‘Taking
all things into consideration, I would rather own this Bentley car than any car
produced under that name’ WO Bentley.
In
1931 Bentley Motors were purchased by Rolls Royce, securing the legacy of the
Bentley tradition. In 1933 the 3 ½ litre became the first Bentley produced
under this new ownership. The manufacture of the cars was transferred to the
Derby site, hence this era of vehicles becoming known as ‘Derby Bentleys’. The
3 ½ litre was designed to maintain the associated sporting heritage of the
Bentley, whilst incorporating more of the marque luxury of Rolls Royce. The
resulting mechanical fruition became known for its confident and wieldy
performance; Sir Malcolm Campbell, of racing prestige, once wrote of it: ‘Its
low build, its graceful lines, and yet sturdy appearance, all make for a car
capable of high speed, combined with the utmost safety and comfort.’ Only 1177
models were ever produced, and only two of these were three-position drophead
coupe’s, with coachwork designed by Thrupp and Maberly.
Chassis
number B57CW was first delivered to a Mr Wallace Elliot in 1935, who owned her
up until 1974. In 1992 the second owner, Mr John Routley, instructed a
restoration of the vehicle. The entire project took six years under the
management of John Reynolds; recorded dialogue between Reynolds and Routley
shows the attention to detail exhibited during the venture. Also, further
documentation shows Fiennes Engineering were consulted for specific testing.
During this restoration a new overdrive system was fitted by Tim Payne
Overdrive Designs Ltd. According to Tim Payne this ‘enhances the pleasure of
driving’ as it ‘allows the engine to relax on the longer straight runs’. The
first MOT records began with this restoration, including the first mileage
count of 71,700 miles.
In
2005, with a mileage of 77,000, BXY300 was sold to a Captain Christopher Robert
Pack. In 2014 she was sold again, to a Mr and Mrs Forbes. After an initial
report was conducted on the car by Ellis Lea Ltd., Via G. Klepp, the car was
consigned to A and S Engineering for further restoration. Over a period of 2
and a half years work over £100,000 was invested. Work included chassis
realignment and renovation of all mechanical components. There is comprehensive
documentation and photography of the entire project.
This
rare and sought-after example of the distinguished 3.5 litre was acquired by
the current owner in 2018. It has since been stored with the other cars in this
collection that we are privileged to offer. This is one of the most desirable
Bentley’s currently on the market and marks a significant moment in the brands
history. A collectors and curators ideal.
