---
title: Bentley 4½ Litre · HICONIUM
description: The naturally aspirated 4½ Litre won Le Mans in 1928 and supplied the chassis for the Blower project. Original coachwork and traceable numbered components distinguish a period car from later Le Mans-style rebuilds.
canonical_url: https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre
image: https://hiconium.dev/og/vehicle/bentley/41-2-litre.png
market_as_of: "2026-09-01"
---

> HICONIUM · Index: https://hiconium.dev/llms.txt · Every page: append `.md` or send `Accept: text/markdown`.
> Path: [Home](https://hiconium.dev/) › [Vehicles](https://hiconium.dev/models) › [Bentley](https://hiconium.dev/manufacturers/bentley) › 4½ Litre
> On this page: [The price and the proof](#the-price-and-the-proof) · [Model readouts](#model-readouts) · [Documented sales](#documented-sales) · [More capacity without the six-cylinder car's mass and complexity.](#overview-heading) · [Technical specifications](#technical-specifications) · [Powertrain](#powertrain) · [Chassis](#chassis) · [4½ Litre register](#4-litre-register) · [The people behind the car](#the-people-behind-the-car) · [W.O. Bentley](#wo-bentley) · [Member instruments](#member-instruments)

![A dark green Bentley 4½ Litre, front three-quarter view on a dark green field opening to sage light](https://hiconium.dev/images/cars/bentley-41-2-litre/hero-wide-2560.jpg)

# 4½ Litre

The four-cylinder endurance Bentley

The naturally aspirated 4½ Litre won Le Mans in 1928 and supplied the chassis for the Blower project. Original coachwork and traceable numbered components distinguish a period car from later Le Mans-style rebuilds.

1927 to 1931 · 720 built · Cricklewood

## The price and the proof

Indicative road-car band $104K–$462K · typical $339K · 91 documented road sales · 91 recorded sales on file · market as of 2026-09-01. Modeled values are not observed sales. Nothing here is investment advice.

Confidence: medium. Three documented USD sales show the spread between a rare closed body, an original Vanden Plas tourer and a factory Le Mans-converted car. Works competition history can move a car far beyond this road-car band.

USD; naturally aspirated road cars. Factory team cars and genuine Blowers require separate treatment.

Body identity and competition specification matter more than model year alone.

Valuation method and source rules: [HICONIUM standards](https://hiconium.dev/standards). Observed auction results across the wider market: [Market terminal](https://hiconium.dev/market).

### Model readouts

91 documented anchors. model v1 · seed bentley-41-2-litre. Compound annual growth is modeled price CAGR; S&P 500 is a price index without dividends. Forecast quantiles are not investment advice.

| Window | This car* | S&P 500 | Gold |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1Y | +0.5% | +18.8% | +21.9% |
| 5Y | +12.7% | +11.4% | +17.6% |
| 10Y | -6.4% | +13.3% | +11.8% |

| Series | Deepest drawdown | Window |
| --- | --- | --- |
| This car* | -99.7% | Aug 2013 → Feb 2018 · not recovered |
| S&P 500 | -50.8% | Oct 2007 → Mar 2009 · recovered Mar 2013 |
| Gold | -39.3% | Sep 2011 → Dec 2015 · recovered Jul 2020 |

| Horizon | P10 | P50 | P90 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| +6M | $286'243 | $347'248 | $421'255 |
| +12M | $272'626 | $356'057 | $465'021 |
| +24M | $257'016 | $374'351 | $545'254 |

### Documented sales

91 recorded. Every public sale on this file, newest first. Amounts keep the recorded currency. Source links appear only when the catalog stores a public auction-lot URL.

| Date | Chassis / label | Class | House | Venue | Amount | Currency | Basis | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2026-07-08 | RM Sotheby's · Woodcote Park, Epsom, UK · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | Woodcote Park, Epsom, UK | £252'500 | GBP | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/wp26/lots/r0002-1950-bentley-34litre-special-tourer-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas/](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/wp26/lots/r0002-1950-bentley-34litre-special-tourer-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas/) |
| 2026-05-17 | Broad Arrow Auctions · The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction, Villa Erba, Italy · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Broad Arrow Auctions | The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction, Villa Erba, Italy | €400'000 | EUR | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/ve26_r0015/1928-bentley-4-litre-vanden-plas-sports-tourer](https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/ve26_r0015/1928-bentley-4-litre-vanden-plas-sports-tourer) |
| 2026-04-19 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £21'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/31854/lot/126/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b73rs/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/31854/lot/126/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b73rs/) |
| 2026-04-19 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £80'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/31854/lot/128/1952-bentley-mark-vi-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b342nz-engine-no-b171n/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/31854/lot/128/1952-bentley-mark-vi-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b342nz-engine-no-b171n/) |
| 2026-01-30 | Broad Arrow Auctions · Online, France · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Broad Arrow Auctions | Online, France | €346'500 | EUR | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/gi26e_r0037/1928-bentley-4-litre-semi-sports-four-seat-open-tourer-in-the-style-of-park-ward](https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/gi26e_r0037/1928-bentley-4-litre-semi-sports-four-seat-open-tourer-in-the-style-of-park-ward) |
| 2025-07-11 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £265'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30543/lot/131/1928-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-km3091-engine-no-xf3514-see-text/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30543/lot/131/1928-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-km3091-engine-no-xf3514-see-text/) |
| 2025-04-13 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £253'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30542/lot/145/1928-bentley-412-litre-vanden-plas-style-tourer-chassis-no-km3076-engine-no-km3078/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30542/lot/145/1928-bentley-412-litre-vanden-plas-style-tourer-chassis-no-km3076-engine-no-km3078/) |
| 2025-04-13 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £56'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30542/lot/165/1949-bentley-mark-vi-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b404ley-engine-no-b202e/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30542/lot/165/1949-bentley-mark-vi-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b404ley-engine-no-b202e/) |
| 2025-03-08 | 2025 | Road | Broad Arrow Auctions | The Amelia Auction 2025, Amelia Island, USA | $224'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/am25_r068/1927-bentley-3-4-litre-sports-tourer](https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/am25_r068/1927-bentley-3-4-litre-sports-tourer) |
| 2024-11-02 | RM Sotheby's · London, UK · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | London, UK | £218'500 | GBP | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/lf24/lots/r0022-1924-bentley-34litre-speed-model-by-vanden-plas/](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/lf24/lots/r0022-1924-bentley-34litre-speed-model-by-vanden-plas/) |
| 2024-09-07 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £290'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/29334/lot/139/1927-bentley-412-litre-vanden-plas-tourer-chassis-no-sl3061-engine-no-xl3122-see-text/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/29334/lot/139/1927-bentley-412-litre-vanden-plas-tourer-chassis-no-sl3061-engine-no-xl3122-see-text/) |
| 2024-03-01 | Gooding Christie's · Amelia Island Auction, Amelia Island, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Gooding Christie's | Amelia Island Auction, Amelia Island, USA | $1'545'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.goodingco.com/lot/1929-bentley-4-1-2-litre-le-mans-sports-tourer/](https://www.goodingco.com/lot/1929-bentley-4-1-2-litre-le-mans-sports-tourer/) |
| 2024-02-28 | RM Sotheby's · Online, TBC · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | Online, TBC | €356'500 | EUR | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/bc24/british-classics-online/lots/r0001-1928-bentley-4-litre-supercharged-le-mans-tourer-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas/1449267](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/bc24/british-classics-online/lots/r0001-1928-bentley-4-litre-supercharged-le-mans-tourer-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas/1449267) |
| 2023-11-04 | RM Sotheby's · London, UK · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | London, UK | £815'000 | GBP | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf23/london/lots/r0053-1929-bentley-4-litre-supercharged-le-mans-tourer-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas/1404777](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf23/london/lots/r0053-1929-bentley-4-litre-supercharged-le-mans-tourer-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas/1404777) |
| 2023-09-20 | H&H Classics · Imperial War Museum, Duxford, UK · incl. buyer's premium | Road | H&H Classics | Imperial War Museum, Duxford, UK | £198'333 | GBP | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/401-1927-bentley-34-litre-tourer/?lot=58224](https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/401-1927-bentley-34-litre-tourer/?lot=58224) |
| 2023-09-01 | bonhams · Beaulieu, National Motor Museum · hammer | Road | bonhams | Beaulieu, National Motor Museum | £65'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/28307/lot/601/1948-bentley-mkvi-special-to-3412-litre-tourer-specification-chassis-no-b295cd-engine-no-to-be-advised/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/28307/lot/601/1948-bentley-mkvi-special-to-3412-litre-tourer-specification-chassis-no-b295cd-engine-no-to-be-advised/) |
| 2023-08-19 | RM Sotheby's · Monterey, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | Monterey, USA | $390'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo23/monterey/lots/r0118-1926-bentley-3-4-litre-tourer-speed-model-by-vanden-plas/1362044](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo23/monterey/lots/r0118-1926-bentley-3-4-litre-tourer-speed-model-by-vanden-plas/1362044) |
| 2023-08-19 | RM Sotheby's · Monterey, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | Monterey, USA | $1'600'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo23/monterey/lots/r0173-1929-bentley-4-litre-short-chassis-sports-tourer-by-vanden-plas/1374712](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo23/monterey/lots/r0173-1929-bentley-4-litre-short-chassis-sports-tourer-by-vanden-plas/1374712) |
| 2023-03-04 | RM Sotheby's · Amelia Island, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | Amelia Island, USA | $687'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am23/amelia-island/lots/r0037-1929-bentley-4-litre-tourer-by-cadogan/1326349](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am23/amelia-island/lots/r0037-1929-bentley-4-litre-tourer-by-cadogan/1326349) |
| 2022-08-20 | RM Sotheby's · Monterey, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | Monterey, USA | $698'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo22/monterey/lots/r0035-1930-bentley-4-litre-tourer-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas/1244346](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo22/monterey/lots/r0035-1930-bentley-4-litre-tourer-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas/1244346) |
| 2022-06-05 | Bonhams · The Greenwich Auction, Greenwich, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Bonhams | The Greenwich Auction, Greenwich, USA | $604'500 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/27656/lot/135/well-known-car-extensively-toured-in-recent-years-and-complete-with-dr-clare-hay-report1929-bentley-4-liter-tourercoachwork-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas-by-elmdown-engineeringchassis-no-fb-3320engine-no-fb-3322/](https://www.bonhams.com/auction/27656/lot/135/well-known-car-extensively-toured-in-recent-years-and-complete-with-dr-clare-hay-report1929-bentley-4-liter-tourercoachwork-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas-by-elmdown-engineeringchassis-no-fb-3320engine-no-fb-3322/) |
| 2022-04-10 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £85'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27520/lot/64/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-sports-special-chassis-no-b25to-engine-no-b12t/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27520/lot/64/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-sports-special-chassis-no-b25to-engine-no-b12t/) |
| 2022-03-31 | bonhams · Online, Paris, rue de la Paix · hammer | Road | bonhams | Online, Paris, rue de la Paix | €19'000 | EUR | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27959/lot/126/1953-bentley-mk-vi-412-litre-standard-steel-saloon-chassis-no-b472lnz-engine-no-b236n/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27959/lot/126/1953-bentley-mk-vi-412-litre-standard-steel-saloon-chassis-no-b472lnz-engine-no-b236n/) |
| 2022-03-31 | bonhams · Online, Paris, rue de la Paix · hammer | Road | bonhams | Online, Paris, rue de la Paix | €12'000 | EUR | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27959/lot/133/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-standard-steel-saloon-chassis-no-b353lto-engine-no-b176t/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27959/lot/133/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-standard-steel-saloon-chassis-no-b353lto-engine-no-b176t/) |
| 2022-02-03 | bonhams · Paris, The Grand Palais Historique · hammer | Road | bonhams | Paris, The Grand Palais Historique | €52'000 | EUR | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27526/lot/272/1952-bentley-mark-vi-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b455ny/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27526/lot/272/1952-bentley-mark-vi-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b455ny/) |
| 2021-12-04 | bonhams · London, New Bond Street · hammer | Road | bonhams | London, New Bond Street | £390'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/26805/lot/109/1930-bentley-412-litre-vanden-plas-style-tourer-chassis-no-pb-3544/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/26805/lot/109/1930-bentley-412-litre-vanden-plas-style-tourer-chassis-no-pb-3544/) |
| 2021-11-29 | bonhams · Online, Paris, rue de la Paix · hammer | Road | bonhams | Online, Paris, rue de la Paix | €17'000 | EUR | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27711/lot/111/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b6lxf-engine-no-b3x/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27711/lot/111/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b6lxf-engine-no-b3x/) |
| 2021-11-06 | RM Sotheby's · London, UK · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | London, UK | £415'625 | GBP | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf21/london/lots/r0036-1928-bentley-4-litre/1181817](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf21/london/lots/r0036-1928-bentley-4-litre/1181817) |
| 2021-10-01 | Bonhams · The Audrain Concours Auction, Newport, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Bonhams | The Audrain Concours Auction, Newport, USA | $651'250 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.bonhams.com//auctions/27295/lot/17/?category=list&length=100000&page=1](https://www.bonhams.com//auctions/27295/lot/17/?category=list&length=100000&page=1) |
| 2021-09-04 | bonhams · Beaulieu, National Motor Museum · hammer | Road | bonhams | Beaulieu, National Motor Museum | £140'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/26811/lot/444/1928-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-2801-see-text/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/26811/lot/444/1928-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-2801-see-text/) |
| 2021-08-14 | RM Sotheby's · Monterey, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | Monterey, USA | $1'105'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo21/monterey/lots/r0132-1929-bentley-4-litre-open-four-seater-sports-by-vanden-plas/1129896](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo21/monterey/lots/r0132-1929-bentley-4-litre-open-four-seater-sports-by-vanden-plas/1129896) |
| 2021-08-13 | Bonhams · Quail Lodge Auction, Carmel, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Bonhams | Quail Lodge Auction, Carmel, USA | $863'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.bonhams.com//auctions/26887/lot/36/?category=list&length=100000&page=1](https://www.bonhams.com//auctions/26887/lot/36/?category=list&length=100000&page=1) |
| 2021-08-13 | Bonhams · Quail Lodge Auction, Carmel, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Bonhams | Quail Lodge Auction, Carmel, USA | $747'500 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.bonhams.com//auctions/26887/lot/52/?category=list&length=100000&page=1](https://www.bonhams.com//auctions/26887/lot/52/?category=list&length=100000&page=1) |
| 2021-06-30 | bonhams · Paris, Rue de la Paix · hammer | Road | bonhams | Paris, Rue de la Paix | €17'000 | EUR | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27269/lot/206/1952-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b218lsr-engine-no-b109s/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27269/lot/206/1952-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b218lsr-engine-no-b109s/) |
| 2021-06-20 | bonhams · Chéserex, Switzerland · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chéserex, Switzerland | CHF 54'000 | CHF | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/26998/lot/106/1952-bentley-mark-vi-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b499lny-engine-no-b499n/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/26998/lot/106/1952-bentley-mark-vi-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b499lny-engine-no-b499n/) |
| 2021-05-22 | bonhams · Bicester, Bicester Heritage · hammer | Road | bonhams | Bicester, Bicester Heritage | £9'500 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/26808/lot/75/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b292yd/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/26808/lot/75/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b292yd/) |
| 2021-05-19 | bonhams · London, New Bond Street · hammer | Road | bonhams | London, New Bond Street | £280'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27194/lot/20/the-ex-forrest-lycett-don-mckenzie-jonty-williamson1927-bentley-3412-litre-speed-model-sports-chassis-no-ht1631/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27194/lot/20/the-ex-forrest-lycett-don-mckenzie-jonty-williamson1927-bentley-3412-litre-speed-model-sports-chassis-no-ht1631/) |
| 2021-03-11 | Duke's · The Newton House Collection, Dorchester, UK · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Duke's | The Newton House Collection, Dorchester, UK | £465'000 | GBP | incl. buyer's premium | [https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/88901/results](https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/88901/results) |
| 2020-10-24 | 2208 | Road | RM Sotheby's | The Elkhart Collection, Elkhart, USA | $445'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20/the-elkhart-collection/lots/r0134-1924-bentley-3-4-litre-four-seater-by-vanden-plas/820838](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20/the-elkhart-collection/lots/r0134-1924-bentley-3-4-litre-four-seater-by-vanden-plas/820838) |
| 2019-09-14 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £46'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/25454/lot/255/1952-bentley-mark-vi-412-litre-sports-chassis-no-b239ny/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/25454/lot/255/1952-bentley-mark-vi-412-litre-sports-chassis-no-b239ny/) |
| 2019-07-05 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £400'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/25453/lot/332/1928-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-mf3157-see-text/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/25453/lot/332/1928-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-mf3157-see-text/) |
| 2019-04-07 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £77'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/25450/lot/104/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b73rs/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/25450/lot/104/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b73rs/) |
| 2019-04-07 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £500'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/25450/lot/48/1929-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-rl3428/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/25450/lot/48/1929-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-rl3428/) |
| 2018-10-17 | H&H Classics · Imperial War Museum, Duxford, UK · incl. buyer's premium | Road | H&H Classics | Imperial War Museum, Duxford, UK | £855'000 | GBP | incl. buyer's premium | [https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/49870/results](https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/49870/results) |
| 2018-08-24 | Bonhams · Quail Lodge Auction, Carmel, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Bonhams | Quail Lodge Auction, Carmel, USA | $1'435'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.bonhams.com//auctions/24811/lot/66/?category=list&length=100000&page=1](https://www.bonhams.com//auctions/24811/lot/66/?category=list&length=100000&page=1) |
| 2018-07-13 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £180'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/24876/lot/369/1928-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-nt3137/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/24876/lot/369/1928-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-nt3137/) |
| 2018-02-08 | bonhams · Paris, The Grand Palais Historique · hammer | Road | bonhams | Paris, The Grand Palais Historique | €12'000 | EUR | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/24882/lot/301/bentley-412-litre-voiture-denfant/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/24882/lot/301/bentley-412-litre-voiture-denfant/) |
| 2017-03-19 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £15'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/24118/lot/39/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b133wg/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/24118/lot/39/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b133wg/) |
| 2017-01-21 | 2017 | Road | Gooding Christie's | The Scottsdale Auctions 2017, Scottsdale, USA | $1'100'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/24192/results](https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/24192/results) |
| 2016-09-10 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £17'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/23595/lot/141/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b137ya/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/23595/lot/141/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b137ya/) |
| 2016-08-20 | RM Sotheby's · Monterey, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | Monterey, USA | $682'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/4966](https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/4966) |
| 2016-03-20 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £285'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/23589/lot/87/1929-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-ds3551-engine-no-ds3551/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/23589/lot/87/1929-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-ds3551-engine-no-ds3551/) |
| 2016-03-12 | RM Sotheby's · Amelia Island, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | Amelia Island, USA | $852'500 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/11883/results](https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/11883/results) |
| 2015-12-06 | bonhams · London, New Bond Street · hammer | Road | bonhams | London, New Bond Street | £595'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/22729/lot/6/1929-bentley-412-litre-tourer/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/22729/lot/6/1929-bentley-412-litre-tourer/) |
| 2015-09-05 | bonhams · Beaulieu, National Motor Museum · hammer | Road | bonhams | Beaulieu, National Motor Museum | £620'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/22724/lot/171/in-family-ownership-since-1935-recent-discovery-matching-numbers-example1929-bentley-412-litre-sports-saloon-chassis-no-pb3527-engine-no-pb3526/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/22724/lot/171/in-family-ownership-since-1935-recent-discovery-matching-numbers-example1929-bentley-412-litre-sports-saloon-chassis-no-pb3527-engine-no-pb3526/) |
| 2015-08-15 | RM Sotheby's · Monterey, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | RM Sotheby's | Monterey, USA | $4'015'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/12064](https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/12064) |
| 2015-06-06 | Historics · Weybridge, UK · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Historics | Weybridge, UK | £510'000 | GBP | incl. buyer's premium | [https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/4188/results](https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/4188/results) |
| 2014-11-30 | bonhams · London, New Bond Street · hammer | Road | bonhams | London, New Bond Street | £420'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21904/lot/4/1929-bentley-412-litre-tourer-coachwork-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas-chassis-no-hb3407-engine-no-hb3406/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21904/lot/4/1929-bentley-412-litre-tourer-coachwork-in-the-style-of-vanden-plas-chassis-no-hb3407-engine-no-hb3406/) |
| 2014-09-06 | bonhams · Beaulieu, National Motor Museum · hammer | Road | bonhams | Beaulieu, National Motor Museum | £17'500 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21902/lot/330/in-the-present-ownership-for-47-years1952-bentley-mkvi-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b382nz-engine-no-b191n/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21902/lot/330/in-the-present-ownership-for-47-years1952-bentley-mkvi-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b382nz-engine-no-b191n/) |
| 2014-09-06 | bonhams · Beaulieu, National Motor Museum · hammer | Road | bonhams | Beaulieu, National Motor Museum | £15'500 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21902/lot/394/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b41ya-engine-no-b207/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21902/lot/394/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b41ya-engine-no-b207/) |
| 2014-06-27 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £200'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21906/lot/315/same-ownership-for-54-years-and-taken-from-the-michael-banfield-collection1927-bentley-3412-litre-open-tourer-chassis-no-lm1341-engine-no-xf3502/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21906/lot/315/same-ownership-for-54-years-and-taken-from-the-michael-banfield-collection1927-bentley-3412-litre-open-tourer-chassis-no-lm1341-engine-no-xf3502/) |
| 2014-06-07 | bonhams · Oxford · hammer | Road | bonhams | Oxford | £25'500 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21749/lot/222/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b170wh-engine-no-b85w/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21749/lot/222/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b170wh-engine-no-b85w/) |
| 2013-12-09 | bonhams · Oxford · hammer | Road | bonhams | Oxford | £14'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21274/lot/361/1952-bentley-mkvi-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b171pu-engine-no-b235p/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21274/lot/361/1952-bentley-mkvi-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b171pu-engine-no-b235p/) |
| 2013-08-16 | Bonhams · Quail Lodge Auction, Carmel, USA · incl. buyer's premium | Road | Bonhams | Quail Lodge Auction, Carmel, USA | $4'647'500 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://www.bonhams.com//auctions/20994/lot/152/?category=list&length=100000&page=1](https://www.bonhams.com//auctions/20994/lot/152/?category=list&length=100000&page=1) |
| 2013-07-12 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £297'500 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20929/lot/321/1929-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-fb3324-engine-no-xf3513/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20929/lot/321/1929-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-fb3324-engine-no-xf3513/) |
| 2013-03-08 | 2013 | Road | Gooding Christie's | The Amelia Island Auction 2013, Amelia Island, USA | $2'750'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/56842/results](https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/56842/results) |
| 2013-01-19 | 2013 | Road | Gooding Christie's | The Scottsdale Auctions 2013, Scottsdale, USA | $726'000 | USD | incl. buyer's premium | [https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/56930/results](https://glenmarch.com/auction-cars/show-backup-image/56930/results) |
| 2012-09-08 | bonhams · Beaulieu, National Motor Museum · hammer | Road | bonhams | Beaulieu, National Motor Museum | £140'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20144/lot/597/1925-bentley-3412-litre-speed-model-red-label-tourer-chassis-no-1162-engine-no-sp-1407/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20144/lot/597/1925-bentley-3412-litre-speed-model-red-label-tourer-chassis-no-1162-engine-no-sp-1407/) |
| 2012-06-29 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £4'500'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20143/lot/204/the-ex-sir-henry-tim-birkin-hon-dorothy-paget-owned-brooklands-outer-circuit-lap-record-breaking-the-ex-sir-henry-tim-birkin-hon-dorothy-paget-owned-brooklands-outer-circuit-lap-record-breaking1929-31-412-litre-supercharged-blower-bentley-single-seater-chassis-no-hb-3402-engine-no-sm-3901/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20143/lot/204/the-ex-sir-henry-tim-birkin-hon-dorothy-paget-owned-brooklands-outer-circuit-lap-record-breaking-the-ex-sir-henry-tim-birkin-hon-dorothy-paget-owned-brooklands-outer-circuit-lap-record-breaking1929-31-412-litre-supercharged-blower-bentley-single-seater-chassis-no-hb-3402-engine-no-sm-3901/) |
| 2012-06-29 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £420'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20143/lot/207/the-ex-maharajah-of-bhavnagar1929-bentley-412-litre-four-seat-tourer-chassis-no-nx-3452-engine-no-nx-3454/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20143/lot/207/the-ex-maharajah-of-bhavnagar1929-bentley-412-litre-four-seat-tourer-chassis-no-nx-3452-engine-no-nx-3454/) |
| 2012-06-29 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £700'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20143/lot/269/1928-bentley-412-litre-supercharged-tourer-chassis-no-nt3131-engine-no-nt3131s/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/20143/lot/269/1928-bentley-412-litre-supercharged-tourer-chassis-no-nt3131-engine-no-nt3131s/) |
| 2012-06-16 | bonhams · Oxford · hammer | Road | bonhams | Oxford | £14'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/19767/lot/237/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b415sp-engine-no-b457s/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/19767/lot/237/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b415sp-engine-no-b457s/) |
| 2011-09-10 | bonhams · Beaulieu, National Motor Museum · hammer | Road | bonhams | Beaulieu, National Motor Museum | £16'250 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/19288/lot/431/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-sports-saloon-chassis-no-b288tn-engine-no-b344t/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/19288/lot/431/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-sports-saloon-chassis-no-b288tn-engine-no-b344t/) |
| 2011-09-10 | bonhams · Beaulieu, National Motor Museum · hammer | Road | bonhams | Beaulieu, National Motor Museum | £7'500 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/19288/lot/471/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b16um-engine-no-b133u/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/19288/lot/471/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b16um-engine-no-b133u/) |
| 2011-06-18 | bonhams · Market Harborough, Rockingham Castle · hammer | Road | bonhams | Market Harborough, Rockingham Castle | £15'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/19284/lot/307/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b51sp-engine-no-b275s/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/19284/lot/307/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b51sp-engine-no-b275s/) |
| 2010-09-17 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £15'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/18216/lot/344/1952-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b4sr-engine-no-b2s/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/18216/lot/344/1952-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b4sr-engine-no-b2s/) |
| 2010-09-17 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £81'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/18216/lot/361/bdc-and-r-rec-national-concours-winning1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b339sp-engine-no-b419s/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/18216/lot/361/bdc-and-r-rec-national-concours-winning1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-b339sp-engine-no-b419s/) |
| 2010-09-17 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £30'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/18216/lot/370/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b263to-engine-no-b131t/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/18216/lot/370/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b263to-engine-no-b131t/) |
| 2010-07-24 | bonhams · Towcester, Silverstone Race Circuit · hammer | Road | bonhams | Towcester, Silverstone Race Circuit | £13'500 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/18214/lot/143/c1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b51sp-engine-no-b275s/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/18214/lot/143/c1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b51sp-engine-no-b275s/) |
| 2010-06-19 | bonhams · Market Harborough, Rockingham Castle · hammer | Road | bonhams | Market Harborough, Rockingham Castle | £28'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/18212/lot/420/formerly-the-property-of-alan-whicker-cbe1955-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b96zy-engine-no-b173z/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/18212/lot/420/formerly-the-property-of-alan-whicker-cbe1955-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b96zy-engine-no-b173z/) |
| 2009-11-18 | bonhams · Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground · hammer | Road | bonhams | Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground | £16'500 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/17263/lot/416/1952-bentley-mkvi-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b218nz-engine-no-b109n/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/17263/lot/416/1952-bentley-mkvi-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b218nz-engine-no-b109n/) |
| 2009-09-18 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £142'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/17261/lot/219/1925-bentley-3412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-hp388-engine-no-xr3349/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/17261/lot/219/1925-bentley-3412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-hp388-engine-no-xr3349/) |
| 2009-09-12 | bonhams · Beaulieu, National Motor Museum · hammer | Road | bonhams | Beaulieu, National Motor Museum | £11'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/17260/lot/465/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b61sp-engine-no-b280s/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/17260/lot/465/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b61sp-engine-no-b280s/) |
| 2008-12-01 | bonhams · London, Olympia · hammer | Road | bonhams | London, Olympia | £23'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/16256/lot/611/1952-bentley-mkvi-412-litre-sports-saloon-chassis-no-b44md-engine-no-b22m/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/16256/lot/611/1952-bentley-mkvi-412-litre-sports-saloon-chassis-no-b44md-engine-no-b22m/) |
| 2008-09-13 | bonhams · Beaulieu, National Motor Museum · hammer | Road | bonhams | Beaulieu, National Motor Museum | £15'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/16251/lot/380/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b148um-engine-no-b199u/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/16251/lot/380/1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b148um-engine-no-b199u/) |
| 2008-06-21 | bonhams · Market Harborough, Rockingham Castle · hammer | Road | bonhams | Market Harborough, Rockingham Castle | £20'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/16247/lot/204/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b-151-to-engine-no-b-75-t/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/16247/lot/204/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b-151-to-engine-no-b-75-t/) |
| 2008-06-21 | bonhams · Market Harborough, Rockingham Castle · hammer | Road | bonhams | Market Harborough, Rockingham Castle | £10'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/16247/lot/214/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b-328-sr/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/16247/lot/214/1953-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b-328-sr/) |
| 2007-12-03 | bonhams · London, Olympia · hammer | Road | bonhams | London, Olympia | £36'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/15348/lot/614/formerly-the-property-of-alan-whicker-cbe1955-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b96zy-engine-no-b137z/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/15348/lot/614/formerly-the-property-of-alan-whicker-cbe1955-bentley-r-type-412-litre-saloon-chassis-no-b96zy-engine-no-b137z/) |
| 2007-08-31 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £55'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/15344/lot/216/by-order-of-the-executors-of-the-late-lord-david-strathcarron1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-special-roadster-chassis-no-b51ul-engine-no-b25u/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/15344/lot/216/by-order-of-the-executors-of-the-late-lord-david-strathcarron1954-bentley-r-type-412-litre-special-roadster-chassis-no-b51ul-engine-no-b25u/) |
| 2007-08-31 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £132'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/15344/lot/222/1928-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-ft3205-engine-no-mf3154/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/15344/lot/222/1928-bentley-412-litre-tourer-chassis-no-ft3205-engine-no-mf3154/) |
| 2004-09-03 | bonhams · Chichester, Goodwood · hammer | Road | bonhams | Chichester, Goodwood | £105'000 | GBP | hammer | [https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/11095/lot/153/1929-bentley-412-litre-two-seater-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-ab3373-engine-no-ab3374/](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/11095/lot/153/1929-bentley-412-litre-two-seater-drophead-coupe-chassis-no-ab3373-engine-no-ab3374/) |

Sold totals are recorded as published, without currency conversion. The 2024 result is a factory Le Mans conversion and is not a baseline standard tourer.

## More capacity without the six-cylinder car's mass and complexity.

Bentley introduced the 4½ Litre in 1927 as the 3 Litre was losing ground in competition. The long-stroke four retained the company's fixed-head, overhead-camshaft architecture while lifting swept volume to 4'398 cc.

The 1928 Le Mans win gave the model its central result. Seven road cars later received the factory's Le Mans conversion, and period competition chassis sit in a different value class from standard tourers and saloons.

Like every Cricklewood Bentley, the factory sold a chassis rather than a single fixed body style. Rebodying became common after the war, often into an open Vanden Plas or Le Mans idiom, so the body number and its documented continuity belong in every valuation file.

| Highlight | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| The middle engine | Bentley combined the 3 Litre's proven chassis thinking with a four-cylinder engine using the 6½ Litre's 100 mm by 140 mm cylinder dimensions. The result sat between the light 3 Litre and the costly six-cylinder car. |
| One lap clear in 1928 | Woolf Barnato and Bernard Rubin won Le Mans in a 4½ Litre, finishing one lap ahead of the Stutz Model BB Blackhawk. It was the model's single overall win at the race. |
| The 720 needs context | Bentley publishes 720 4½ Litres built from 1927 to 1931 and separately identifies 55 period Blowers. This dossier retains the factory headline total and treats the supercharged cars as their own collector category. |

| Label | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Built | 720 incl. Blowers |
| Engine | 4.4L inline-four |
| Induction | Twin SU carburettors |
| Factory | Cricklewood |
| Major result | Le Mans winner |

## Technical specifications

### Powertrain

| Label | Value | Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engine | 4'398 cc inline-four | 100 mm bore, 140 mm stroke |
| Valvetrain | Single overhead camshaft, 16 valves | fixed cast-iron cylinder head; twin ignition |
| Induction | Twin SU carburettors |  |
| Output | 110 bhp | period road specification; Le Mans conversions are commonly quoted around 130 bhp |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual | C- or D-type gearbox according to chassis and specification |

### Chassis

| Label | Value | Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Frame | Pressed-steel ladder chassis |  |
| Suspension | Solid axles and semi-elliptic leaf springs |  |
| Brakes | Four-wheel mechanical drums | Bentley-Perrot system |
| Steering | Worm and sector |  |
| Coachwork | Supplied as a chassis | Vanden Plas built many open tourers; closed bodies also survive |

### 4½ Litre register

12 documented · public records only. Private, unpublished and member-only chassis files are omitted.

| Year | Chassis | Colour | Provenance | Last public sale | File |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1929 | RL3427 |  | 2 published auction records from Bonhams, RM Sotheby's, 2018-08-24 to 2021-08-14. | $1'105'000 · RM Sotheby's · 2021-08 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=RL3427) |
| 1950 | 708 |  | Published auction record from RM Sotheby's, 2026-07-08. | £252'500 · RM Sotheby's · 2026-07 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=708) |
| 1928 | HF3179 |  | Published auction record from RM Sotheby's, 2021-11-06. | £415'625 · RM Sotheby's · 2021-11 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=HF3179) |
| 1929 | RL3428 |  | Published auction record from Gooding Christie's, 2024-03-01. | $1'545'000 · Gooding Christie's · 2024-03 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=RL3428) |
| 1926 | DE1212 |  | Published auction record from RM Sotheby's, 2023-08-19. | $390'000 · RM Sotheby's · 2023-08 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=DE1212) |
| 1929 | DS3570 |  | Published auction record from RM Sotheby's, 2023-03-04. | $687'000 · RM Sotheby's · 2023-03 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=DS3570) |
| 1928 | TX3227 |  | Published auction record from RM Sotheby's, 2024-02-28. | €356'500 · RM Sotheby's · 2024-02 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=TX3227) |
| 1930 | PB3549 |  | Published auction record from RM Sotheby's, 2022-08-20. | $698'000 · RM Sotheby's · 2022-08 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=PB3549) |
| 1929 | NX3463 |  | Published auction record from RM Sotheby's, 2023-08-19. | $1'600'000 · RM Sotheby's · 2023-08 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=NX3463) |
| 1924 | 406 |  | Published auction record from RM Sotheby's, 2020-10-24. | $445'000 · RM Sotheby's · 2020-10 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=406) |
| 1929 | DS3573 |  | Published auction record from RM Sotheby's, 2023-11-04. | £815'000 · RM Sotheby's · 2023-11 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=DS3573) |
| 1924 | 584 |  | Published auction record from RM Sotheby's, 2024-11-02. | £218'500 · RM Sotheby's · 2024-11 | [Chassis file](https://hiconium.dev/vehicles/bentley/41-2-litre?file=584) |

## The people behind the car

### [W.O. Bentley](https://hiconium.dev/people/wo-bentley)

Founder and chief engineer · Bentley Motors

![Portrait of W.O. Bentley](https://hiconium.dev/images/cars/bentley-41-2-litre/people/wo-bentley.jpg)

Directed the naturally aspirated 4½ Litre programme and favoured increased capacity over supercharging.

## Member instruments

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