1935 Bentley 3½ Litre Vanden Plas-style Tourer
Multiple former concours entrant

Registration No: UN 9028
Chassis No: B195EJ
MOT: Exempt

• Re-bodied to a high standard as a Vanden Plas style tourer during the 1970's
• Well known in Bentley Drivers' Club and Vintage Sports Car Circles
• Fitted with Overdrive to enhance its high-speed cruising capabilities
• A multiple former concours entrant

While not quite the fastest nor most technologically advanced sportscar of the mid-1930s, the Bentley 3½ Litre was arguably the most refined and best built. Developed by Rolls-Royce (following their takeover of Walter Owen Bentley's company in 1931), the model was based on a beautifully wrought 'double dropped' chassis frame equipped with nicely damped semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes. Fed by twin SU carburettors, its 3669cc OHV straight-six engine was allied to a four-speed manual gearbox incorporating synchromesh on 3rd and 4th gears. Exhibiting a commendably low centre of gravity and consequently fine handling, the Derby Bentley also boasted a circa 95mph top speed. However, it was not so much the car's performance but more the way manner in which it was delivered that captivated the contemporary motoring press.

Beginning life as a Park Ward saloon, chassis B195EJ was supplied new to A.J. McAlpine of the construction dynasty and first registered as 'UN 9028'. Acquired by one of the old car world's pioneering dealers, Dan Marguiles, in December 1972, the Bentley is understood to have acquired its current Vanden Plas-style Four-Seater Tourer coachwork the next year (an annotation to this effect being made on the accompanying continuuation logbbok). Belonging to Mr. Wilson, Mr. Higgs and Mr. MacDonald thereafter, the Bentley was bought by a major Swiss collector in 1987 who entrusted it to Corley Motors of George Street, New Harley, Coventry for a thorough restoration. Retaining possession until 2011, he had the car maintained by his in-house mechanic and entered it for a number of Concours d'Elegance events. Repatriated following its sale at the prestigious Retrombile auction in February 2011, the vendor advises us that the car's working condition today is very good and its appearance equally so, the fully refurbished interior showing a slight patina. The Tourer was purchased by the vendor's late father who was a renowned collector of Vintage and Veteran cars and has been used regularly by the family (who are also heavily involved with the VSCC and Bentley Drivers' Club) since his passing and maintained to a high standard.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430