Back to back: Swiss bodied Bentleys

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This is a ‘back to back’ comparison that is impossible to deny, as these are cars that are really close in concept. Both are Bentley 4¼-Litre models, both date back to 1938, both have been sold new to Switzerland as a rolling chassis and both have been clad by Swiss coachbuilders. The differences are obvious: one went to Carrosserie Walter Köng of Basel, the other found its way to Carrosserie Worblaufen near Bern, some 60 miles further southwards. Oh, and one of them is a two-door car, while the other comes with four doors.

Their histories have to be fascinating also, you’d think. The Köng car is the two-door black beauty and is said to be one of just three Bentley Derby models built by the Basel based coachbuilder and has been owned by its present caretaker since 1982. With Köng supposedly being inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 540K, the car was built for an industrialist named Carl F Gaensslen, who – as far as we were able to trace – ran a paint factory, which must also have been reflected in the car’s paint job. Just one more Swiss owner followed prior to it being sold to the current vendor. It is believed to have been repainted more recently, while otherwise being largely original. That is, perhaps, a somewhat brief history of such a lovely motorcar. We’re sure there has to be more than just that – perhaps a welcome job for the new owner?

The other car may make up for that, though. It’s the only Worblaufen-bodied Derby Bentley and its history-file seems to be more comprehensive, starting with a journey from the factory to Switzerland (partly) aboard the SS Shepperton Ferry to Worblaufen’s workshop in the village of the same name. Next stop: concessionaire SA Perrot Duval & Cie of Geneva where Professor Doctor Hans Wildbolz picked it up, to become the first owner. Its history continued in Switzerland up until 1975 when the car was shipped to the US. New owners follow in Ohio, Connecticut to the West coast. The four-door convertible made a trip back to Europe in 2004 (Villa d'Este) and set foot on the manicured lawns of Pebble Beach in 2007 after it had been fully restored. It was sold once more at auction at Goodwood in 2012. Although in Switzerland, it’s on British plates these days and comes with copies of the factory order and build sheets as well as FIVA papers.

So. With an estimated sales price of €220,000 to €280,000 it is considered to sell cheaper as the Köng car, which is slightly less unique but estimated at €280,000 to €460,000 no less. We wondered: what would make the difference? Two doors less? A few owners less? Originality? You tell us.

Bonhams Bonmont Sale - 20 September 2020

Words by Jeroen Booij. Pictures courtesy of Bonhams Auctioneers.

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