• Previously owned by HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands
• One of the royal’s favourite cars, bought in England during the war before being driven back to a liberated Netherlands
• Well-maintained with a full repaint in 2020
• A fine example of Bentley’s final pre-war model

Under Rolls-Royce’s ownership, Bentley’s model portfolio became more refined—but they were always marketed as being sportier than most luxury cars, aimed at wealthy owners who wished to take the wheel.

One member of European royalty who greatly enjoyed driving was HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, who is understood to have taken delivery of this desirable Drophead Coupé while the family took refuge in England during World War II. The Bentley had first been sent to Vanden Plas for finishing, and had a handful of early private owners before falling into the hands of Jack Barclay, the Bentley dealer. It was then acquired by Prince Bernhard in an extraordinary period, with the nobleman actively involved in flying Spitfires and bombers in combat, and eventually becoming Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces ahead of Operation Market Garden. Still enamoured by his Bentley, he drove this car back from England to a liberated Netherlands.

With the car then kept in the grounds of Soestdijk Palace, the Bentley was known to transport the royal couple and their young children over the next few years. The car remained in the family until 22 July 1947, by which time it had covered around 90,000 kilometres. Several Dutch owners later, and after a brief spell in the USA, this Bentley was exported to England in 1989, where it remained until being repatriated to the Netherlands in 1998. Since this time, it has had just two Dutch owners, and is presented with a great history file detailing its period history and recent maintenance (including the 2020 full repaint), and the original manual. It is claimed that the soft-top roof was replaced in 2022.

Few Derby Bentleys have such an illustrious period history, and even fewer still will be in such outstanding condition. This museum worthy Drophead Coupé is ready to be displayed at shows or enjoyed on the road—just as Prince Bernhard did.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa23.