Description
The twenty-fifth of thirty-nine examples built by Vanden Plas on the 3 1/ 2 Litre chassis
Fitted with overdrive
Restored in 2010 to an exceptionally high standard
Complete with extensive history
Fitted with a fold flat front screen
Ready for touring, concours entry, or both
One of if not the best example in the world of this design
Vanden Plas is a name synonymous and forever linked with the Bentley marque, with their coachwork being fitted to so many famous and successful Cricklewood built cars in the 1920’s with numerous high-profile victories at Brooklands and in the 24-hour race at Le Mans. However, their work on the new Derby built chassis in the early 1930’s was also superb with beautiful lines combined with top-class construction and build quality. Chassis No B59BN is one of their most popular designs on the Derby chassis, fitted with four seat open tourer coachwork. This car is the twenty-fifth of thirty-nine such examples built on the 3 ½ Litre chassis. It was originally completed in November of 1934 and supplied to Mr C Carrigan of Gresham Street in London EC1 and changed hands a few times between 1934 and 1947 which is documented in the early records for the car. It was originally registered BLF 870 in 1934, the number plate it still retains today. The car remained in the UK until 1974 when it was sold to the USA where it resided for around twenty-five years before being repatriated to the UK. In around 2010 the car was restored to concours condition by a highly respected UK Bentley specialist, both cosmetically and mechanically speaking. These works included but were not limited to a full mechanical review, an engine overhaul, clutch replacement, coachwork and brightwork restoration and a retrim to the interior. It also benefits from having an overdrive system fitted, which can be activated at the push of a switch, giving the driver that extra option when touring at speed. This beautiful motorcar comes fully prepared and is ready for touring, or showing at concours level, or both. Chassis B59BN is probably the best example in the world in terms of its condition and is a car we are delighted to be offering for sale.
