1935 Bentley 3.5 Litre Continental Tourer
Chassis No: B177EJ
Engine No: (Original)T4BL
Current Engine No: L9BA (4.25 Litre)
Coachwork: Continental Tourer Commissioned by Oxborrow and Fuller. Constructed by Vanden Plas.
Body No: 3394.

The Derby Bentley, refers to the 3.5 and 4.25 Litre cars built by Rolls Royce at their Derby works between 1931 and 1939. As you would expect from the firm that made the “best car in the world”, the Derby Bentley cars were both a masterpiece in design and development. The engineering standard employed was at the forefront of motoring in the 1930’s and the cars built a reputation for fast, reliable, and almost silent motoring. Indeed they became known as the “Silent Sportscar”.
B177EJ was supplied to Ian M. Service of London W6. It was an example of the “Continental Tourer” design exclusively built by Vanden Plas for Oxborrow and Fuller, well known agents at the time. In all 13 cars were commissioned (design no 1124) of which this is number 10. Many consider this design the best looking to be mounted on the Derby chassis. It has twin side-mounted spare wheels and a hood that folds down flat. The rear windows are detachable and are stored neatly in side panels in the car’s rear trim. The car was still registered in Mr. Service’s name in 1952, after which it passed to Gordon Whiting the well known actor.
In the 1970’s the car had deteriorated to some degree and was purchased by John Donner, a well known Bentley collector. He set about a full restoration which included an upgrade using a 4.25 Litre engine and gearbox. Later the went to Holland. It has subsequently returned to the U.K. and received further enhancements carried out by marque specialists. These include fitting high compression pistons, a lightened flywheel, and overdrive. All enhancements that enable the car to be used a sustained high speeds for continental tours and rallies.
Overall the car has a very good original patina, without looking “over restored”. It comes complete with its original owners handbook and a comprehensive history file including full engine rebuild by Michael Walker. One of the best Derby Bentley cars we have been able to offer.

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