Following the news of the sole surviving 8-Liter Bentley Saloon by Vanden Plas being scheduled for auction, a pair of very special 1920s Bentleys has also just been added to Bonhams’ Quail Lodge lineup.
A 1928 Bentley 6 ½ -Liter Open Sports Tourer by Barker, also the sole surviving example with this body style, is to be featured. Matching numbers with known history from new – a truly priceless aspect – and benefitting from a new, correct and comprehensive restoration, this unique and special motorcar represents the period when the legendary British manufacturer was at its zenith. From 1927-1930, Bentley would dominate the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s most prestigious endurance race, so performance was an integral aspect of this model. Additionally, luxury was omnipresent and the exclusive coachwork by Barker & Company made for an automobile of epic attributes. With its lightweight aluminum skin, open body configuration, massively powerful engine, and incomparable history, this 90-year old survivor is not just rare but also immensely practical.
Complimenting the Barker-bodied six-and-a-half-liter, is a 1928 Bentley 4 ½-Liter Open Tourer by Vanden Plas. Also very special, this is one of a very few unmodified and completely correct examples with its originality underscored by the original fabric body and brush-painted bodywork that projects an extraordinary patina. Also profiting from a race-proven engine, the four-and-a-half-liter cars were what raised the bar in international motor racing and won Bentley its second Le Mans victory, as well as setting the fastest lap in 1928. Genuine, historic and useable, this veteran has spent the majority of its life in Great Britain.
Together, these two exceptional automobiles join the previously announced 1931 Bentley 8-Liter Saloon by Vanden Plas that was ordered new by AJ Player of John Player family and motorsport sponsor fame. These old Bentleys are each a precious rarity made even more desirable by virtue of their renowned functionality and, now consigned for auction, represent a wonderful opportunity for the driving enthusiast.
Bonhams’ 21st annual Monterey Peninsula Car Week auction is scheduled for Friday, August 24th. Held during the most popular and important collector car week in the world, also known as the Pebble Beach Car Week, this globally attended event is hosted at the beautiful, sunny and easily accessible Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel Valley, California. For more details, visit Bonhams.com/Quail.
