Lot details
Registration No: EU-Reg
Chassis No: B134CR
Mot Expiry: None

At the dawn of the 1930s with the reverberations of 'Black Friday' being felt worldwide, competition between carmakers grew increasingly desperate. Thus, while WO Bentley sought to refine his 8-litre into the ultimate luxury carriage, Rolls-Royce responded by dabbling with a sports car concept. Their concerns as to the branding of 'Peregrine' (as the project was labelled internally) were alleviated by Bentley's collapse in 1931. Outflanking rivals D. Napier & Son, they acquired Bentley wholesale for £125,257. With a department brief that "the new car must be as unlike the Rolls-Royce models as possible" Derby engineers set about preparing 'Peregrine' for flight. Built on a 'double-dropped' chassis carrying all round semi-elliptic leaf sprung suspension and assisted drum brakes, the new car used a tuned version of the Rolls-Royce 20/25's 3669cc OHV straight-six. Boasting twin SU carburettors, a wilder camshaft, strengthened con-rods and a higher compression ratio, this revamped unit developed around 120bhp (a 50 percent improvement) without compromising on refinement. Equipped with the 20/25's four-speed manual gearbox, high-geared worm and nut steering and hydraulic dampers, the resultant 'Silent Sportscar' was unveiled to great acclaim at the August 1933 Ascot Races.

Chassis B134CR was laid down in 1934 and first registered to an R H Turner of Altrincham Cheshire in December of that year, following the addition of a four-door Saloon body by H J Mulliner. Finished in stately Black over Silver and trimmed in Black leather, it appears to be a well-travelled example, with the history file showing evidence of registration in South Africa during 2001, while its most recent licence plate was issued in Denmark. There are detailed notes by one keeper who appears to have owned the car from 1957 until at least 1972. It is proposed that this graceful-looking Bentley should have a new MOT by the time of the sale.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle does not have an MOT.