1936 Bentley 4½ Litre Le Mans Tourer RC42

1936 W.O Bentley Tourer RC42: An Ultra-Rare British Gem

Chassis: DS3570

F.I.V.A. card

Crafted by Bentley in 1936, the Bentley RC42 is a remarkable piece of automotive history. It is part of an exclusive series of vintage Bentleys from the mid-1930s, with only six of its kind ever produced. These models were created using original parts manufactured before Bentley's Cricklewood factory came under Rolls Royce's control in 1931.

The R.C. (Reconditioned Chassis) Series

When Bentley Motors transitioned from the hands of W.O. Bentley into the ownership of Rolls Royce ltd. a treasure trove of new old stock and reconditioned components were suddenly available. Under the guidance of automotive veterans Nobby Clarke and Hubert Pike, the R.C. (Reconditioned Chassis) Series emerged. This series consisted of ten masterpieces, including six 4 ½-litre models like the RC42, all meticulously crafted using original WO Bentley parts.

RC42 features a 4.5 Litre 1929 chassis DS3570 and a Le Mans-style body. Originally draped in an aluminum two-door, four-seater Tourer body crafted by Vanden Plas, it now boasts an exquisite green paint and racing green fabric. A masterful restoration by Mark Huckle between 1992 and 1994 earned it the title of Vintage Champion at the Bentley Drivers Club 1994 Blenheim Palace Concours.

This illustrious Bentley comes with an extensive and well-documented history registered by the Bentley Drivers Club. It has spent time in esteemed collections, including the Fuad Majzub collection. Acquired by its present owner in 2001, RC42 has traveled the globe, participating in international rallies in the USA, Canada, Jordan, New Zealand, South Africa, Belgium, and San Tropez.

In 2010, an extensive engine rebuild by Bentley Specialist John Ambler Restorations included the installation of a Phoenix crank and rod set and diaphragm clutch conversion. The present owner, a proficient engineer, has meticulously cared for the car, enhancing its performance and maintaining it to the highest standards.

For those seeking an authentic vintage Bentley with exceptional provenance, history, and matching numbers, RC42 is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. It includes Dutch and British registration documents, a FIVA ID card, and retains its original mechanical components, just as they were when it left the RR & Bentley factory in 1936.

This car is being represented by Historic Competition Services in Antwerp, Belgium. We specialize in sourcing, selling, buying, maintaining and restoring some of the most important historic competition cars in Europe and the US. Join our newsletter list to view collector cars before they hit the open market.