With its front-mounted supercharger proudly on display, the Bentley 4.5-Liter became an enduring icon of classic British sports cars. More than just a technical marvel, it captured the imagination of an era—roaring down racetracks with unrelenting power and elegance.
With a supercharger proudly mounted at the front, the Bentley 4½ Litre has become an enduring icon of classic British sports cars. Produced between 1929 and 1931, this legendary model was the brainchild of Sir Henry “Tim” Birkin, who famously convinced Bentley to build 50 units of this supercharged variant despite fierce opposition from company founder W.O. Bentley himself.
The engine, a naturally aspirated 4.5-litre inline-four, initially delivered a modest 110 horsepower.
But once Birkin’s bespoke supercharger—developed specifically for Bentley engines—was added, output soared to an impressive 240 horsepower. The result was not just a mechanical masterpiece, but a racing thoroughbred that left a powerful legacy in the golden age of motorsport.
Estimated value: $250,000.
