£3.05m
From The Collection of Charles R.J. Noble, 1931 Bentley 4½ Liter Supercharged Le Mans Chassis no. MS 3944 Engine no. MS 3941
Bonhams • US • 16 Aug 2013
Market Position:
Highest 20% of Past Sales
Track live values and receive listing alerts
Track live values and receive listing alerts
£3,051,985
From The Collection of Charles R.J. Noble, 1931 Bentley 4½ Liter Supercharged Le Mans Chassis no. MS 3944 Engine no. MS 3941
US • 16 Aug 2013
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This 1931 Bentley 4½ Liter Supercharged Le Mans, chassis MS 3944, is a rare and historically significant vehicle, being one of only three factory-documented Le Mans specification supercharged Bentleys. It boasts a rich history, including ownership by Charles R.J. Noble for over 55 years, and retains many original mechanical components, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors.
Condition
6
While the car retains many original components and has a well-documented history, it underwent a body replacement in the late 1930s. This modification, along with general wear and tear, prevents it from being rated as pristine or near-perfect.
/ 10
Manual
RHD
United States
MS 3944
1931
Auction
£3.05m
From The Collection of Charles R.J. Noble, 1931 Bentley 4½ Liter Supercharged Le Mans Chassis no. MS 3944 Engine no. MS 3941
Bonhams • US • 16 Aug 2013
Market Position:
Highest 20% of Past Sales
Track live values and receive listing alerts
Description
4½ Liter SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine - 4 Overhead Valves Per Cylinder Factory Delivered High-compression Specification Amherst Villiers Roots Type IV Supercharger (#144) 182bhp with 10lbs Boost at 3,900rpm 4-Speed 'D' Type Close-ratio Gearbox (#7255) Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension with Bentley and Draper Shocks *One of three Original Le Mans Specification production Supercharged cars built *Owned by the Noble family for more than 55 years *Original components and numbers as delivered new from Bentley *Documented by Bentley Expert Dr. Clare Hay *Eligible for Mille Miglia and more The Supercharged 4½ Liter Bentley The "Blower" Bentley is one of the most masculine, muscular, and sporting motorcars ever built.
Where some companies hid their superchargers behind the radiator grill, the Bentley wears it right out front, and that statement alone says it all about the car and its creators.
First shown at the 1929 London Motor Show, it was developed as a private venture by 'Bentley ...
Price Analysis vs Other 4.5 Litre Le Manss
£304,094
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£528,139
Median Price (Since 2020)
£1,239,567
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
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Highest 20% of Past Sales
Compared to previous sales, the sale price placed this vehicle in the highest 20% of past sales for the 4.5 Litre Le Mans.
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Average Price
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Rare Sale
This vehicle comes to market rarely. In auction records we've only seen 10 sold before
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Previous 4.5 Litre Le Mans Sales
MOT Information
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Bonhams
101 New Bond Street, London, Greater London, W1S 1SR, England
Operating from London, Bonhams is a physical auction house handling classic, historic competition, and collector cars. They conduct live auctions globally, offering vehicle consignment, appraisal, and valuation services.
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