Meet ‘Mr Fred’, considered one of solely two 4 1/2 Litre drophead sports activities coupés nonetheless in existence with bodywork by Salmons & Sons, the legendary Newport Pagnell coachworks that was to grow to be the house of Aston Martin. What’s extra, this stunning 1928 aluminium-bodied vehicle was the non-public automotive of firm proprietor Mr Fred Salmons – giving rise to its affectionate identify. I used to be lucky sufficient to see and film this stunning Bentley on the Concours of Magnificence in 2020.

Based in Buckinghamshire in 1830 by Joseph Salmons, the coachworks progressed from creating high-quality horse-drawn coaches and canine carts to bodying among the earliest and best automobiles for all makes of vehicle chassis from 1898 onward. Its bespoke workmanship was a lot coveted, and by the Nineteen Twenties a gentle movement of well-heeled prospects got here by means of its showrooms in London’s West Finish.

Fred Salmons selected OX 8415 as his private automotive, buying the 4 1/2 Litre from the primary proprietor whereas it was nonetheless underneath the Bentley Motors assure. He bodied it with this light-weight coachwork in 1932 – the identical yr wherein he competed within the world-famous Monte Carlo Rally with Dr Morris.

Regardless of his firm’s success, Fred Salmons remained a grounded industrialist. He was usually on the store ground, and insisted on by no means being referred to as Mr Salmons. Certainly, he was identified within the works as Mr Fred; a moniker his Bentley inherited. Salmons the corporate was acquired by Aston Martin in 1955 primarily for its aluminium-panelling experience, which might play a key position within the prestigious sports activities automotive marque’s success over the approaching years.

This 4 1/2 Litre’s entrance wings are a beautiful instance of the kind of class and type in aluminium for which Salmons was identified, whereas its distinctive mom of pearl instrument panel is a factor of delicate magnificence.

In later life, after spending ten years in America, Mr Fred the drophead sports activities coupé was returned to England, and within the Eighties it was despatched again to the unique Salmons constructing in Newport Pagnell for restoration. This time, nevertheless, it was underneath the auspices of the Aston Martin Works restoration division, which renovated the Bentley to as-new situation.

ENGINE

4.5-litre, four-cylinder, 110bhp, OHC

CONFIGURATION

Entrance-engine, four-speed guide transmission, no synchromesh, rear-wheel drive, separate chassis, semi-elliptic springs entrance and rear, drum brakes all spherical