Vehicle Description
4,257cc OHV 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
Approximately 100bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive 4th Gear.
4-Wheel Servo Boosted Drum Brakes
*Exceptionally well-documented history
*Attractive one off Pillarless Coupe by Park Ward.
*No expense spared restoration
*Desirable MX Overdrive Series
THE DERBY BENTLEY
By the end of the 1930s the Derby Bentley, introduced towards the
beginning of that decade following the firm's take-over by
Rolls-Royce, had undergone a number of significant developments.
Not the least of which was in 1936, when an increase in bore size
upped the capacity to 4,257cc. Thus the new 4�-Liter model offered
more power than before while retaining the well-proven chassis with
its faultless gear-change and servo-assisted brakes. W.O Bentley
spent several years with Rolls Royce working on the development of
the cars that bore his name. He always had used the Continent as a
test venue and the new high speed roads enabled him to suggest
multiple improvements. This unlikely synergy gave birth to the
Silent Sports car, a car with unique qualities of precision
construction and exceptional handling in a package which
represented a true pinnacle of elegance.
In 1938 the Derby was further improved with addition of an
overdrive transmission, allowing for effortless high speed
cruising. A steady 90mph in silence when the average sedan was
straining at 60 was a stunning achievement.
The Derby Bentley was, of course, an exclusively coachbuilt
automobile. Of the 2,442 manufactured, owner-driver saloon and
Drophead Coupe bodies, mostly by Park Ward, were the norm. Very few
cars were built as more sporting coupes or tourers.
OUR CAR
According to factory records B131 MX was delivered to Park Ward on
April 4 of 1939 where it was fitted with a four light pillarless
coupe body. This fitted body was eye catching and all evidence
points that it was a one-off design. The car was completed and
shipped overseas to the New York dealer, J.S. Inskip, who sold the
car to Mr. S.M. Swenson of Orange, New Jersey on January 20, 1940.
According to Rolls-Royce Owners Club records, the ownership of the
car is as follows:
1947 - 1958 Donald Lamb New York City, New York
1963 - 68 Victor Hennington Pelham, New York
1971 - 77 Robert Shaw Ho-ho-kus, New Jersey
1980 - 91 Ricardo Fabbri Merrick, New York
7/11/93 James Hancock Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire
1/17/03 David Toms
5/1/2004 Bob Brechler Fernandina Beach, FL
Mr. Brechler chose to have the car restored and sent it to Vintage
and Auto Rebuilds, Inc (Steve Litten) in Chardon, Ohio in 2007 for
a comprehensive restoration totaling over $235,000. The car was
completed in 2009 and displayed at the Amelia Island Concourse. The
car remained in Mr. Brechler's ownership until his passing.
The car then passed to a family member, and has been kept in
immaculate order over the past few years. It recently received a
top award at the Mirror Lake Concours, a first place award at the
Birthplace of Speed show in Ormond Beach and earned a Palmetto
award at this year's Hilton Head Concours.
Completely restored to an incredible standard, this rare and
desirable, one-off Derby Bentley with its intriguing history of
crossing the Atlantic just ahead of the U Boats is ready for
numerous motoring events. The overdrive series Derby Bentleys are
considered by many, to be one of the finest prewar cars. It is sure
to bring its next owner much enjoyment, and is equally at home
touring the Scottish Highlands, or on the Concours lawn.
