Vehicle Description
The 3 � Liter marked the beginning of a new era for Bentley, which
was founded just over a decade earlier. In its few short years in
business, Bentley established itself among the finest motor car
companies in the world, dominating endurance racing in the process.
As with many talented engineers, Bentley was less successful as a
businessman and despite the impeccable reputation the marque had
earned, the enormous cost of cars such as the 8-Liter would
ultimately cost him control of the firm that bore his name. In
1931, Rolls-Royce Ltd. would acquire Bentley the company as well as
the services of W.O. himself. While some traditional Bentley
enthusiasts and racers were dismayed at the thought of their
beloved company falling under the auspices of Rolls-Royce, the sale
proved to be a very successful venture for both firms. The first
new Bentley to be released under the Rolls-Royce umbrella was the 3
� Liter of 1933. While the Cricklewood-built Bentleys were focused
on outright speed and performance for the sportsman, a new ethos of
"the silent sports car" was introduced by Rolls-Royce, who was
unsure of how to satisfy traditional Bentley buyers. With the new
car, the sporting spirit of Bentley remained, but now with greater
comfort and refinement to appeal to a broader audience. The 3 �
liter was powered by a new inline six, pushrod engine of 3,669 c.c.
that was derived from the Rolls-Royce 20/25. To maintain Bentley's
sporting image, the engine was upgraded with a crossflow cylinder
head, higher compression, a sportier camshaft profile and twin S.U.
carburetors, all fitted to a new, purpose-built chassis. The result
was approximately 110 horsepower, which allowed the car (depending
on coachwork) to reach a very respectable 90 miles per hour. Very
much a different car from thundering 8-liter, the 3 � liter was
much easier to drive and maneuver in the ever-increasing modern
traffic conditions, and proved to be very popular with buyers. In
keeping with tradition, Derby Bentleys were shipped only as
complete rolling chassis to be bodied to order by dealers or
individual buyers. The light, strong double-drop chassis allowed
for low-slung styling and most of the top coachbuilders of the era
graced the 3 � with their work. Of the 1,177 examples built, more
than half were bodied by Rolls-Royce's favored Park Ward. But
Vanden Plas of London was long the preferred coachbuilder for
Bentley, having bodied 700 Bentley chassis through the 1920s and
Vanden Plas were eager to continue that relationship. Vanden Plas
bodies were typically quite elegant, with understated sporting
appeal and exceptional attention to quality. They had a unique
ability to shrink the big Bentley chassis with keen attention to
form and line and would produce some of the prettiest designs to
grace the Derby Bentley. This outstanding Bentley 3 � liter is an
early example from 1934, wearing stylish four-seat tourer coachwork
by Vanden Plas. Chassis number B59BN was first registered in London
in 1934 with the number plate BLF 870. This car spent much of its
life in the UK before making its way to the USA in 1974 where it
resided in the northeast for many years. According to the V5C
documents, it returned to the UK in the early 2000s and was treated
to a comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration, including
an engine rebuild in 2011. Fully restored to a very high standard
by English Automotive Services in the UK, this Bentley presents in
impeccable condition. The coachwork by Vanden Plas has been
artfully restored with high quality finishing and outstanding
paintwork. The 2-door, four-passenger touring body is beautifully
proportioned for the low-slung chassis, with long and sweeping
skirted wings; clean and uncluttered in its elegant navy blue
livery. The fit and finish is exquisite, with precisely aligned
panels and doors that close with an effortless click. The Vanden
Plas body takes on an entirely more purposeful character once the
blue canvas hood is stowed in its low-profile position, the side
curtains stowed in the boot lid, and the windscreen folded flat -
becoming almost racy in appearance, ready for rallies and tours. As
with the rest of the coachwork, the quality of the interior trim is
first rate, with beautiful dark blue Connolly leather on the seats
and interior panels. Blue Wilton carpets are excellent and
precisely fitted, and the dash has been restored with the
appropriate satin-finish varnish. Original dials and switches are
in fine order, with receipts showing particular care given to
ensuring electrical and mechanical functions work as they should.
The 3.5 liter inline six is equally well turned out with correct
finishes and hardware used throughout. Records show the engine was
completely rebuilt in 2011 by English Automotive Services, with
rebuilt ancillaries and a new clutch fitted at the time of
installation. It runs strong, and delivers impeccable performance
as one would expect from The Silent Sportscar. In addition to the
refurbished engine, an overdrive unit has been discreetly fitted
ahead of the rear axle to aid in high-speed cruising ability. This
Bentley 3 � liter is simply exquisite, a beautiful and finely
detailed example ready for the concours field or for Bentley
Driver's Club and Rolls-Royce Owner's Club events. It is also an
approved CCCA Full Classic and would be an outstanding choice for
use on CARavan tours or events such as the Colorado Grand. The sale
includes a factory handbook, V5 certificate with original
registration number, as well as receipts related to the
restoration. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire one
of the finest early Derby Bentleys available today.