The Bentley IV 3 way Convertible by coachbuilders Franay of Paris was definitely not your run-of-the-mill Bentley but an postwar luxury sporting limousine with Art Deco bodywork instantly turning into an automotive artwork with its abundance of chrome accents down each flank and on each front wing framing the iconic Bentley chrome fluted radiator with satin black background below it’s proud Bentley flying mascot. Just 18 of these Franay bodied cars were produced so understandably it is considered one of THE most collectable Bentleys of them all.
This Cabriolet was powered by an in-line 6 cylinder engine of 4.25 Litres which in the model is readily visible under the centre hinged bi-fold access cowls.
The model of chassis #1 (of 18) is undeniably attractive and quite unmistakeable in its hi-gloss black paintwork offset by the aforementioned chrome accents. Below the faired in reeded glass headlights is a single central spotlight (the twin pair of front valance mounted spot/foglights are missing), pr.chrome air horns are flush mounted on either side of the radiator with four badges on the badgebar incorporated in the rim moulding of the air horns but two more on the chrome front bumper are missing. On the rear bumper is the central Bentley badge. ‘9055 RO’ is a GB registration.
The front windscreen is chromed and split screened being top hinged (to allow for additional ventilation when slow driving through towns) and the two position lamps one on each side of the screen above the waistline are missing. The chromed front demister vents are located on the dashtop.
The front bench seat is faux Rosso red leather around the perimeter with suede inner panels also in red. In the rear passenger compartment is a single transverse folding seat similarly upholstered, a refrigerated drinks cabinet, space for a custom picnic hamper inbuilt in the left hand leather covered compartment. There are two brown faux leather suitcases under the folded removable roof. The two front suicide doors have red leather door cards and chrome handles and window winders and at the bottom are the polished alloy kickplates incorporating the Bentley logo.
The rear sloping aerodynamic boot is pleasingly designed with a chrome handle and period plate illuminated from clear lenses in the red tail lights on either side. The luggage space has a black carpeted and hinged false floor below which is the spare tyre, electric tyre pump, screw jack and cranked jack handle and red tool kit. Included is a black plastic moulded tonneau covering which is as the roof down would appear to observers (the roof in the up position isn’t included).
On the underside, a cross braced rivited double bow shaped ladder chassis is immensely strong with independent front suspension on ‘A’ frames with coil springs and dampers and the rear is semi elliptic springs for ride comfort.
The condition is very good with only a tiny amount of paint rash on the RH front bonnet and the two doors open normally but don’t click closed. This unquestionably would be a fantastic addition to any knowledgable enthusiast’s collection and highly recommended. There is the original box with moulded polystyrene travel case both of which are in good condition.
In perfect condition, such a car in original box with documents sold earlier in the year for £138 approx.
Buyers abroad should check the additional cost of postage abroad as the quoted cost is within the UK only (including to EBay’s British based International Distribution Centre in Lichfield, England.