1935 Bentley 3½ Liter Sports Saloon by Park Ward

Description

The first Bentley designed and built under Rolls Royce ownership was developed as a comfortable, long-distance tourer while retaining the sporting characteristics associated with the firm’s racing heritage. Unveiled at the Ascot Races in August 1933, the Bentley 3½ Liter was quickly dubbed the “Silent Sports Car” for its understated performance from a tuned version of the straight-six in the Rolls Royce 20/25. The Bentley variant featured a higher compression ratio, twin SU carburetors, and an improved crossflow cylinder head for an output of approximately 110 horsepower. Built on a 126-inch wheelbase, Bentley sold a rolling chassis equipped with an engine and transmission, allowing customers to have their car coachbuilt to their own desires. The Bentley stand at Ascot in 1933 featured two Park Ward-bodied cars, a Drophead Coupe, and a stylish four-door Sports Saloon like the car on offer.

Highlights  

• Highly usable pre-war Bentley

• Charming four-door Sports Saloon bodywork by Park Ward finished in cream paintwork with a dark green beltline and molding

• Very well-preserved older restoration completed by Hibernia Auto Restorations in Hibernia, New Jersey

• Exterior presents in spectacular condition and features P-1 headlamps, polished wheel covers, a rear-mounted spare tire with a metal cover, and a chrome luggage rack 

• Smooth power is delivered by a 3½-liter overhead valve straight-six engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission

• Neatly trimmed interior featuring supple burnt orange leather upholstery, green Wilton wool carpets, polished switchgear, and a wood-grained dashboard

• Accompanied by a digital copy of its original build sheet, ownership card, and Rolls Royce Owners Club (RROC) membership history

• This 3½ Liter Sports Saloon is offered with the five-digit odometer currently displaying just over 91,000 miles at the time of cataloging, however, the true mileage is unknown

Features

• Chrome front and rear bumpers

• Bentley Flying “B” hood ornament

• Retractable black sliding canvas sunroof

• Rear-hinged “suicide” front doors

• Dual wing-mounted chrome side mirrors 

• Full instrumentation including amperage, fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure

• Four-spoke steering wheel

• Front bucket seats

• Manual roll-up windows

• Floor-mounted shifter

• Rear ashtrays

• Rear bench seat

• Wool headliner

• Carpeted trunk

Known Imperfections 

• This Sports Saloon is presented as a finely restored example and is said to be free from all but the smallest of imperfections

Included 

• Digital history file containing its original build sheet

• Owner’s handbook

• Service manual

• License plate 

• Wheel spanner

Ownership History

According to a digital copy of its original build sheet, this Sports Saloon was delivered to its first owner, Mr. Cecil Joll, resident at 64 Harvey Street, London, on 16 August 1935. The car was originally finished black with blue pinstriping and a blue leather interior, with colored wheels, metal wheel covers, and “new-type” front wings also noted on the build sheet. The accompanying ownership card and RROC membership directory document a known chain of owners, including ownership in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and California. The 3½ Liter Sports Saloon was likely acquired by the current owner in 2011.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.

Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 email: donnie.gould@broadarrowgroup.com

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders:  Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida.  Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida.  For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $900. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.