The 1928 Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer was powered by a water cooled, 4,398 cc single overhead cam, four cylinder engine producing 110-horsepower. Coupled to a four speed gearbox with overdrive, it has a a top speed of 94 mph. Bentley built 665 examples of the 4½-Litre chassis, most of them with the longer 129.9 inch wheelbase and all using custom coachwork, the production lasted four years.
Overview
- Production Year: 1928 (produced from 1927 to 1931)
- Manufacturer: Bentley Motors Limited
- Class: Sports car
- Body Style: Tourer (open four-seater)
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer was equipped with a 4.4-liter (4398 cc) inline-four engine.
- This engine produced approximately 110 horsepower in its standard form. Supercharged versions, known as "Blower Bentleys," produced up to 175 horsepower.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox
- Chassis:
- The car featured a steel ladder frame chassis, providing a strong and flexible foundation for the bodywork.
- Suspension:
- Front: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
- Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
- Brakes: Drum brakes on all four wheels, mechanically operated
Performance
- Top Speed: The Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer could achieve a top speed of around 90 mph (145 km/h) in its standard form, with the supercharged version capable of exceeding 100 mph (161 km/h).
- Acceleration: The robust engine and well-designed chassis allowed for impressive acceleration, making it a competitive sports car in its era.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The body of the 4½-Litre Tourer was typically designed by coachbuilders such as Vanden Plas, featuring an open-top, four-seater configuration. The design emphasized both elegance and practicality, with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and passenger comfort.
- The long hood, sweeping fenders, and wire-spoke wheels were distinctive design elements that contributed to its classic British sports car aesthetic.
- Interior: The interior was luxurious yet functional, featuring leather upholstery, a wooden dashboard, and comprehensive instrumentation. The spacious cabin provided comfort for both the driver and passengers during long drives.
Notable Achievements
- Racing Heritage: The Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer achieved significant success in motorsport, particularly in endurance racing. It is famously associated with victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Bentley cars dominated the event in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
- Durability: The car's robust construction and reliable performance made it a favorite among sports car enthusiasts and racers. Its reputation for durability and speed was well-earned on the racetrack and in road rallies.
Legacy
- Historic Significance: The 1928 Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer is a symbol of British engineering excellence and luxury motoring. Its association with racing success and its iconic design have cemented its place in automotive history.
You may purchase a print of the 1928 Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer in our dElegance 2016 online gallery.
