The original build sheet for this lovely 3½-Litre Bentley indicates that the order was placed through Ward & Company of Putney by Mr. R.D.L. Ford, of Orchard House in Catherham on the Hill, Surrey. Richard Dickins Lancelot Ford—a name practically destined for Bentley ownership—was an obviously very successful estate surveyor. The body for the Ford Bentley was and remains an especially handsome drophead coupe, fashioned by Park Ward and perfectly proportioned to the 3½-Litre chassis.

Records on file from the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club record the next known British caretaker as a Mr. Savill of London in 1958. For many years the car was owned by longtime Rolls-Royce Owners Club member, Norman Deuble, of Windsor, Ontario, and Birmingham, Michigan. Records in the file note that Mr. Deuble acquired the car in 1964, and that it was twice an award-winner in RROC competition. Mr. Deuble continued to list the car with the Classic Car Club of America and the RROC, and to occasionally display it in their events, through 1989.

Apparently the car then returned to England, and in 1992 was sold by Jon Ernest Coupe of Newark to D.E. Baldock, Ltd., of Cranbrook. The following year it was acquired by Dr. Gail Reingold, then the president of the Derby Bentley Society, with whom it has remained ever since as a prized possession in his small, select collection. Following restoration by Jim Killian’s Historic Auto Restoration of Oregon in 1995, it has been used for several shows over the years, including at the West Coast introduction of the Arnage at Willow Springs, and at the 1995 Rolls-Royce Owners Club Annual Meet at Bellevue, Washington. His daughter believes that the car also went overseas for European tours.

Finished in a handsome combination of rich green with black fenders, the car is complemented by a black leather interior and tan cloth top, and its finishes remain in excellent older condition. The original chassis plate remains, and the engine is stamped with the original chassis number but is numbered W8BH, whereas the build records list the original engine as R8BM. Recently the car has undergone additional service work in preparation for sale, including replacing the complete clutch assembly and bell housing, and a tune-up completed so that the car is now described as running beautifully.

A lovely and unusually beautiful 3½-Litre Bentley, this special car is offered from one proud home to another, with fine provenance and a pride of ownership evident in its handsome condition.