During the late 1920’s and early 1930’s Bentley ran into grave financial trouble and by 1931 Rolls-Royce had stepped in and bought the assets and goodwill of the defunct company and formed a new one, Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Rolls-Royce had considered the Bentley marque to be a growing threat to their future success, but following their purchase decided to continue the Bentley name, albeit under their own stewardship, taking the company in an entirely new direction with the creation of the “Silent Sports Car” or Derby Bentley. It was a hugely significant model in Bentley’s history, marking a new era for the brand under the ownership of Rolls-Royce, with careful consultation taken and the blessing given by W.O. Bentley himself.
In 1933 the new Bentley 3 ½ Litre model was released and was an instant success, quickly becoming a favourite among the wealthy car buyers of the early 1930’s. The combination of effortless power and style met with almost universal praise, it was considered one of the best cars of its era by many. This was a time of transition, as Bentley had been previously known for its large, robust, and racing-oriented cars, while Rolls-Royce was recognized for its luxury vehicles. The new model encapsulated the best of both companies in our opinion, the sporting nature of the Bentley name combined with the luxury and refinement of Rolls-Royce.
It was powered by a developed twin carburettor version of Rolls-Royces own 20/25 model. The 3 ½ Litre six-cylinder inline engine and was capable of around 100bhp and featured overhead inlet and side exhaust valves, a relatively advanced configuration for the time. This was paired with a very easy to operate four speed manual gearbox, with synchromesh present on third and fourth gears. This was all installed in a low 126-inch wheelbase chassis that featured semi-elliptic leaf springs at both the front and rear, which provided a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. Superb servo assisted drum brakes were also fitted, providing even the most sporting of drivers with the stopping power required.
The range of coachwork available to a buyer of a new 3 ½ Litre Bentley was extensive, from a conservative but very smart saloon to a super stylish drophead coupe with flowing wings and sporting lines. The one constant was the quality of the cars, built to the very highest standards and fitted with luxurious and well-appointed interiors. The changeover period for the Bentley name in the early 1930’s must have been difficult at times for all involved, but from the ashes of the old company came a new and highly successful chapter for Bentley which began with the 3 ½ Litre.
Thoughts from Frank Dale
The Bentley 3 ½ Litre is a landmark car in the history of both Bentley and Rolls-Royce, representing the successful marriage of the two companies and what they stood for. Bentleys sporting legacy continued, paired from that point onwards with the luxury and refinement of Rolls-Royce, a very happy combination that produced wonderful motor cars. Just under 1,200 cars were built between 1933 and 1936 and it is testament to the incredibly good build quality coupled with the motoring publics love for this model that so many still survive today, some ninety years on. A well sorted 3 ½ Litre is an absolute joy to drive, especially if fitted with a lightweight open body. I remember driving a lovely open tourer to the Bentley Drivers Club annual rally in Gloucestershire some years ago on a perfect summer’s day. The two-and-a-half-hour drive was a total pleasure from the moment I left London to the moment I arrived. They are also an excellent example of a pre-war motor car that is relatively easy to drive, the uninitiated have nothing to fear. Lastly, they often represent excellent value in the market and a nice step into pre-war motor car ownership for many. They tick several boxes and it’s a model we have a tremendous amount of love for.