Estimated Price: £80,000 - £100,000

Originally supplied new in January 1939 as a Park Ward saloon, chassis B88MR was one of approximately 200 short-wheelbase "MX-Series" 4¼-Litre Bentleys produced at Derby. Registered new as CUY 837, the car benefits from a well-documented history from new, supported by records held by the Bentley Drivers Club and references within both Bentley Specials & Special Bentleys by Ray Roberts and Bentley, The Silent Sports Car.

The Bentley assumed its current form during the winter of 1968/69 when it was converted into a sporting two-seat supercharged Special by respected engineer Tony Fabian of Blackmore Engineering in West Sussex. The work was commissioned for the then President of the Bentley Drivers Club, 'Rusty' Russ-Turner, and is documented by period photographs and correspondence contained within the history file.

At the heart of the car is Bentley's robust 4¼-Litre engine, fed via a low-pressure Wade RO32 supercharger running approximately 3psi of boost, transforming the character of the Derby Bentley whilst retaining the tractable and dependable nature for which these cars are renowned. The result is a remarkably versatile machine, combining strong torque, effortless touring capability and genuine competition use with the Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC), Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) and many others.

Over the last 57 years, this Bentley Special has built an enviable competition and touring record, successfully completing in excess of 150 events throughout the UK and continental Europe. Amongst its many appearances are entries at the Brighton Speed Trials, including a documented appearance in 1972, together with two starts at the famous Klausen Rennen and multiple Silvretta Hillclimbs. The car has also been a regular participant in VSCC and BDC race meetings, sprint events and hill climbs, with period photographs documenting its competition life, including appearances at Silverstone during the 1970s.

The quality and usability of the car are reflected in its distinguished ownership history, which includes noted Bentley enthusiasts and collectors such as Victor Gauntlett, Stanley Mann and Lord Steel of Aikwood - plus of course, 'Rusty' Russ-Turner.

One particularly appealing feature is the Bentley's adaptability. By removing the cycle wings and headlamp pods, the car can be transformed into a competition machine in a matter of minutes, yet throughout its life it has almost always been driven to and from events under its own power, underlining its practicality and reliability.

The car has continued to benefit from careful maintenance and sympathetic improvement in recent years. During 2017 and 2018, the interior was professionally retrimmed in green leather, complemented by black seat belts, a matching duck-hair tonneau cover and spare wheel cover. Subsequently, during 2018 and 2019, highly regarded historic rally specialists Kevin Savage Motorsport carried out a comprehensive rewiring programme, including the installation of Brantz tripmeters, together with a complete new fuel system.

Since 2017, the Bentley has formed part of a private Collection and has been maintained regardless of cost by marque specialists R&D Automotive of Manchester. Recent work includes the fitment of five new Blockley tyres, together with ceramic coating to the bodywork. In September 2019, the car was displayed in the Specials Class during the Bentley Centenary celebrations at Blenheim Palace, completing the 450-mile round trip without issue. It has since continued to participate in numerous touring, concours and enthusiast events around the UK, as well as featuring in a film project entitled, “The Prize”.

Presented with a fresh marque specialist inspection and service completed in May 2026, the Bentley is accompanied by a comprehensive history file, authenticated by the W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation, a valid FIVA Passport, bespoke indoor car cover and hardback copies of the two reference books in which the car is featured.

Immediately eligible for an extraordinary range of prestigious historic motoring events including VSCC competitions, Motor Racing Legends' Mad Jack for Pre-War Sports Cars, Bentley Drivers Club meetings, the ERA Flying Scotsman, RAC 1000 Mile Trial, HERO events, Planai Classic, 100 Miles of Amsterdam and La Leggenda, this exceptionally well-known Bentley Special offers its next custodian the opportunity to continue a rich and extensively documented competition and touring history at a fraction of the cost of many pre-war sporting equivalents.