1937 Bentley 4 ¼ litre All-Weather Phaeton by Thrupp Maberly - Chassis B138JD

Description for Bentley Other 1937

General History - the first Bentley models produced after Rolls-Royce's acquisition of the Bentley company were the “Derby Bentleys”. manufactured from 1933 - 1939. They were so named because they were built at Rolls-Royce's Derby Factory. It is my understanding that there are only two other surviving examples of this coachbuilder/body style combination left in existence (Chassis # B170KT & Chassis # B137LE). This car. chassis B138JD. a 4 ¼ Litre was built in 1936 and delivered to the coach builder. Thrupp & Maberly on 1/26/1937 (according to the original chassis card). The original purchaser was E. K. (Eric Kirkham) Cole. founder of Eric Kirkham Cole Ltd or EKCO. which was a British electronics company that manufactured radios and television sets. The car was completed and delivered to Mr. Cole on 4/29/1937. The source of this information is the Michael Ellman Brown book. Bentley – The Silent Sports Car. In 1964. my uncle. Donald Frankenfield. purchased the car in England. At the time. it was a reasonably used 27 year old car. It is my understanding at the time of his purchase. the engine had some work done to it. the interior was reupholstered. the top was replaced. and I believe the paint was re-sprayed. In 1978. the car had its most extensive cosmetic restoration to date. The work was completed by Maurice de Angeli of Trumbauersville. PA. Please note – I refer to it as a restoration. however the car was never totally disassembled in its lifetime. It was more of a “frame on” restoration. At this time. the bodywork and paint were done. much of the chrome work was redone and all of the interior woodwork was redone. Realistically. what you see today on the exterior of the car was all done by Mr. de Angeli over 35 years ago. That coupled with the interior and top that was redone about 50 years ago in England. it’s held up extremely well and gives the car its original. distinctive patina. In the Fall of 2006. the car underwent an extensive rewiring. completed by Richard Frawley of The Frawley Company in Parkesburg. PA. When the car was apart for the rewiring. some detailing work was done to many of the engine components (valve cover. fan. carbs etc) and the steering wheel controls were re-engraved. The fuel pumps were replaced and all the mechanicals were serviced. The under carriage and suspension of the car were totally serviced. cleaned and detailed. New gaiters were put on the springs. and a modern oil filter was added. When my uncle passed in October 2008. the car was carefully stored until the Fall of 2011 when I assumed ownership. Between then and now. it again has been totally serviced and both the starter and the dynamo (generator) have been rebuilt. The car has a little under 33. 00 original miles on it making B138JD almost an original survivor. To the best of my knowledge. car has had four owners: The original owner EK Cole (1937 - ?). the dealership from which my uncle bought the car Jack Barkley LTD (? – 1964). my uncle (including his estate. 1964 – 2011). and myself (2011 to Current). For all intent and purposes. the car has been owned by my family for 50 years. It is important to note that the car is in excellent running condition. Over the years the car was maintained very well by various Rolls Royce/Bentley mechanics that were referred through our local chapter of the Rolls Royce Owners Club. From 2006 to date. the Frawley Company has had that responsibly. It has been kept in fully climate controlled garages for the past 20 years. The car runs and drives extremely well and is very reliable. It starts easily and is well-tuned. producing a surprising amount of power in Bentley’s quiet tradition. The car has a wonderfully special feel to it that is also reflected by the enthusiastic public response to the car when motoring around. The paintwork was done to high standards at the time and has held up very well. considering it is 36 years old. There are a few blemishes and fading in the lacquer and chips here and there. but its overall appearance is quite good. The brightwork is quite remarkable throughout. as are the lights and glass. The top and interior are in good condition. as are the boot cover and tonneau cover. The car is extremely handsome. regardless of whether the top is up or down. It is a fundamentally intact car that retains its original engine and bodywork. this example is nice enough to show casually. but would also make an excellent touring car thanks to is nicely-maintained mechanicals and enjoyable driving experience. Included with the car are the Boot Cover. Tonneau Cover. Original Bentley Handbook. and three binders of reprinted service leaflets issued by Rolls Royce/Bentley. Asking price: $249. 00. 00 - Negotiable Should you have any questions or wish to make an offer. I may be contacted through Ebay or by phone or text @ 215-205-9879 PS: Also included with the pictures are some historical pictures of the car. a copy of a news clipping and the chassis card Note: This vehicle is also listed locally. I reserve the right to remove the listing at any time.