Description
Although Rolls-Royce's acquisition of Bentley Motors in 1931 robbed the latter of its independence, it did at least ensure the survival of the Bentley name. The first of the 'Derby Bentleys', as they would come to be known, continued the marque's sporting associations but in a manner even more refined than before. Even W O Bentley himself acknowledged that the 3½-Litre model was the finest ever to bear his name.
Based on the contemporary Rolls-Royce 20/ 25hp, the 3½-Litre Bentley was slightly shorter in the wheelbase and employed a tuned (115bhp) twin-SU-carburettor version of the former's overhead-valve six. Add to this already remarkable package a four-speed synchromesh gearbox and servo assisted brakes, and the result was a vehicle offering the driver effortless sports car performance in almost absolute silence
'The Silent Sports Car', as it was swiftly dubbed, had few peers as a tireless long-distance tourer, combining as it did traditional Rolls-Royce refinement with Bentley performance and handling.
As befitted its sporting nature, the Derby Bentley was almost always fitted with owner-driver saloon or drophead coupé coachwork. However, the most desirable variant has always been that bodied by Vanden Plas as an open tourer. Founded in Belgium in the 19th Century, Vanden Plas was first established in the UK during the Edwardian period when rights to the name were acquired by motor dealer, Warwick Wright. The British branch prospered, forging its not inconsiderable reputation by a most fortuitous alliance with Bentley, for whom it bodied some 700 or so chassis during the 1920s, including the Le Mans team cars.
Originally a saloon by Hooper ‘EAS’ was re-bodied as a Vanden Plas Tourer in 1985 by H & H of Goring on Thames, this body has the correct Ash wood frame and is very accurate, with all details such as the windscreen nicely made and correct. The car retains matching numbers engine/ chassis. At the same the engine was rebuilt and much work besides carried out on the car. This work being undertaken for the then owner Barry Hodson- see copious photos illustrating the work done on file.
Subsequently the car passed to Michael Cave, who maintained and improved the car (an overdrive being fitted for example)- as shown by invoices on file by specialists such as Tony Fabian and James Pearce, whilst using it sparingly.
Sold to dealer and Derby Bentley aficionado Peter Bradfield in 2010, whilst in his care ‘EAS’ benefitted from an engine rebuild by Frank Dale & Stepsons as shown by invoices on file.
Purchased by the current owner in 2010, whilst in his hands the car has been used for touring and long-distance pre-War rallying on events such as the Flying Scotsman and Shamrock Rally. For which it has proven ideally suited- transporting the driver and passenger in great comfort, whilst covering the miles effortlessly and dealing with the special tests with aplomb.
In 2013 following problems with the original cylinder head, a newly manufactured one was purchased from respected specialists Fiennes and this was fitted as part of a full engine rebuild, see invoices on file.
At around the same time the car was fully re-trimmed in the correct type leather hide in a deep red.
Whilst in the current ownership ‘EAS’ has also been regularly serviced and benefitted from work to the electrics and a new clutch, amongst many other aspects.
Only offered for sale because the owner does not have the time to use the car as he would like, ‘EAS’ is stylish, comfortable, effortlessly easy to drive and an ideal pre-War rally or touring car.
