Bentley 3-41/2 Litre Price Guide

The Bentley 3–4½ Litre designation covers the practice of fitting a 4 1/2 Litre engine into a 3 Litre Speed Model chassis; a conversion that has been carried out by enthusiasts for nearly a century to combine the lighter, shorter chassis with the more powerful engine.

The Conversion

The 3 Litre Speed Model’s shorter 9ft 9.5-inch wheelbase makes it more nimble than the standard 4½ Litre. By fitting the larger engine, builders created a car that was lighter, more responsive, and arguably better balanced than either donor vehicle in standard form. This conversion has been accepted practice within the vintage Bentley community for decades. The Bentley Drivers Club recognises properly executed conversions.

Buying

A 3–4½ conversion is not a standard production Bentley, so provenance and the quality of the conversion work are critical. A well-executed example offers one of the most rewarding driving experiences in the W.O. Bentley world.