This 1936 Bentley 4¼ Litre is a unique testament to automotive artistry, blending classic Bentley engineering with custom coachwork inspired by the aerodynamic designs of Georges Paulin. Originally bodied as a Gurney Nutting coupe, this chassis was reimagined as a stunning roadster by designer Gary D. Moore and coachbuilders Chalmers & Gathings. The result is a multiple award-winning masterpiece that embodies both pre-war elegance and a touch of streamlined modernity.
The story of this Bentley’s transformation began in 1993 when Gary D. Moore, a designer and Art Center College of Design graduate, acquired the car. His vision was to create an open-top roadster inspired by Paulin’s “Emiricos” Bentley coupe of 1938, a car renowned for its aerodynamic styling and racing pedigree. Moore’s design was brought to life by Bill Gathings, who hand-fabricated the aluminum bodywork, and Doug Chalmers, who crafted the wooden body buck and contributed to the ash framework. The build, completed in 2014, garnered numerous accolades, including Best of Show at the 2014 Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance and People’s Choice at the 2015 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance.
The influence of Georges Paulin’s design language is evident throughout the car. Like the “Emiricos” coupe, this roadster features teardrop-shaped fenders with rear spats, a sloping grille with an integrated fog light, louvered hood panels, rear-hinged doors, and a license plate seamlessly integrated into the trunk lid. These elements combine to create a sleek and elegant profile that is both classic and distinctive.
The metallic gray finish accentuates the car’s flowing lines and highlights the craftsmanship of the Chalmers & Gathings coachwork. The custom body, built from aluminum over a wood and ash framework, replaced the original Gurney Nutting coupe coachwork. Details such as the integrated Marchal headlights, low-profile V-shaped windshield, and boattail rear end further contribute to the car’s unique character.
The right-hand-drive cockpit is trimmed in luxurious tan ostrich hide, covering the bucket seats. Slate gray leather accents the seatbacks and bases, while matching upholstery adorns the door panels. Dual-grain wood trim and slate gray coaming surround the cockpit, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. A driver-side threshold plate proudly displays the Chalmers & Gathings coachbuilder’s plaque, along with a nod to the inspiration of Georges Paulin.
The dashboard, also featuring dual-grain wood, houses a 110-mph speedometer, a tachometer with an inset clock, and gauges for amperage, fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The three-spoke steering wheel and right-hand shifter complete the classic driving experience.
Under the hood, the 4,257cc inline-six engine, equipped with twin SU carburetors, provides ample power. The four-speed manual transmission offers a direct connection to the car’s mechanicals. Adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers, controlled from the steering wheel, allow the driver to fine-tune the ride quality. A Bijur central lubrication system ensures proper maintenance.
This exceptional Bentley is offered with a range of accessories, including spare trim pieces, a tool kit and owner’s manuals in ostrich-hide pouches, a portfolio documenting the build process, a black soft top with matching side curtains, and a clean Wyoming title. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly unique and award-winning automobile, a testament to the art of custom coachbuilding and the timeless elegance of Bentley design.
Summary:
- 1936 Bentley 4¼ Litre Roadster by Chalmers & Gathings
- Custom aluminum coachwork inspired by Georges Paulin
- 4,257cc inline-six engine with twin SU carburetors
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Metallic gray exterior with tan ostrich hide interior
- Multiple award winner at prestigious concours events
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation for any specific vehicle. Due to the age and custom nature of this vehicle, it is always recommended to conduct a thorough inspection and verification of all specifications and condition details before any purchase.
Source: bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
