1929 Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer, coachwork by Vanden Plas

Ordered the chassis from Bentley and arranged coachwork by Vanden Plas before selling to the first private owner.

First private owner; specified several mechanical options at purchase and had the car upgraded by Bentley in 1930 with a Le Mans specification conversion. Part-exchanged it through Jack Barclay for a supercharged model.

Car passed through at least one pair of hands in this period; it was photographed at a 1937 air rally event during this interval.

Uncle of the subsequent owner; kept the car for over four decades until his death, after which it passed to a relative via estate.

A qualified engineer who meticulously documented all servicing; used the car extensively for over 30 years before ill health led to a lengthy period of storage.

Car was photographed parked on the grass runway at this event; no racing result recorded, attendance only.

Factory upgrade by Bentley Motors incorporating a Le Mans Conversion package: hourglass pistons, flat-top valves, flexible fuel connections, an Autopulse fuel pump, and additional front and rear shock absorbers.

The twin front shock absorbers added at this time are reported to still be in place.

Full engine rebuild carried out, details recorded in the history file.

Chassis frame welded and a straightening bracket fitted, which remains in place.

Bodywork restored and re-panelled in aluminium; interior re-trimmed at the same time. Supporting invoices are held on file.

Interior re-trim was carried out concurrently by Allan/Povey of Kent. A 1964 photograph confirms the completed new skin and trim, though the hood had not yet been fitted.

Interior re-trimmed in conjunction with the bodywork re-panelling.

Hood fitted to the car.

Recommissioning work carried out to return the car to usable condition after a period in storage; scope detailed in a letter on file.

Work was required following storage through much of the 1970s prior to the late owner acquiring the car from the estate.

Engine and gearbox both rebuilt as part of a broader refurbishment programme.

An overdrive unit was installed; a graph on file illustrates the theoretical increase in top speed.

Regular maintenance and upkeep carried out throughout the 1960s.

Work covered the period during which the car was in active use before being placed in storage in the 1970s.

Thorough service and inspection following a period of inactivity: carburettors and ignition timing set up, along with numerous minor jobs, returning the car to a usable state.

Work commissioned after approximately ten years of storage owing to the late owner's ill health. The workshop described the outcome as a car that could be enjoyed immediately or further improved over time.