The Bentley 3 ½ Litre (later enlarged to 4 ¼ Litre) was produced by Bentley from 1933 to 1939. It was presented to the public at Ascot Racecourse in September 1933, shortly after the death of Henry Royce, and was the first new Bentley model following Rolls-Royce's acquisition of the Bentley brand in 1931. Bentley sold only the drivable bare rolling chassis with engine and gearbox, scuttle and radiator, ready for coachbuilders to construct a body to the buyer's requirements. Many distributors ordered their preferred bodies as showroom stock to enable them to stock finished cars ready for immediate sale. Bentleys of this era are known as Derby Bentleys because they were built in the Rolls-Royce factory located in Derby, England. The new Bentley engine was re-configured from the 20/25's 2 ¾ litre motor by increasing displacement, adding a new crossflow head, twin SU carburettors, higher compression ratio and a re-profiled camshaft. The result was a fast, smooth, long-lasting, responsive and excellent-handling car that was marketed as 'The Silent Sports Car.'

This Bentley 3 ½ Litre was delivered to Mr Ernest Taylor of Bromley in October 1938 and fitted with a four-door saloon by Park Ward with the registration number BPJ 914. According to Bentley Drivers Club records, the first time it was registered with them was in 1951 when owned by Mr A Dodd. Subsequent owners have been Mr A Millard from Putney in 1956, at this time still with the Park Ward body but the registration changed to MKE 762. The next owner, Mr R C Wheatley, acquired the car in 1969 and in 1972 he had the Park Ward body removed and this stunning Vanden Plas style Tourer fitted. The next owners, the Pakeman brothers, obtained the car in 1985 and it is possible that they were responsible for the building of this tourer body as they had re-bodied several vintage Bentleys. They owned the car until our vendor purchased it from them in 2012. During his ownership Fiennes Restoration have rebuilt the hydraulic suspension, fitted a new crankshaft damper, new clutch, new gearbox casing, new petrol pumps and a reconditioned water pump. James Pearce fitted a new windscreen frame and glass and a new set of side screens in leather pouches stored behind the seats in a new aluminium frame. Finished in green with a beige leather interior, this 3½ Litre is supplied with a V5 registration document and some paperwork relating to its history from the BDC. This is ideal for the enthusiast who loves to drive. Consigned by John Tomlin

Lot details
Year: 1934
Make: Bentley
Model: 3½ Litre Vanden Plas style Tourer
Registration: MKE 762
Chassis No: B31BN
Engine No: K3BG
Odometer: tba

* High-standard conversion to a Vanden Plas style Tourer
* Built and maintained by top marque specialists