The World's Priciest Bentley Sells for Over $6M - Here's Why
The Most Expensive Bentley Ever Sold at Auction
Bentley cars are known for their luxury, performance, and high price tags. A brand-new Continental GT, for instance, can cost just under $300,000, with options pushing the price well beyond that. However, for those with deep pockets and a desire to spend, classic Bentleys might offer a different kind of value. These vintage models often carry historical significance and rarity, making them highly sought after by collectors.
The most expensive Bentley ever sold at auction is an example from 1929, a single-seat 4 1⁄2-Liter Supercharged Blower Bentley. This car was auctioned in 2012 at a Bonhams event held at Goodwood and fetched an impressive £5,042,500, including premium. That's approximately $6.2 million. While supercharged Bentleys from the 1920s and 1930s aren't uncommon, this particular model stands out due to its unique history and heritage.
Racing Heritage and Historical Significance
This specific Bentley was once owned by Sir Henry Tim Birkin, a notable figure in motorsport, and Dorothy Paget, who was the wealthiest unmarried woman in England at the time. It was the same car Birkin used to set a new Brooklands Outer Circuit lap record in 1932, reaching an astonishing 137.96 mph. Such a feat makes this car a piece of automotive history, which is why it commands such a high price among collectors.
The car’s performance was enhanced by a Villiers Roots-type supercharger mounted in front of the radiator, boosting the four-cylinder engine's output to around 240 horsepower. It was fueled by a potent methanol mix, making it less suitable for long drives but ideal for track performance. Fuel efficiency was extremely low, with consumption hitting just over 2 miles per gallon, but on the track, that wasn’t an issue.
Design and Engineering Innovations
The original fabric body of the car was replaced in 1930 with a fire-resistant aluminum shell designed by Reid Railton. This design helped improve both safety and aerodynamics. Additionally, the car featured no front brakes and a final drive ratio of 2.8:1, both of which were aimed at maximizing performance on the track.
Over the years, the car has been rebuilt and raced by enthusiasts like Rusty Russ-Turner and later George Daniels. Importantly, it has never been over-restored, preserving much of its original character. This blend of history, performance, and preservation makes it one of the best Bentleys of all time.
Another High-Value Bentley That Never Sold
Interestingly, another Bentley has achieved a higher result at auction, but it never actually sold. This car is also a supercharged 4 1⁄2-Liter model, specifically a Sports 2/3-Seater Boattail. Only 50 of these models were ever produced, and this particular example remains exceedingly rare, still retaining its original bodywork and matching numbers drivetrain.
It was offered at the 2012 Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach auction with an estimate of $8 to $10 million, significantly more than the single-seater model. Despite being considered one of the most significant Bentleys, it failed to meet the reserve price and did not sell. If it had been sold, it would have become the most expensive British car ever sold at auction at the time.
Currently, the title of the most expensive British car ever sold belongs to a 1956 Aston Martin DBR1, which fetched $22.5 million. This highlights how rare and valuable pre-war racing Bentleys can be, even when compared to other high-end classics.
Conclusion
The world of classic automobiles is filled with stories of innovation, competition, and history. The 1929 Blower Bentley exemplifies the pinnacle of early 20th-century engineering and racing spirit. Its legacy continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike, proving that some cars are not just vehicles but pieces of history that transcend time.