1934 Bentley

• The twenty-fifth of thirty-nine examples built by Vanden Plas on the 3 1/2 Litre chassis
• Fitted with overdrive
• Restored in 2010 to an exceptionally high standard
• Complete with extensive history
• Fitted with a fold flat front screen
• Ready for touring, concours entry, or both
• One of if not the best example in the world of this design

Vanden Plas is a name synonymous and forever linked with the Bentley marque, with their coachwork being fitted to so many famous and successful Cricklewood built cars in the 1920’s with numerous high-profile victories at Brooklands and in the 24-hour race at Le Mans. However, their work on the new Derby built chassis in the early 1930’s was also superb with beautiful lines combined with top-class construction and build quality. Chassis No B59BN is one of their most popular designs on the Derby chassis, fitted with four seat open tourer coachwork. This car is the twenty-fifth of thirty-nine such examples built on the 3 ½ Litre chassis. It was originally completed in November of 1934 and supplied to Mr C Carrigan of Gresham Street in London EC1 and changed hands a few times between 1934 and 1947 which is documented in the early records for the car. It was originally registered BLF 870 in 1934, the number plate it still retains today. The car remained in the UK until 1974 when it was sold to the USA where it resided for around twenty-five years before being repatriated to the UK. In around 2010 the car was restored to concours condition by a highly respected UK Bentley specialist, both cosmetically and mechanically speaking. These works included but were not limited to a full mechanical review, an engine overhaul, clutch replacement, coachwork and brightwork restoration and a retrim to the interior. It also benefits from having an overdrive system fitted, which can be activated at the push of a switch, giving the driver that extra option when touring at speed. This beautiful motorcar comes fully prepared and is ready for touring, or showing at concours level, or both. Chassis B59BN is probably the best example in the world in terms of its condition and is a car we are delighted to be offering for sale. 

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.