Bentley 3.5-Litre Hooper Sports Saloon

The 2,422 Bentleys produced between 1933 and 1939 are known as the 'Derby Bentleys' after the Rolls-Royce factory in which they were built. Rolls had secretly acquired Bentley Motors from the receiver in 1931 and was determined to honour the magnificent sporting heritage that came with this illustrious brand. Although the cars were based on the existing Rolls-Royce 20/25 and 25/30 models, they were much more than a badge-engineering exercise with considerably more powerful engines and a more sporting chassis. 

Dubbed 'The Silent Sportscar' the first Derby Bentley had a 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine with a new cross-flow cylinder head, twin SU carbs and twin fuel pumps. Feeding its 105bhp through a four-speed synchromesh gearbox, the car was good for a genuine 90mph and was widely praised for its combination of speed, refinement and handling prowess. Even WO Bentley himself was reported as saying: "Taking all things into consideration, I would rather own this Bentley than any other car produced under that name."

First registered in June 1934, this particular car was bodied by Hooper in Sports Saloon style and was first owned by a Mr Robert Orange, although he did not keep it long as ownership transferred within just a few months to a Captain Alan Goodson. The current vendor has owned the car for many years and it was in regular use until about 15 or 20 years ago when the decision was taken to treat it to a bodywork restoration.

The car was driven to a bodyshop and left in the hands of a restorer but, for one reason or another, the restoration was never completed. Most of the hard work has been done and the car is now in primer ready for paint, but it will still need some final preparation before the top-coat can be applied. Apart from the rear bumper supports the car is believed to be complete, but it is possible that other minor trim parts may be missing. The car was reportedly running well when taken off the road and the engine, which is the original unit, has been regularly turned over on the starting handle in the intervening years and still turns easily. The car also rolls freely and will be easy to transport away from the sale.

At the time of cataloguing we had not had chance to examine any of the paperwork relating to this car, but we are assured that there is some history and a V5 document. It is hoped that these will be available for inspection by the time of the sale. Altogether a most worthwhile restoration project that should keep someone out of mischief over the coming winter months. It is being sold here strictly as viewed.