Description
A unique design by Thrupp & Maberly on the overdrive chassis
In top condition following an extensive restoration completed around twenty years ago
Supplied by Frank Dale on two previous occasions
Known to Frank Dale for almost fifty years
Recently checked and prepared in our workshops
A top-class car that we are delighted to be offering for sale again
Chassis No B35MX was originally completed in May of 1939, finished in black with a tan leather interior and fitted with a unique and highly stylish sedanca coupe body by Thrupp and Maberly. It was delivered new to Captain Edward Henry Molyneux, who after serving in WWI opened a fashion house which expanded into Cannes, London and Monte Carlo, clothing notable names from the 1930’s such as the Duchess of Kent, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and Vivien Leigh. The car changed hands various times during its early life, owned by Mrs Lumley in late 1939, Mr Lyall in 1942, Mr Sneezum in 1946 and Mr C Abrahams in 1948. In 1957 it was purchased by the 8th Earl of Bathurst and the following year it was bought by Mr Wilson of Bury St Edmunds, who had his coat of arms added to the coachwork, a feature the car still retains today. It was first acquired by Frank Dale when we supplied it in 1977 to Mr Manfred Zimmer. A decade later we then supplied the car once again, this time to Mr Derek Randall, the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club chairman, who instructed a comprehensive restoration of the car between 2002 and 2004 at Fiennes. The total cost of the works exceeded £170, 000. Following the completion of the works B35MX was sold to the present owner who showed it twice the following year, where it won The Cook Trophy at the BDC Concours, judged as the best Derby Bentley with open coachwork and was awarded first place in the “Best Pre-War Car” class at the RREC South of England Rally. Since its concours wins, Chassis No B35MX has been, regularly enjoyed by the present owner whilst being correctly maintained following the extensive works carried out around twenty years ago. It has recently been appraised by our workshop team and comes checked, prepared and tested. A significant and very stylish Overdrive Derby Bentley that comes complete with extensive history and in super condition. A car we have known for many years and one that we are delighted to have back again for sale.
