The first new Bentley released under the Rolls-Royce umbrella was the 3½-Litre, which began production in 1933. Under new ownership, company bosses used the new model as an exercise to demonstrate improved comfort, refinement, and, critically, broader customer appeal compared to earlier Bentley cars. Per Bentley and Rolls-Royce tradition, all new 3½-Litre models left the Rolls-Royce Works in Derby as complete rolling chassis, allowing selling dealers or individual buyers to decide on their favoured coachbuilder and body style. The car’s light, sturdy double-drop frame encouraged modern, low-slung styling and Britain’s finest coachbuilders to grace the Derby Bentley with the latest in streamlined designs.

Chassis B180EF, offered here, wears the Drophead Coupé styling of esteemed coachbuilder James Young and is believed to be the last produced. Per the accompanying copies of factory records (available to view on file), the Bentley’s chassis was marked on test on 22 June 1935 and delivered the following month to Lillie Hall, Charles Rolls’ first showroom in Fulham, London. Chassis B180EF was later marked as a complete car on 14 October 1935 and delivered new to Pass & Joyce, a central London showroom and the principal agent for cars bodied by James Young. Its chassis card notes that the car was configured with Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels, a Wilmot Breeden “A”-type bumper while it was supplied with a two-part starting handle and shod on 18-inch India tyres.

The Bentley’s first recorded owner was Mrs Winifred Kate Williams of Mayfair, London, who took receipt of the car in May 1936. Later that year, the 3½-Litre was taken to Devon, and subsequently registered to H. Wilson of Princess Motors, Plymouth. In November 1944, the Bentley was acquired by Lieutenant G. N. Williamson of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, recorded at an address in Stretton, Warrington. Two years later, the car moved north as it was acquired by Frank Hopper Ltd of Glasgow, and it stayed in Scotland when bought by A.H. Rowland of Prestwick, Ayrshire in July 1951. Chassis B180EF returned to London when it was purchased by R.E. Polendine of South Kensington in June 1955. The last recorded owner is M. Burlton of Holland Park, London, in July 1959.

The car’s history from then until it joined The Best of British Collection in 2005 is not recorded, and the Bentley now presents in a shade of dark green over a tan leather interior with wooden dashboard. It is offered in a condition that invites the opportunity for a complete restoration. This 3½-Litre, which retains its matching-numbers chassis and engine, is a tantalising project that offers a rare chance to return one of Bentley’s “silent sports cars” to its former glory.