in command of HMS Rodney, a fearsome Nelson-class battleship. It is said that he even stowed his Bentley aboard the vessel, enabling him to drive the car extensively despite the conflict. The South African was subsequently made a Commander, later Admiral, and was then knighted.

Believed to have found three further owners thereafter, the Bentley was purchased again in 1984 and remained with the custodian through to February 2010, when chassis B133LE joined The Best of British Collection. Today, presented in black over brown leather upholstery and featuring gold coach lines, with the further benefit of retaining its matching-numbers engine, this car presents as an ideal candidate for a complete restoration.

While the next owner might wish to return the car to its factory specification, this car also notably shares the same chassis as the unique “Embiricos Bentley”. Accordingly, as was the seller’s original intention, this 4¼-Litre Sports Saloon could be turned into a faithful recreation of the famous streamlined coupé.