Historical Overview
Sir Tim Birkin's supercharged monster — the archetypal vintage Le Mans racer.
Built against W. O. Bentley's own wishes, the Amherst Villiers-blown 4½ Litre was the fastest Bentley of its era. Fifty-five were produced to homologate the works racers; today they define the vintage-era ideal.
Design
Form as intent.
Vanden Plas open tourer coachwork over a ladder-frame chassis. The blower sits proudly ahead of the radiator — one of the most theatrical statements in motoring.
Historical Significance
Why it endures.
Symbol of the Bentley Boys era of Le Mans dominance. Every surviving example is fully documented in the marque register.
Restoration Notes
Preservation over perfection.
Correct Amherst Villiers supercharger, SU 'sloper' carburettors and Vanden Plas coachwork are non-negotiable for concours consideration.
Collector Notes
The state of the market.
Genuine works or team cars have crossed the £5 million threshold. Continuation cars from Bentley Mulliner introduced in 2020 are collectible in their own right.
