“The silent sports car”
Stunning concours level restoration
Rare & desirable 3 ½ Litre Bentley
One of 1,177 built
One of one with unique Windovers of London Coachwork
Numbers matching engine
Featured in multiple marque publications
Previously shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance (three
times in 30 years)
Previous Bentley collector ownership
Previously owned by Genetech CEO Herbert Boyer
Includes incredibly rare complete factory tool kit and chassis
build records from the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club (RREC)
Options include:
Disc wheel covers
Rear fender skirts
Fold out windshield
Dual horns
Servo assisted brakes
Performs wonderfully
A collector’s dream!
The Bentley 3 ½ Litre was first suggested by Rolls-Royce &
Bentley Motor Works’ manager, E.W. Hives in the early 1930’s. Hives
specified that while the new car should have a top speed of 90
miles per hour, concentration should be placed on acceleration,
handling and breaking with controls that are easy to operate. The
new engine was derived from the straight-6 that powered the
Rolls-Royce 20/25 and featured an increased displacement to 3669cc,
a cross flow cylinder head with higher compression, larger
camshaft, and twin SU Carburetors. The combination produced a
generous 110hp. A four speed gearbox was standard with synchronized
3rd and 4th gears, while 4-wheel suspension and servo assisted
brakes ensured adequate handling and braking. The new chassis was
constructed from nickel steel and featured drops around both axles
to ensure low profile body styles. The drivable chassis was
relatively lightweight compared to other contemporary marques,
weighing it at just over 2,500lbs. The incredible performance and
drivability of the 3 ½ litre quickly earned the new Bentley the
name “The Silent Sports Car.” Only 1,177 Bentley 3 ½ Litre chassis’
were constructed, approximately 50% of which were bodied by
Park-Ward with coachbuilders including Mulliner, Freestone & Webb,
James Young and others also sculpting lines for the Bentley 3 ½
Litre.
Chassis number B111FC is one of only nine 3 ½ Litre Bentley’s that
was sent new to Windovers Coachworks of London. The vehicles’
custom, one off body work mimics the look of a traditional Drophead
coupe, however only the roof that covers the front seats rolls away
to turn the gorgeous coupe into a well appointed Sedanca. The first
owner, a Mr. Gootnick, specified that the car was constructed with
town work and touring in mind as he planned to use the Bentley in
the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Rally. Records from the Rolls-Royce
Enthusiasts Club (RREC) show that Mr. Gootnick was particularly
concerned with torque and acceleration as the chassis tests
indicate. Mr. Gootnick took delivery of B111FC in March 1936
wearing the registration CUW 777, which it still shows today.
Unusual body features include wheel discs covering the wire wheels
undoubtedly for aero dynamic purposes; while an integrated rear
trunk with rear mounted spare add a particular continental touch.
B111FC has been collector owned since the 1970’s and was acquired
from the estate of Dr. Mark Sheppard in 1978 by renowned collector
Herbert Boyer. Boyer, a respected bio-chemist is credited with
co-creating the field of genetic engineering and is the co-founder
of the biotechnology company Genentech. Besides his award winning
work in the field of medicine, Mr. Boyer is also known for his love
of classic and rare automobiles and showed B111FC at the Pebble
Beach Concours d’ Elegance in 1983 before commissioning a fresh
body off restoration and returning the Bentley to Pebble Beach in
1993. By 2003 B111FC was in the hands of another California based
collector who returned the vehicle to Pebble Beach for another
showing. Considering how rare it is to have a vehicle is invited
back to the Pebble Beach Concours having a single car shown three
times over 30 years is nothing short of astounding and a true
testament to the provenance of this incredible one off 3 ½ Litre
Bentley. To date B111FC remains in gorgeous restored condition and
is well respected in Bentley circles. The vehicle has been featured
in numerous marque publications including the 2003 edition of
Johnnie Green’s “Bentley: Fifty Years of the Marque” and would make
a welcome addition to any premier collection.
The 1936 Bentley 3 ½ Litre Sedanca Coupe by Windovers featured here
is finished in stunning all black with a gorgeous deep red leather
interior. This one-off, special ordered Sedanca Coupe is
unquestionably one of the most well designed 3 ½ Litre Bentleys
ever produced; it has been displayed at Pebble Beach on three
separate occasions and has also been featured in multiple marque
publications. A magnificent, no-expense-spared restoration was
commissioned and this 3 ½ Litre is now ready for the concours
circuit. We are extremely proud to offer this incredible 1936
Bentley 3 ½ Litre Sedanca Coupe by Windovers to the most demanding
collector, investor or enthusiast who desires to own the best.
Classic cars have proven to be among the most resilient and
rewarding investments in recent years with the Historic Automobile
Group Index (HAGI) jumping 39% in 2013, 16% in 2014 and 17% in 2015
while posting gains of 467% over the last 10 years. Ready to
make an investment you can actually enjoy? Please contact one
of our expert sales consultants at (314)291-7000 or
[email protected] for more information. They will be happy to give
you a complete walk-around, supply you with a more detailed
description, and answer any questions you may have. This is an
incredible opportunity to own one of the best examples in the world
at an investment price. Buy with confidence.
Trades welcome! Please visit www.schmitt.com to view our full
inventory.
