Description
Chassis number: B136 AH Registration number: TBA The first product of the 1931 Rolls-Royce takeover of Bentley, the 3 2 Liter, was introduced in 1933 and was essentially a sporting version of the Rolls-Royce 20/25. As such it used the shorter chassis of the stillborn 'smaller' Rolls-Royce, codenamed Peregrine, mated to a more powerful version of the 20/25's six-cylinder engine with new crossflow cylinder head and camshaft, twin SU carburetors, twin fuel pumps and single coil ignition .
Mated to a four-speed synchromesh gearbox and a hypoid slant rear axle, the latter a first on a Rolls-Royce produced car. The 105 hp 3.699 cc engine gave the 3 ½ liter more than 90 mph performance. In particular, these first Derby Bentleys were also the first to be marketed as 'The Silent Sports Car', such was its considerable refinement. The 3½ liter quickly gained a reputation for speed and fine handling combined with the elegance of the hand-built coachwork supplied by several leading coachbuilders in saloon, drophead coupe and touring models, and as such found favor with many owner drivers. Few used the 3 ½ liter for competition, although notable results include second place in the Ulster TT with Eddie Hall's hat-trick. The separate chassis, complete with centralized lubrication system, used leaf spring suspension and hydraulic shock absorbers front and rear, while the brakes were assisted by Rolls-Royce's gearbox-driven mechanical servo. During the three-year production life of the 3 ½ liter, detail changes were made, including adjustable shock absorbers in 1935.
Originally ordered by W.L.P. Miesegaes and delivered on July 7, 1934, chassis number B136AH, with bodywork by Freestone and Webb, first found its way to the United States of America. However, it has since been exported back to the UK with all applicable taxes paid. Relatively recent work included a total engine overhaul in 1988 with approximately 22.000 miles since. Additions also include a stainless steel exhaust system, a new clutch (3500 miles old) and within the last 7000 miles the car has also received new half shafts in the rear axle, new higher speed rings and pinions, recurved rear springs and new bracket pins and bushings. The interior has also been overhauled over the past fifteen years. Points of interest include new black leather upholstery and gray carpets. This beautiful car also features a sunroof and a spacious trunk for touring purposes. The car also comes with an extremely rare, complete original tool set. This beautiful early coachbuilt 3 2 Liter is also featured in the book of the same name; Michael Ellman-Brown's silent sports car. Considered by some to be the finest form of Derby Bentley and resplendent in red over black, this regal and elegant sports car represents one of the finer Derblys on sale
