Built on a shorter chassis than the Rolls-Royce 20/25 HP sister car and gaining a tuned 110 horsepower straight-six, the Bentley 3½-Litre produced between 1933 and 1939 would quite understandably earn the nickname “The Silent Sports Car”.

Of the approximately 2,400 examples made, chassis B171AE was completed on 18 May 1934, according to an accompanying copy of the factory data card. The first owner is listed as Chelsea resident, Captain Eric Burt, who had started the decade by competing in endurance races at Brooklands. However, his time with the car was short-lived. Come March 1935, the car was listed for sale by Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealership, Jack Barclay Ltd of Hanover Square, London. The convertible four-seater tourer was noted for the spare wheel mounted at the rear, separate front bucket seats, and a desirable folding windscreen. Advertised in maroon over dark red leather, the description summarised that this 3½-Litre by Park Ward was “a very attractive car for the open car enthusiast”.

The Bentley found two further owners in quick succession before, in November 1936, it was purchased by Mr Nigel Fitzroy of Leeds. While the next known owner is listed as Mr A Roberts of Auchterrarder, Perthshire, who bought the car in August 1958, it is thought that chassis B171AE could have been acquired by the family up to two decades earlier. Mr Roberts’ brother, Sir William, was regarded for his private collection of aeroplanes—which included a de Havilland Mosquito and the famous Battle of Britain trio, the Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lancaster bomber. Furthermore, the Bentley remarkably remained with the family all the way through to December 2014, at which point it joined The Best of British Collection.

Presented today in dark green, this 3½-Litre Tourer featuring coachwork by Park Ward is an ideal candidate for a full restoration and notably retains its matching-numbers engine. Upon completion, the car would make for a fine open-tour pre-war cruiser to drive and enjoy.