Beschreibung:

The 3½ litre and later 4¼ litre) was presented to the public in September 1933, shortly after the death of Henry Royce, and was the first new Bentley model following Rolls-Royce's acquisition of the Bentley brand in 1931 and were known as ""Derby Bentleys"" due to the location of the factory. From the outset, the car was intended to compete on quality and grace rather than sporting reputation which had been the cornerstone of the pre-1931 Bentley company. The cars retained the famous curved radiator shape based on earlier Bentley models, and were well received by the wider Bentley customer base. Even W.O. Bentley himself was reported as saying that he would ""rather own this Bentley than any other car produced under that name."" The Rolls-Royce Engineer in charge of the development project, Ernest Hives (later Lord Hives), underlined the Rolls-Royce modus operandus in a memo addressed to company staff ""our recommendation is that we should make the car as good as we know how and then charge accordingly."" Very similar to Thrupp & Maberly famous 'Airflow Saloon', this elegantly designed close coupled sporting saloon benefits from rare rear spats accentuation the flowing lines of the cars period pedigree. It would appear that in 1942, shortly after it was built, the car was sold to Mr. Macpherson-Grant of Edenbridge, Kent who cherished for over 55 year before it was sold to William Drysdale and then to the current owner. Extensive invoices and bills accompany the car and details considerable work was carried out by Ian Cunningham of Edinburgh in the late 1990's with pages of hand types invoices detailing a complete engine rebuild and then latterly by respected specialist, Fiennes of Oxford. This includes the overhaul of the engine, brake and clutch work with all associated paperwork. The current owner, an experienced engineer by training, installed a new resin clutch, with parts supplied by Fiennes, and new springs all round. All wiring has been replaced with correct cotton covered cable and an overhaul of all electrical switches and lamp holders. A battery isolator switch has been installed under the dash board with the welcome addition of a high level stop lights in the rear window. Wheel bearings, offside kingpins, water and fuel pumps have all been replaced. Whilst the car is mechanically sound, it would not be unkind to say the body requires a little attention. The MoT test certificate extends to April next year and comes with original owner's manual, original service file and green log book as well as current V5C. An unusual and most elegant Derby Bentley.