Bentley (1921-1940): books - history and models

Bentley Four-cylinder Models in Detail (1921-1930) - 3-Litre, 4 ½-Litre and 4 ½-Litre Supercharged

W.O. Bentley introduced the 3-Litre in 1921 as a high-performance sports car, aiming for 80 mph with exceptional reliability. It became popular among wealthy sportsmen and proved its capabilities by winning Le Mans in 1924 and 1927.

In 1927, Bentley introduced the 4 ½-Litre, a 90 mph four-cylinder model, which won Le Mans in 1928. The supercharged 4 ½-Litre, launched in 1929, reached 110 mph - remarkable at a time when most cars struggled to exceed 60 mph.

The book begins with the development of the 3-Litre prototypes, influenced by W.O. Bentley's experience in aero engine design during World War I. It then examines the production 3-Litre, detailing its engine, transmission, chassis, and design evolution across the Standard, Speed Model, and Super Sports versions, with period reports and road tests.
This is followed by an in-depth study of the 4 ½-Litre and its supercharged variant.

The competition history, especially at Le Mans, is explored, along with the diverse body styles offered by coachbuilders. The book includes detailed photography of ten outstanding examples, with 150 color images and over 150 archival black-and-white photographs.

Information

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	176 pages, 27.5 x 22 x 1.9 cm / 10.8 x 8.7 x 0.75 in, hardback
Illustrations:	150 b&w and 150 colour photos
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2012)
Series:	In Detail
ISBN:	9781906133306

Bentley 3-1/2 & 4-1/4 Litre in Detail (1933-1940)

In the 1930s, Bentleys produced under Rolls-Royce ownership became highly successful due to their performance, advanced engineering, elegant design, and association with the prestigious Rolls-Royce brand.

The 1933 Bentley 3 ½ Litre, known as "The Silent Sports Car, " exemplified this success, outselling rivals despite its higher cost. It attracted both sports car enthusiasts and those seeking stylish city transport.
Bentley chassis were also highly favored by coachbuilders, with more Bentley-bodied models displayed at the London Motor Show than any other brand in the mid-1930s.

This book explores Bentley's history, the Rolls-Royce takeover, and key models such as the 3 ½ Litre, 4¼ Litre, and Mark V. Each model is examined in detail, covering technical specifications, body styles, performance, and racing history. Experimental models, including the Paulin/Embiricos car and the Corniche, are also discussed.

For current and future owners, the book provides practical guidance on maintenance, driving, and spare parts availability, making it an essential resource for Bentley enthusiasts.

Information

Author:	Nick Walker
Details:	160 pages, 27.5 x 22 x 1.8 cm / 10.8 x 8.7 x 0.71 in, hardback
Illustrations:	150 b&w and 70 colour photos
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2002)
Series:	In Detail
ISBN:	9780954106317

Bentley 4 ½ Litre Manual (1927 onwards) - An insight into the design, engineering, maintainance and ownership

The 4 ½-litre Bentley is a renowned pre-war car, and the supercharged 'Blower' version is now one of the most desirable and valuable cars for collectors.
The 'Bentley Boys' achieved success in various high-profile races, with Woolf Barnato and Bernard Rubin winning in a 4 ½-litre car in 1928. Five supercharged 'Blower' Bentleys were built for the Le Mans race, but due to reliability issues, the car never won the 24-hour event.

This manual provides detailed information on both the unsupercharged and supercharged 'Blower' Bentley racing cars, including their racing history, design, and engineering. It also offers practical advice on owning, maintaining, and operating these iconic vehicles today.
The book is illustrated with period photographs, design documents, and images of restored examples currently in use.

Information

Author:	Ian Wagstaff
Details:	160 pages, 27.5 x 22 x 1.4 cm / 10.8 x 8.7 x 0.55 in, hardback
Illustrations:	numerous b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Haynes Publishing (GB, 2017)
Series:	Haynes Motorsport Manual
ISBN:	9781785210709

Bentley Six-Cylinder Models In Detail (1926-1931) - 6 ½ Litre, Speed Six, 8-Litre & 4-Litre

W.O. Bentley introduced the 3 Litre four-cylinder model in 1921, aiming for a sporty car with 80mph performance and exceptional reliability, backed by a five-year guarantee.
In 1925, Bentley launched the six-cylinder 6 ½-litre, a luxurious high-speed car to compete with the Rolls-Royce Phantom. The Speed Six version, introduced in 1928, had twin carburetors and higher compression for better performance. Under Woolf Barnato's leadership, Speed Sixes won at Le Mans in 1929 and 1930.

The book describes the 8-litre, Bentley's supercar in 1931, capable of 100mph. However, financial difficulties arose, and the hastily introduced 4-litre failed to resolve them.

The author provides historical context on Bentley's performance and challenges in the late 1920s. Detailed examinations cover the 6 ½-litre, Speed Six, 8-litre, and 4-litre models, including technical details, production changes, and competition history. It explores the range of coachbuilt bodies, from tourers to limousines.

The book presents six cars with 175 color photographs and includes over 115 black-and-white archival images, offering an in-depth study of these iconic Bentleys.

Information

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	176 pages, 28 x 21.5 x 2.5 cm / 11 x 8.5 x 0.98 in, hardback
Illustrations:	115 b&w and 175 colour photos
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2013)
ISBN:	9781906133429

Coachwork on Vintage Bentleys (1921-1931) - 3 Litre, 4 ½ Litre, 6 ½ Litre, Speed Six & 8 Litre

Bentley enthusiasts often picture vintage models as a green Vanden Plas four-seater tourer, but the brand actually offered a wide range of body styles. From saloons and limousines to fixed-head coupés and cabriolets, Bentleys came in many forms. Unfortunately, many of these bodies were scrapped, although their chassis often survived.

Originally designed for sporty drivers, Bentley's cars eventually shifted towards more luxurious styles as demand changed. To meet this, the company extended wheelbases and introduced powerful models like the 6 ½ Litre and Eight Litre, offering bespoke bodywork that appealed to British society.

This book, with over 200 black-and-white images and 60 color photographs, covers Bentley coachwork from the 1920s to 1931. It explores the evolution of saloons, limousines, drophead coupés, and tourers, highlighting key developments like the Weymann system and cellulose paint. The book also provides histories of major coachbuilders and includes excerpts from period motoring journals.

In a time when vintage Bentleys are often reduced to Le Mans replicas, this work celebrates the variety and luxury that once defined Bentley's heritage.

Information

Author:	Nick Walker, Rowan Isaac
Details:	160 pages, 27.5 x 22 x 1.1 cm / 10.8 x 8.7 x 0.43 in, hardback
Illustrations:	200 b&w and 60 colour photos
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2006)
ISBN:	9780954998110

Coachwork on Derby Bentleys (1933-1940) - 3 ½-litre, 4 ¼-litre & Mark V

In the 1930s, Bentley's Derby factory supplied only chassis without bodies. Customers then chose from various coachbuilders to design and build a body that met their personal preferences and needs.
This book covers both British and international coachbuilders, detailing the bodies they built for the 3 ½-litre, 4 ¼-litre, and Mk V Bentley chassis.

The coachbuilders are listed alphabetically, with information about the different types of bodies they created, including saloons, coupes, dropheads, sports cars, sedancas, and more. Photographs illustrate the wide range of their designs.

Bentley enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the inclusion of chassis numbers for all cars bodied by these coachbuilders, making this a comprehensive and definitive reference.

Information

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	192 pages, 28 x 23 x 2.1 cm / 11 x 9.1 x 0.83 in, hardback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2017)
ISBN:	9781906133757

Park Ward - The Innovative Coachbuilders 1919-1939

This comprehensive three-volume work explores the pre-war history and automobiles of Park Ward, one of Britain's most renowned coachbuilders. Park Ward was the leading coachbuilder for Rolls-Royce and Bentley, producing over 4.300 vehicles.

Volumes I and II cover the history of Park Ward & Co Ltd., its key figures, and its close partnership with Rolls-Royce. The books include a photographic record of Rolls-Royce models from the Silver Ghost to the Wraith with Park Ward bodywork. There are also chapters on W.O. Bentley cars, experimental models, London Motor Show cars, and Park Ward's designs for other marques. Advertising materials and catalogues are also featured. An appendix contains articles by 'Bill' Ward, son of the company's founder, on the evolution of coachbuilding.

Volume III presents detailed tables of over 3.000 Park Ward-bodied Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars and more than 1.000 other marques. It also includes over 700 rare sales order pages from Park Ward's records.

Malcolm Tucker, a Rolls-Royce and Bentley historian and former Chairman of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club, authored this work, which covers key models such as the Phantom series, 20 HP, Derby Bentleys, and more.

Topics covered include:
- Park Ward and his company
- The Cars of W.O. Bentley
- Rolls-Royce and Derby Bentley Experimental Cars
- Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
- Rolls-Royce 20 hp
- Rolls-Royce Phantom I
- Rolls-Royce 20/25 hp
- Rolls-Royce Phantom II
- Rolls-Royce 25/30 hp
- Rolls-Royce Phantom III
- Rolls-Royce Wraith
- Derby Bentleys
- Motor Show Cars and more!

Information

Author:	Malcolm Tucker
Details:	1240 pages, 25.5 x 31.5 x 10.9 cm / 10 x 12.4 x 4.29 in, hardback
Illustrations:	1593 b&w and colour photos, drawings
Publisher:	Dalton Watson Fine Books (USA, 2019)
ISBN:	9781854433015