Description
Originally delivered to the Steele family new in Melbourne in driving but chassis form, then fitted with a saloon body by Martin and King. Shown at the Melbourne Motor Show in 1937 where it was billed as the most expensive car there.
But by 1940 this car was quickly to embark on a more exciting life. Rupert Steele[ later to be Sir Rupert] began competing with the car in Hill Climbs and Speed Trials with some success. Recognising he had some ability as a racing driver he removed the saloon body again and stripped the car to a simple but large open 2 seater with a round tail.
In this guise Rupert had some success at Fisherman’s Bend Airfield circuit, however soon after the original Martin and King bodywork was refitted. As a result Rupert went on to purchase an Alfa Romeo Monza, where he competed in the 1950 Australian Grand Prix finishing an amazing 2nd to the experienced Doug Whiteford.
Meanwhile the Derby continued on with little known, until in 1973 it was discovered , once again without bodywork, by Melbourne architect Darren Overend. He had decided to rebody the car in the design of the Eddie Hill TT car with all alloy bodywork with a stylistic boat tail and streamlined cycle guards.
The work was entrusted to esteemed vintage Bentley engineer Rod Warriner and aluminium master craftsman Gary Tishler to complete.
Darren maintained the car in it’s pure form with the superb alloy panel work remaining unpainted, although a red leather interior was fitted.
The Derby series of cars was named so after the Bentley works moved there in the 1930’s and this model was known as the Silent Sports Car owing to the smooth engine which was assisted by a 4 speed gearbox and excellent handling was assured with a low slung ladder chassis.
This makes for an enticing pre war sports car with a known and interesting history and an unbroken ownership period of over 50 years.
C/ N B28GA
