Details
1934 BENTLEY 3½ LITRE
COACHWORK BY FREESTONE & WEBB.
Registration No. ESV 500
Chassis No. B 78CR
Engine No. T5BK
Cream and black with red leather interior.
Engine: six-cylinder in-line, overhead valves, 3,669cc, twin SU carburettors, coil ignition; Transmission: four speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on 3rd and 4th; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: semi-elliptic all round. Right hand drive.
Prior to the takeover of Bentley by Rolls-Royce , the Derby factory had plans for the development of a more sporting motor car. The name Bentley and what it stood for was the ideal platform to launch such a car and the all new 3½ litre Bentley was first shown at the 1933 London Motor Show. Its sporting appeal with a top speed of 85mph, right-hand gear change and firm suspension had former W.O. Bentley owners enthusing about the model. By spring 1936, 1,200 had been built. Although the chassis and suspension were new, the engine was a twin SU carburettor version of the Rolls-Royce six-cylinder 20/25, and with its appropriate silencing, was advertised as The Silent Sports Car. Although power output has never actually been stated, it is estimated that the engine produces 120bhp at 4,250rpm.
Chassis number B78CR was ordered by Charles Oppenheimer and was delivered new to him on the 4 December 1934. He had specified the very stylish sedanca coupe coachwork by Freestone and Webb which graces the chassis to this day. A period photograph of the car appears in the definitive book on the marque, "The Silent Sports Car" (see below), and it appears that at some point in its life the car has benefitted from the fitting of wheel discs and a rear luggage rack. The engine has also been replaced with another correct 3½ litre example (from chassis number B 43DK), presumably many years ago.
The current owner purchased this car in the late eighties, since when it has seen regular use. A fine example of an older restoration, the paintwork, finished in cream and black with black wings, is in very good condition and all the interior is beautifully finished in red leather with a polished walnut dashboard and door cappings. It retains all its original instruments, Lucas P100 headlamps, Lucas spotlamp, and its spare wheel cover mounted on the rear luggage trunk.
It has been regularly maintained by the owner's full time mechanic and is described as running and driving well. The MoT certificate is valid until January 1996, and it remains taxed until the end of the September.
Sedanca coupe coachwork is one of the most desirable body styles to be fitted to the Bentley chassis. This Freestone and Webb example is one of the most attractive designs that Christie's have had the pleasure in offering. It has the benefits of wind-up windows for the cooler seasons, and with the top open it has an elegance which is the epitome of the tremendous style of the thirties.
COACHWORK BY FREESTONE & WEBB.
Registration No. ESV 500
Chassis No. B 78CR
Engine No. T5BK
Cream and black with red leather interior.
Engine: six-cylinder in-line, overhead valves, 3,669cc, twin SU carburettors, coil ignition; Transmission: four speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on 3rd and 4th; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: semi-elliptic all round. Right hand drive.
Prior to the takeover of Bentley by Rolls-Royce , the Derby factory had plans for the development of a more sporting motor car. The name Bentley and what it stood for was the ideal platform to launch such a car and the all new 3½ litre Bentley was first shown at the 1933 London Motor Show. Its sporting appeal with a top speed of 85mph, right-hand gear change and firm suspension had former W.O. Bentley owners enthusing about the model. By spring 1936, 1,200 had been built. Although the chassis and suspension were new, the engine was a twin SU carburettor version of the Rolls-Royce six-cylinder 20/25, and with its appropriate silencing, was advertised as The Silent Sports Car. Although power output has never actually been stated, it is estimated that the engine produces 120bhp at 4,250rpm.
Chassis number B78CR was ordered by Charles Oppenheimer and was delivered new to him on the 4 December 1934. He had specified the very stylish sedanca coupe coachwork by Freestone and Webb which graces the chassis to this day. A period photograph of the car appears in the definitive book on the marque, "The Silent Sports Car" (see below), and it appears that at some point in its life the car has benefitted from the fitting of wheel discs and a rear luggage rack. The engine has also been replaced with another correct 3½ litre example (from chassis number B 43DK), presumably many years ago.
The current owner purchased this car in the late eighties, since when it has seen regular use. A fine example of an older restoration, the paintwork, finished in cream and black with black wings, is in very good condition and all the interior is beautifully finished in red leather with a polished walnut dashboard and door cappings. It retains all its original instruments, Lucas P100 headlamps, Lucas spotlamp, and its spare wheel cover mounted on the rear luggage trunk.
It has been regularly maintained by the owner's full time mechanic and is described as running and driving well. The MoT certificate is valid until January 1996, and it remains taxed until the end of the September.
Sedanca coupe coachwork is one of the most desirable body styles to be fitted to the Bentley chassis. This Freestone and Webb example is one of the most attractive designs that Christie's have had the pleasure in offering. It has the benefits of wind-up windows for the cooler seasons, and with the top open it has an elegance which is the epitome of the tremendous style of the thirties.