- A very early and very original example
- Recently technically fully restored
- Mille Miglia Eligible
- In the twenties and thirties, the Bentley name was synonymous and famous for the victories at le Mans and the speed records at Brooklands
- Fiva Identity Card (code A2)
- Complete with copy of the original factory build sheets
- Few prewar cars carry more graceful coachwork, nor offer more fun behind the wheel, than the Derby Bentleys of the 1930s
- Approximately 33.000,- have been invested recently (2018-2019) at a Belgian specialist in British Pre-War cars from which invoices are available in the file

The Bentleys produced in tandem with Rolls-Royce in the 1930s are commonly referred to as “Derbys,” since they were built in the shared Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motors Works in Derbyshire, England.

The 3½-Litre Bentley was introduced to the public at Ascot Race Course in August 1933. Powered by a larger and sportier version of the small Rolls-Royce 20/25 engine, it was well-received by the press and public alike, and 1,191 were sold between 1933 and 1937, overlapping the 4¼-Litre Bentley, which replaced it.

Rolls-Royce had acquired Bentley Motors in 1931 in a hand-shake agreement with W.O. Bentley, promising to continue to produce cars with the Bentley badge. Promising to do so was one thing, but actually doing it was another.

The company struggled for two years to design and produce an appropriate car that would respect the “W.O. Bentley” sporting and racing heritage rather than the more stately cars carrying the Rolls-Royce badge.

The early 1930s were challenging times financially, and Rolls-Royce approached the new Bentley model prudently, carefully managing production costs, while creating an exciting car to attract new car buyers.

To limit re-tooling costs, the Bentley 3½-Litre was based on the Rolls-Royce 20/25 hp chassis. The new Bentley engine was re-configured from the 20/25’s 2¾-liter motor by increasing displacement, adding a new cross-flow head, twin SU carburetors, higher compression ratio and a re-profiled camshaft.

The result was a fast, smooth, long-lasting, responsive and excellent-handling car that was marketed as “The Silent Sports Car.”

In recent years the Derby Bentley has come into great favor with collectors world wide, not just British car enthusiasts.

Few prewar cars carry more graceful coachwork, nor offer more fun behind the wheel, than the Derby Bentleys of the 1930s.

Bentley enthusiasts have always recognized that the quality of the car is on par with everything else Rolls-Royce has produced, yet the 3½-Litre Bentley also provides brisk acceleration and responsive handling, and with a top speed of over 90 mph, its low-revving engine can cruise all day at freeway speeds. It is deservedly one of the most popular tour cars in club events.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This Bentley 3,5 Litre was despatched on the 23rd. of March 1934 as written in the copies of the original factory build sheets accompany the car.

This Bentley is a very impressive example. The color combination is excellent and suits the Bentley very well.

The entire history of the car has been researched and comes with the car in a large binder.

This Bentley is easily recognizable to be a driver and not a concours car which looks fantastic but is driving less as it looks.

The former owner has really used the car for a variety of trips and rallies.

Imported in the 70’s in the Netherlands the car received a lot of work to be reliable for the miles to come, between the main works the completely rebuilt engine, new brown leather interior, new uprated 4 ¼ litre clutch, rebuilt dashboard, etc.

An overview is available and will come with the car.

Approximately 33.000,- have been invested recently (2018-2019) at a Belgian specialist in British Pre-War cars from which invoices are available in the file

A trip-master is mounted for historic rallying and please notice that this car is eligible for all of the most famous rallies around the world included the Mille Miglia.

This beautiful Bentley is not a trailer queen but a very nice driver.

Here and there one can find some spots on the car but this belongs to the impressive history of the car and off-course to the price.

The huge chrome grille is beautiful and impressive.

Overall the exterior condition of the Bentley is very nice but not pristine.

This very original Bentley has a FIVA Passport issued in 2015, it is categorized with a very rare A2 by the FIVA Identity Card commission, which tells about her fantastically original and correct condition.

It is proven to be Mille Miglia eligible and can be subscribed for the 2021 Mille Miglia edition.

CONDITION INTERIOR

The interior of the Bentley is impressively beautiful. The seats have been period correct restored with beautiful soft brown leather.

The carpet is in a very nice condition.

The entire dashboard has been restored and a tripmaster has been beautifully installed in the dashboard.

Very nice but not perfect.

The design is typically Bentley. Cosy and full of high quality materials.

If you enter the car it is an oase of very soft (handbag quality) leather.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

This Bentley is a beautiful appearance. The response on the car from people on the street is fantastic. It seems that everybody loves the car, young and old.

The Bentley drives as she looks, very smooth and elegant until the pedal goes to the metal.

The sheep changes in a wulf as the car becomes seriously fast and a sort of race car to handle.

Due to the impressive preparations and serious amounts of money which are spend, this car is a fantastic handling car.

The engine is starting with a push on the button and runs very smoothly. The brakes are direct even as the steering.

The Bentley is ready to be driven, whether that be for personal use or as a entrant at any finest driving world class tour or at the 2021 Mille Miglia edition.

Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.