Bentley 3.5 Litre 1934

Chassis number: B136 AH Registration number: TBA The first product of the 1931 Rolls-Royce acquisition of Bentley, the 3 2 Liter was introduced in 1933 and was essentially a sporty version of the Rolls-Royce 20/25. As such, it used the shorter chassis of the stillborn "smaller" Rolls-Royce, codenamed Peregrine, coupled with a more powerful version of the 20/25's six-cylinder engine with new crossflow cylinder head and camshaft, dual SU carburetors, dual fuel pumps and single coil ignition. + Coupled to a four-speed synchromesh transmission and hypoid sloping rear axle, the latter a first on a Rolls-Royce produced car. The 105-hp 3,699 cc engine poured the 3 ½ liters over 90 mph performance. Notably, this first Derby Bentleys was also the first to be marketed as "The Silent Sports Car," such was its considerable refinement. The 3½ liter quickly gained a reputation for speed and fine handling combined with the elegance of hand-built bodywork provided by several leading coachbuilders in sedan, drophead coupe and touring models, and as such it found favor with many owner-drivers. But few used the 3 ½ liter for racing, although notable results include second place in the Ulster TT with Eddie Hall's hat trick. The separate chassis, complete with centralized lubrication system, used leaf suspension and hydraulic shock absorbers front and rear, while the brakes were actuated by Rolls-Royce's gearbox-driven mechanical servo. Detailed changes were made during the 3 ½ liter's three-year production life, including adjustable shock absorbers in 1935. + Originally ordered by W.L.P. Miesegaes and delivered on July 7, 1934 chassis number B136AH, with bodywork by Freestone and Webb, first found its way to the United States of America. However, it has since been exported back to the UK with all applicable taxes paid. Relatively recent work includes a total engine overhaul in 1988 with about 22,000 miles since then. Additions also include a stainless steel exhaust system, a new clutch (3,500 miles old), and within the last 7,000 miles, the car has also received new stub axles in the rear axle, new rings and higher-speed pinion, re-bent rear springs, and new bracket pins and bushings. The interior has also been overhauled in the last 15 years. Points of interest include new black leather upholstery and gray carpets. This beautiful car also features a sunroof and a spacious trunk for touring purposes. Also included with the car is an extremely rare, complete original tool kit. This beautiful early coachbuilt 3 2 Liter is also featured in the book of the same name; The Quiet Sports Car by Michael Ellman-Brown. Considered by some to be the best form of Derby Bentley and resplendent in red over black, this regal and elegant sports car represents one of the finer Derbly's for sale. To get a good idea of the lot we recommend coming to the viewing day.