4,257cc OHV 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
Approximately 100bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
4-Wheel Servo Boosted Drum Brakes

*Exceptionally well-documented history
*Attractive one off Pillarless Coupe by Park Ward
*Beautifully restored condition
*Desirable MX Overdrive Series with documented ownership from new

THE DERBY BENTLEY

By the end of the 1930s the Derby Bentley, introduced towards the beginning of that decade following the firm's take-over by Rolls-Royce, had undergone a number of significant developments. Not the least of which was in 1936, when an increase in bore size upped the capacity to 4,257cc. The new 4¼-Liter model offered more power than before while retaining the well-proven chassis with its faultless gear-change and servo-assisted brakes. W.O Bentley spent several years with Rolls Royce working on the development of the cars that bore his name. He always had used the Continent as a test venue and the new high-speed roads enabled him to suggest multiple improvements. This unlikely synergy gave birth to the Silent Sports car, a car with unique qualities of precision construction and exceptional handling in a package which represented a true pinnacle of elegance.

In 1938 the Derby was further improved with addition of an overdrive transmission, allowing for effortless high-speed cruising. A steady 90mph in silence when the average sedan was straining at 60 was a stunning achievement.

The Derby Bentley was, of course, an exclusively coachbuilt automobile. Of the 2,442 manufactured, owner-driver saloon and Drophead Coupe bodies, mostly by Park Ward, were the norm. Very few cars were built as more sporting coupes or tourers.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to factory records B131 MX was delivered to Park Ward on April 4 of 1939. The order was to produce a style suited to the US market as the display car for the New York Auto Show. A striking four light pillarless coupe was thus produced, completed in late June, and shipped to New York. The fitted body was definitely eye-catching, however the car arrived just prior to the outbreak of Britain's war with Germany, thus placing somewhat of a damper on the Auto Show plans.

The car's first owner was a Mr. S.M. Swenson, who retained the car until 1947. According to the car's history B131 MX was owned by a Mr. Donald Lamb of New York City until 1958, and from there sold to Mr. Victor Hennington of Pelham, New York. Mr. Robert Shaw owned the car from 1971 to 1977, and then sold it to the Vintage Car Store in Nyack, NY. From there it passed to its fourth owner, Mr. Ricardo Fabbri in January of 1978. After his death the car passed through three other known owners before being offered for sale at the 2004 Bonhams Auction, where it was purchased by Mr. Robert A. Brechler.

Mr. Brechler chose to have the car restored, sending it to Vintage and Auto Rebuilds, Inc in Chardon, OH. Over the next 5 years the car was put through a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration with further work done by marque specialist Steve Littleton. Completed in 2009 and displayed at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, the car remained in Robert Brechler's ownership until his passing.

The car was then passed to a family member and has been kept in immaculate order over the past few years. It recently received a top award at the Mirror Lake Concours d'Elegance, a first-place award at the Birthplace of Speed show in Ormond Beach and earned a Palmetto award at this year's Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance.

Completely restored to an incredible standard, this rare and desirable, one-off Derby Bentley with its intriguing history of crossing the Atlantic just ahead of the U Boats is ready for numerous motoring events. The overdrive series Derby Bentleys are considered by many, to be one of the finest prewar cars. It is sure to bring its next owner much enjoyment, and is equally at home touring the Scottish Highlands, or on the Concours lawn.