Bentley 3.5 Litre
Following Rolls-Royce's acquisition of Bentley in 1931, the 3.5 Litre represented a new direction for the marque. Gone was the thundering race-bred character of W.O. Bentley's original creations, replaced by refined luxury and smooth power delivery. The 3669cc inline-six engine produced a modest 110 horsepower but delivered effortless torque and whisper-quiet operation. Most examples featured bespoke coachwork from prestigious firms like Park Ward, Thrupp & Maberly, and Gurney Nutting, making each car unique.
Check chassis rails and body mounts for corrosion, as these cars are now 90+ years old. Verify originality of coachwork and engine matching numbers. Parts availability is reasonable through specialists. Budget significantly for restoration and ongoing maintenance.
The 3.5 Litre was built at the Derby factory from 1933-1936, sharing its chassis and mechanical components with the Rolls-Royce 20/25. Bodies were supplied by independent coachbuilders, with Park Ward being the most prolific supplier. The model was succeeded by the 4.25 Litre in 1936.