Bentley 4½ Litre
The quintessential pre-war British sports car and victor of the 1928 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Power
- 110 bhp
- Top speed
- 92 mph
- Est. value
- $600k–$1.2m
About the Bentley 4½ Litre
The Bentley 4½ Litre was developed to replace the 3 Litre, utilizing a more powerful four-cylinder engine derived from the 6½ Litre's design. It cemented Bentley's reputation for durability and performance, most notably winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928 with Woolf Barnato and Bernard Rubin. While the 'Blower' variant is more famous, the naturally aspirated 4½ Litre was considered more reliable and was the preferred choice for long-distance racing. Today, it is a cornerstone of any significant pre-war car collection, prized for its 'Vintage' driving experience and eligibility for prestigious historic events.
Bentley 4½ Litre specs
The Bentley 4½ Litre produces 110 bhp (82 kW) and 339 Nm (250 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 92 mph (148 km/h).
| Make | Bentley |
|---|---|
| Model | 4½ Litre |
| Trim | 4.5 |
| Years | 1927–1931 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Tourer |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 720 built |
| Engine | 4.4-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,398 cc (4.4 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 110 bhp (82 kW) at 3,500 rpm |
| Torque | 339 Nm (250 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 92 mph (148 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,625 kg (3,583 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 68 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Bentley 4½ Litre worth?
A typical Bentley 4½ Litre is estimated to be worth $600,000 – $1,200,000 (about £447,000 – £895,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Bentley 4½ Litre rarity in CarSpot
The Bentley 4½ Litre is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Bentley 4½ Litre fun facts
- Ettore Bugatti famously referred to Bentley's creations as 'the world's fastest lorries' due to their immense size and robust construction.
- The 4½ Litre engine featured advanced technology for the era, including four valves per cylinder and an overhead camshaft.
- A 4½ Litre known as 'Old Mother Gun' won Le Mans in 1928 and later achieved success at Brooklands after being fitted with a 6½ Litre engine.