
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 461
1934 Bentley 3½-Litre Drophead Coupé Coachwork by Park Ward Registration no. CG 9065 Chassis no. B115BL Engine no. N4BO
The current vendor purchased this 3½-Litre Derby Bentley in October 1968, his name being recorded in the '3rd Change' section of the accompanying old-style buff logbook. Issued in 1959, the logbook also records a change of engine from the original 'T5BH' to 'N4BO' in August 1961. Interestingly, 'B115BL' was originally scheduled for bodying as a saloon by Vanden Plas, as indicated on the copy build sheets on file. The original customer was Bradley Mathew & Son, who ordered the Bentley for the use of one W Price Esq. The vendor has researched the car's ownership history extensively, and a list of all its registered owners is on file.
The Bentley was fully restored by Fiennes some 20 years ago, the whole process extending from June 1991 to October 1993, while the trimming (by Parrish Trimmers) was completed in 1994. The restoration file is around an inch thick and includes the workshop log, all invoices, and miscellaneous correspondence. The car also comes with a 3½-Litre Instruction Book (from 'B150CR'); a modern reproduction of the Service Instructions for Bentley Cars Vol. I (dated 1967); a second, 'leaning back Flying B' radiator cap; and an almost complete set of tools to include a starting handle (probably original); a jack (again probably original: it includes the long part of the handle to turn the jack mechanism, but does not have the actual T-Bar to turn it); and numerous smaller tools of Bentley or Rolls-Royce manufacture (plus a few replicas).
Vendor Score Total: 89 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 23 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 4
Glass: 5
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 5
Wheels/Tyres: 5
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 20 /20
Seats: 5
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 5
Headlining: 5
Trim: 5
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 17 /20
Starting: 5
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4
Car History File: 5






















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