1936 Bentley

• One of just three cars built to Design No 6357 by Hooper
• Full ownership history from 1936 to present day known
• Complete with the original registration book and extensive historical records
• Current thirty year ownership
• Fitted with a high ratio back axle to allow relaxed cruising at higher speeds
• A beautifully maintained Derby Bentley with very attractive coachwork

Chassis No B172GA is the second of just three cars built to Design No 6357 by Hooper. It was originally completed and delivered in May 1936 to Major Sir Robert Spencer-Nairn of Fife Scotland. It remained in the Edinburgh area until 1987 when owned by the following:- August 1945 Jean K Watherston, April 1952 Moir & Baxter Ltd, August 1955 Ian Hamilton Shearer and from 1959 to 1987 by Robert G Steven. In 1987 it was purchased by Carrowmorw Ltd in Llanfairfechan in Wales and then in early 1994 by John Philip Evans of Wrexham who supplied the car later that year (in July) to its present owners who have retained it ever since. During their thirty-year ownership period Chassis No B172GA has been meticulously maintained and improved whenever deemed necessary, resulting in a car of great quality both mechanically and cosmetically. The files that accompany the car are as extensive as we have seen for a car of this age, with original documentation and records dating back to the 1950’s along with the car's original registration book from 1936. Over the years Chassis No B172GA has been maintained by some of the finest names in the industry, including Brunts of Silverdale, Bunty Scott Moncrieff and Alpine Eagle. Works that have been carried out include but are not limited to extensive mechanical works including an engine overhaul, rewiring, coachwork restoration, retrimming and a new hood. A higher ratio rear axle has been fitted to allow relaxed cruising. Over the past thirty years, the car has been used regularly for touring in the UK and overseas. It also won the trophy for the best pre-war carat the 2021 RREC Northern Concours. The car both presents and drives beautifully and is ready tobe used for touring. It must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

During the late 1920s and early 1930s 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. In 1933 the new Bentley 3.5 Litre model was released and was an instant success. The combination of effortless power and style met with almost universal praise. It was powered by a developed twin carburettor version of Rolls-Royces own 20/25 model and was installed in a low 126 inch wheelbase chassis that basically remained unaltered until the cessation of production in 1939 due to the outbreak of hostilities. Synchromesh was present on third and fourth gears and the Derbys were fitted with a cross flow cylinder head and superb servo assisted brakes, encapsulating all of the perfection of Rolls-Royce engineering in this small sporting Bentley. Fitting of individual coachwork by approved body builders continued in true Rolls-Royce fashion giving potential buyers a great deal of choice in the look of their new motorcar. 1936 saw further improvements with the introduction of the 4.25 Litre model when production of the 3.5 Litre unit ceased.

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