1937 Bentley 4¼-Liter Drophead Coupe
An iconic vehicle from the pre-war era, the 1937 Bentley 4¼-Liter Drophead Coupé is known for its combination of performance and luxury. This particular model was part of Bentley’s “Derby” period, when the cars were built in Derby, England, after Rolls-Royce had taken over the company in 1931.
The 4¼-Liter model was an evolution of the earlier 3½-Liter, with the increased engine capacity providing more power and torque.
The Drophead Coupé variant offered an open-top driving experience. These cars were highly customizable, catering to the tastes of a clientele that demanded exclusivity and elegance. The 4¼-Liter cars were well-received for their road manners and are now considered highly collectible for their craftsmanship and the driving experience they offer.
This particular Bentley is understood to have been delivered to Prince Bernhard while he and the Dutch royal family were taking refuge in England during World War II. At the time, the Prince was actively involved in combat missions flying Spitfires and bombers.
After the war when the Netherlands was liberated, he drove this very Bentley back home, eventually keeping it at Soestdijk Palace. For years it served to transport the Prince, Princess, and their young children.
After covering approximately 90,000 kilometers under the Prince’s ownership through July 1947, the car had a handful of subsequent Dutch owners before a brief period in the United States.
It returned to England in 1989 before getting repatriated to the Netherlands in 1998, where it has remained with just two owners since then.
Having undergone a full restoration and repaint in 2020, the car presents today in fabulous condition with outstanding provenance thanks to its meticulous history file. It is believed the soft-top roof was just replaced in 2022.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
