Coys Auction - Spring Classics
Royal Horticultural Halls
Elverton St
Westminster
London SW1
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Estimate: £25,000 - £30,000
Registration Number: EOG 555
Chassis Number: B120LS
Following Rolls-Royce's takeover of Bentley in 1931, the first new Bentley model was the 3½ Litre of 1933. Basically a sporting version of the Rolls-Royce 20/25, it utilised a shorter chassis together with a more powerful version of the 20/25's six cylinder engine with a new crossflow cylinder head. Producing 105bhp and mated to a four-speed part-synchromesh transmission, the 3,699cc engine provided the 3½ Litre with 90mph plus performance a more than startling figure for the day, certainly for a comfortable four seater. For 1936 Rolls-Royce enlarged the engine to 4,257cc. Retaining the 3½ Litre's crossflow cylinder head, twin SU carburettors, twin fuel pumps and single coil ignition, power rose significantly to 126bhp, which allowed an almost 100mph maximum speed and notably improved acceleratio