1938 Derby Bentley 4.25 Litre High Vision Coupe by H.J. Mull

1938 Derby Bentley 4. 25 Litre High Vision Coupe by H. J. Mulliner.

Chassis Numbwer: B83LE

Registration Number: GPK222

Bentley 4¼-Litre chassis number B83LE, was bodied by H. J. Mulliner to a most unusual-yet-attractive design. Dubbed a ‘High Vision’ Coupé, it features a roofline that incorporates a Mulliner-patented curved Perspex forward panel, shaded by concertina blinds, and a full glass sunshine roof—permitting a marvellous panoramic view of surrounding scenery with enclosed “all-weather” comfort. Furthermore, the rear quarter windows and windscreen can be easily opened to allow flow-through ventilation, with the result being an almost convertible-like sensation at speed. All is wrapped in a beautifully proportioned body design, with swept wings and tail, and partial spats over the rear arches and wheel discs.

The car was originally delivered to Robert Constantine Graseby, a precision instrument manufacturer in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey. A great enthusiast of the Derby Bentley, he acquired six of them new, one in each year from 1934. Reportedly, this was more than any other customer. All wore triple-digit number plates—clearly, he was a fastidious client who knew what he wanted and had the means to acquire it.

Chassis number B83LE eventually made its way across the Atlantic, and during the 1980s resided in the well-known Michigan Rolls-Royce and Bentley collection of Edward and Theodore Mintz. After this, it returned to the United Kingdom and was part of Gordon Willey’s noted stable from 1993 until 2016. It was purchased by the last decesed owner in 2016 and, following considerable sorting, was much enjoyed on events, covering some 4, 000 miles in the last eight years. The car was fitted with a stainless-steel exhaust system, which delivers a crisp and sporty sound.

A well-known example to the Bentley community, it is featured in Bernard L King’s book The Derby Built Bentleys, as well as, of course, being recorded in Stanley Sedgwick’s roster All the Prewar Bentleys As-New. It is accompanied by an impressive history and maintenance file, showing the fastidious care lavished during the last ownership. The car was purchased by him from noted specialists P & A Wood in 2016 for £200, 000 UK pounds. Some £22, 000 in recent bills are in the history file showing the car to have been maintained without regards to cost.

The car is finished in Masons Black paintwork with the paint being in very good condition thoughout. Likewise the beige interior leather is in lovely order with a very light patina of use evident. The interior woodwork has been removed & refinished to a high gloss & is of beautifully figured burr walnut with satinwood edge banding. To the rear in the fold open boot lid is a complete set of small tools as supplied when the car was new.

This car is simply a pleasure to drive with a smooth powerful engine & supple suspension. It comes to us with great history from a famed collection of beautifully maintained cars and wants for nothing.

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