1935 Bentley 3½ Liter Park Ward Sports Saloon

Chassis No. B73DK
The first Bentley designed and built under Rolls-Royce ownership was developed as a comfortable, long-distance tourer while retaining the sporting characteristics associated with the firm's racing heritage. Unveiled at the Ascot Races in August 1933, the Bentley 3½ Liter was quickly dubbed the “Silent Sports Car” for its understated performance from a tuned version of the straight-six in the Rolls-Royce 20/25. The Bentley variant featured a higher compression ratio, twin SU carburetors, and an improved crossflow cylinder head for an output of approximately 110 horsepower. Built on a 126 inch wheelbase, Bentley sold a rolling chassis equipped with an engine and transmission, allowing customers to have their car coachbuilt to their own desires. The Bentley stand at Ascot in 1933 featured two Park Ward-bodied cars, a Drophead Coupe, and a stylish four-door Sports Saloon like the car on offer.
According to a digital copy of its original build sheet, this Sports Saloon, chassis number B73DK, was delivered to its first owner, Mr. Cecil Joll, resident at 64 Harvey Street, London, on 16 August 1935. The car was originally finished in black with blue pinstriping and a blue leather interior, with color-keyed wheels, metal wheel covers, and “new-type” front wings also noted on the build sheet. The accompanying ownership card and Rolls Royce Owners Club (RROC) membership directory document a known chain of owners, including ownership in Connecticut in the 1960s, Massachusetts in the 1980s, and California in the 1990s. By 2011, the 3½ Liter Sports Saloon had entered a respected Florida-based collection of English and American classics.
Today, the Bentley presents in charming cream paintwork with a dark green beltline and molding courtesy of a restoration completed by Hibernia Auto Restorations in Hibernia, New Jersey. Adorned with P-1 headlamps, polished wheel covers, a rear-mounted spare tire with a metal cover, and a chrome luggage rack, the quality and careful preservation of the restoration is evident in its impressive overall condition. Inside, the neatly trimmed interior features supple dark orange leather upholstery, green Wilton wool carpets, polished switchgear, and a wood-venered dashboard. Accompanied by its digital history file, owner's handbook, and service manual, this highly usable Bentley is a wonderful way to experience pre-war motoring.