Vehicle Description
Bentley rose to prominence with powerful early models that were
equally capable of winning the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans or
carrying the most elegant coachwork effortlessly.� But even the
fascinating figure of Woolf Barnato - diamond heir, investor, Le
Mans winner and leading Bentley Boy - could not save Bentley from
receivership in 1931.� W.O. Bentley believed he had reached
agreement with Lagonda for a sale to be approved by the
receivership court.� He believed, that is, until a gentlemen stood
to address himself to the court with a higher offer from an
unidentified bidder.� The receiver was obligated to accept the
higher offer.� The bidder was soon revealed to be Bentley's keen
rival, Rolls-Royce. The first Bentley to be produced in
Rolls-Royce's Derby factory was the 1933 Bentley 3.5 Liter. This
Bentley was also the first from the 1933-1940 era that collectively
became known as Derby (�Darby') Bentleys.� The 3.5 Liter resulted
from Rolls-Royce �Peregrine' project, intended to create a fine
motorcar on a reduced scale appropriate to the increasingly
difficult Great Depression.� That project ultimately produced two
motorcars: the Rolls-Royce 20/25 and the Bentley 3.5 Liter.�
Development of the Bentley 3.5 Liter was completed under the
ongoing direction of W.O. Bentley and resulted in the creation of
two very different motorcars, fortunately for Bentley enthusiasts.�
There is a reason, after all, that the counterpart to the
Rolls-Royce Owners Club is the Bentley Drivers Club!� The Bentley
3.5 Liter became known as �The Silent Sports Car', featuring a
cross-flow cylinder head design with twin S.U. carburetors and twin
fuel pumps that produced 105 horsepower that when fed through a
four-speed synchromesh transmission was good for 90 mph.� The
Bentley 3.5 Liter was well received by an adoring public for its
masterful blend of luxury and performance.� W.O. Bentley is said to
have called this the best motorcar ever to carry his name at the
time.� Displacement was enlarged to 4.25 liters in 1936 raising
output to 126 horsepower and top speed to nearly 100 mph, both
increasing performance and once again the ability to carry a wide
range of coachworks.� Chassis and engines built in Derby were
delivered exclusively to coachbuilders who designed and constructed
bodies to buyers' individual specification.� Given this level of
exclusivity, a total of only 1,234 Bentley 4.25 Liters were
produced between 1936 and 1940. This 1938 Bentley 4.25 Liter Park
Ward Saloon is a very good original automobile that has never
required nor received a complete restoration, but has recently been
refreshed to a high standard as shown in the accompanying images.�
This automobile presents as just what one would want an old Bentley
to be, formal and familiar at once.� The coachwork displays one of
the handsomest bodies constructed on this chassis; perhaps more
suited to a government minister than a monarch. �The exterior is
finished in a tasteful black and tan and a contrasting red coach
line, with black fenders and full wheel covers displaying both
colors to good effect.� The older paint shows cracks and a few
obvious imperfections as to be expected with age, but has been
polished to a bright shine that provides a splendid first
impression.� Brightwork has been applied sparingly and is in good
order. The original interior lives up to Bentley's reputation for
sporting luxury.� �The bone colored leather seats and door cards
have been retained with all their patina, calling to mind a
venerable club environment.� �The chairs are comfortably inviting,
but have been showing their age for some time now.� The headliner
and carpet are new.� The extensive original wood is very nice, not
cracked or split.� A sliding metal sunroof opens over the front
seat, simply inviting sunny drives. The trunk is original and shows
it age, but includes some original tools and a clever trouble
light.� A fantastic small detail is an original sticker on the
windshield that testifies to the fact that this Bentley
participated in the 1967 International Rolls-Royce and Bentley
Pageant at Goodwood.� W.O. Bentley, who lived until 1971, is known
to have attended this event in person. It would be very easy to
overstate the attraction of this wonderful old Bentley, but
certainly that is not what we intend to do.� This is a very good
original example of a special automobile that also runs and drives
very well.� The original body is very straight and the interior has
been sympathetically updated.� The car has never been apart.� This
is an exceptional pre-war Bentley, and that is an invitation to
enjoy this car in every way Rolls-Royce and W.O. Bentley intended.�
Brisk performance with fine handling, comfortable long-distance
touring and stately curb appeal are all at hand.
