1937 | Bentley 3 1/2 Litre

Reference number: 0001409

This is a Bentley 3 ½ Litre with a Hooper Sports Saloon body (Derby Bentley).

When Walter Owen Bentley realized his dream in 1919 and created his own car brand, he made cars that quickly built up a racing reputation. In the years that followed, this was expanded by making legendary models, such as the 'Bentley Blower', and by winning the 24-hour race of Le Mans for years in a row. The name Bentley was indelibly linked to fast, quality cars. But unfortunately that also had its price. Bentley could not survive financially and in 1931 it was taken over by Rolls-Royce.

It took until 1933 before the new Bentley came out with a new model. Just like with Rolls-Royce, a new model consisted of a new combination of a rolling chassis with engine, gearbox (3rd and 4th gear synchronized), radiator, bulkhead and various instruments. The bodywork was made by a 'coach builder' of which there were many at that time. Because the chassis was built in the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby, the Bentleys from the pre-war years were called 'Derby-Bentleys'. Initially the Derby-Bentley had a 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine (the same as in the Rolls-Royce 20/25 HP) and from 1936 the engine was enlarged to 4.25 liters. The engines were strong, fast and whisper quiet. In those years, a Bentley was called 'the silent sports car'.

The Bentley 3 ½ Liter at Classic Park was fitted with a 'Sports saloon' bodywork by coachbuilder Hooper. Hooper was one of the best known and best coachbuilders of that time and built many bodies on Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis. The British Royal House also had a number of bodies built by Hooper.
A Sports saloon is a body style in which the rear passengers sit in front of the rear axle (in a 'Limousine' carriage they sit above the rear axle) and in which a flowing, sporty rear has been designed. This Hooper Sport saloon is one of the most elegant Derby Bentleys ever produced.

This Hooper Sports saloon has a beautiful black/yellow color scheme. The interior not only features traditional, beautiful wood veneer, but also lush leather seats. The car is equipped with exterior mirrors, period-appropriate wire wheels, a well-functioning sliding roof and a search light. An electric cooling fan has been installed in the engine compartment and new tires have been installed all around.

This Derby Bentley has a Dutch license plate, is in good condition and is driven regularly.