Vehicle Description
The arrival of the 3 � Litre in 1933 signified a new beginning for
Bentley. The company produced its first car in 1920, and in spite
of a relatively short existence, Bentley established itself as one
of the finest motor car companies in the world, becoming a dominant
force in motor racing. As with other talented engineers through
history, W.O. Bentley was somewhat less successful as a
businessman. 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. acquired Bentley - the company as well as
the services of W.O. himself - and moved production to their Derby
works. While some of Bentley's staunchest supporters were dismayed
at the thought of their beloved company falling under the auspices
of rival Rolls-Royce, the sale proved to be a very successful
venture for both firms, as subsequent Bentley models proved to be
comfortable, reliable, and highly capable grand touring machines.
The first new Bentley released under the Rolls-Royce umbrella was
the 3 � Liter of 1933. While the Cricklewood-built cars from the
W.O. period were highly focused, uncompromising machines for the
sportsman, Rolls-Royce transformed Bentley into "The Silent Sports
Car." The sporting spirit of Bentley remained, now with greater
comfort, refinement and importantly, broader appeal. 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, sturdy double-drop frame allowed for low-slung
styling, allowing the finest coachbuilders of the era to grace the
3� with the latest streamline designs. This marvelous Bentley 3 �
Litre bears chassis number B93AE, clothed in Park Ward's handsome
four-passenger Drophead Coupe coachwork. It presents in very good
condition, with a lovely older restoration that has mellowed
gracefully with time and care. B93AE is a very early Derby Bentley,
believed to be the 43rd chassis built under Rolls-Royce ownership.
The first owner was Sir Frederick Charles Stewart, who took
delivery on March 24, 1934. F.C. Stewart served as the managing
director for John Brown & Company, one of the largest and most
illustrious shipbuilders in the world. At the time of Stewart's
leadership, John Brown & Company received a commission from Cunard
to build two of the largest, fastest ocean liners in the world.
After the onset of the Great Depression Cunard merged with rivals
White Star Lines, and after a worrisome pause, construction of Hull
Numbers 534 and 552 resumed. These two ships would later become
Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, respectively: Two of the most
prestigious and prominent ocean liners of the twentieth century.
The Queen Mary held the coveted Blue Riband for the fastest
transatlantic crossing from 1938 to 1952, with only one break in
that record. A man with such stature in Britain's proud
shipbuilding industry deserved nothing less than the finest
motorcar, and F.C. Stewart rewarded himself with the purchase of
his sporting and stylish Bentley 3 � Litre, which he cherished for
many years. In 1950 the car passed on to Iain Maxwell Stewart, then
to Dr. David MacMyn, and then Dr. Hector Seymour Peter Monroe, of
Lockerbie, Scotland. Intriguing badges from the Rhodesian AA,
Rondalia Toerklub, and Institute of Advanced Motorists, South
Africa (an organization founded in 1964) hint at the car's post-war
history. The trail picks up more clearly in 1978 when Robert G.
Parker of Pebble Beach, California registered B93AE with the RROC.
It was later listed for sale by Dr. R.P. Buedingen of Castro
Valley, California. The Bentley received a complete restoration in
the early 1990s and spent many years lovingly maintained as part of
the Sid Craig collection. This motorcar presents in fine condition
today, both cosmetically and mechanically. Park Ward's design is
equally handsome with the hood folded or in place. It has a
distinctly low-slung appearance, enhanced by the rear-mounted spare
wheel, painted radiator shell and polished alloy wheel discs. In
many ways, the Park Ward Drophead Coupe is the quintessential Derby
Bentley: Elegant, discreetly sporting, and of exceptional build
quality. The subtle duo-tone red exterior pairs well with the
sporting nature of the coachwork, highlighted by a dark feature
line and subtle gray and gold pin striping. The matching red
Everflex vinyl roof is in excellent order and accessories include
the Winged B mascot, Lucas King of the Road headlamps, and enclosed
spare wheel. Reflective of its age, there are some very minor
imperfections and superficial cracks in the paint, which do little
to detract from the striking overall appearance. Rich red leather
features in the opulent cockpit. The front seats are pleasingly
broken in, with an appealing character in the leather. Red Wilton
carpets are excellent, as is the fabulous woodwork on the dash and
door caps. The door cards are finished in red leather, embossed
with bold Winged B logos. Instruments are beautifully restored, and
the controls and switches are correct original items. The original,
matching-numbers engine remains in place, complete with numbers
matching timing cover, starter, and dynamo. It mates to a
four-speed manual gearbox operated via Bentley's signature
right-hand shift lever that delivers a satisfying mechanical feel.
Some signs of use and age are apparent on the splash pans and
elsewhere around the engine compartment, lending the car well to
regular enjoyment with the Bentley Driver's Club or the Rolls Royce
Owner's Club, while it remains worthy of casual show. The extensive
file includes build sheets and chassis cards obtained by the
Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club, as well as the original English
registration book in Sir Frederic Charles Stewart's name, first
stamped March 23, 1934. Receipts and a hand-written ledger started
by the third owner further document this car's fascinating journey.
On its own, this marvelous automobile stands as a highly
attractive, finely preserved, and usable Derby Bentley. With its
rich and fascinating history, B93AE becomes an alluring artifact
from the romantic era when financiers, socialites, and captains of
industry traveled swiftly and opulently both by land and by sea.
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6341-1934-bentley-3-5-litre-drophead-coupe/