Bentley - Pre-War (1937)

Bentley Pre‑War 1937 Bentley – a symbol of British engineering brilliance that still captures the imagination of collectors and driving enthusiasts today. If you’re searching for the Bentley Pre‑War price, you’ll find that the value of each car is heavily influenced by condition, provenance and regional demand. In this guide we give you a clear snapshot of what a 1937 Bentley Pre‑War price looks like, the used Bentley Pre‑War price range you’ll encounter on the market, and what you can expect in terms of depreciation when owning a piece of pre‑war luxury.

• Model: Bentley 6¼‑mile
• Year: 1937
• Engine: 4‑cyl. 3,143 cc (3.2 L) aluminum head, water‑cooled, overhead camshaft
• Power: 51 hp (38 kW) at 3,800 rpm
• Torque: 90 lb‑ft (122 Nm) at 1,800 rpm
• Transmission: 3‑speed non‑synchromesh
  • Listed gear ratio: 3.50, 1.75, 0.92.
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Top Speed: 63 mph (102 km/h) with standard gear
• Acceleration: 0‑60 mph in 20‑25 seconds (series dependent)
• Layout: Front‑engine, rear‑wheel drive, 4‑wheel chain drive
• Dimensions: Length 152 in (3,860 mm), Width 61 in (1,550 mm), Height 60 in (1,520 mm)
• Wheelbase: 113 in (2,870 mm)
• Weight: 4,264 lb (1,934 kg) dry weight, 5,120 lb (2,322 kg) curb weight (approx.)
• Suspension: Front leaf springs and hydraulic shock absorbers; rear semi‑elliptic leaf springs
• Brakes: Drum brakes with 10‑inch copper shoes, hydraulic system
• Seats: 2‑seat configuration (optional third seat for passenger services)
• Construction: Duralumin shell, timber chassis, carbon‑fiber reinforce seating frames (where modern restoration applies)
• Body Type: Limited production closed‑and‑open body styles – e.g., the Mk II touring model
• Key Features: Duralumin‑alloy hatch, detachable steering wheel, unique hand‑rolling engine cam cover.

Depreciation Insight

Owning a historic car like the 1937 Bentley requires thoughtful financial planning. While many vintage vehicles can appreciate, the Bentley Pre‑War depreciation is not straightforward. Typically, such classic cars lose 15–20 % of their value in the first year after purchase, especially if the market is compared to that for newer pre‑war models or updated luxury cars. Over a five‑year period, the total depreciation can range from 35 % to 45 %, depending on restoration quality, mileage, and provenance. These figures are averages; the actual change in value depends on the vehicle’s specific condition, documentary evidence, and market cycles.

While used Bentley Pre‑War price inquiries often come with long-term depreciation expectations in mind, many collectors are pleasantly surprised by how these cars can regain value when restored to near‑original condition, polished copperfins restored, or restored to showroom standards. Restorations that preserve original parts – or use scanned CAD models with archival photos for accurate replacements – play a significant role in protecting the vehicle’s price from steep depreciation.

Comparison Context