1935 Bentley 3½-Litre Coupé

• First owned by Sir Frank Bernard Sanderson, MP
• Single family ownership 1935-1967 and 1980s to date
• Restored in the 1980s
• History file available

"One's impression, when seeing the new 3½ litre Bentley for the first time, is that here we have an absolute thoroughbred. Its low build, its graceful lines, and yet sturdy appearance, all make for a car capable of high speed, combined with the utmost safety and comfort. This impression was intensified when I had an opportunity of handling the car under very adverse road conditions." - Sir Malcolm Campbell, writing in The Field.

Launched in 1933, the first of what would become know as the 'Derby Bentleys' continued the marque's sporting associations but in a manner even more refined than before. Using the chassis developed originally for the 'Peregrine', a proposed smaller Rolls-Royce, the 3.5-Litre was slightly shorter in the wheelbase than the contemporary Rolls-Royce 20/25hp and employed a tuned (115bhp) twin-SU-carburettor version of the latter's overhead-valve six. Add to this already remarkable package an part-synchromesh four-speed gearbox and servo assisted brakes, and the result was a vehicle offering the driver effortless sports car performance in almost absolute silence. 'The Silent Sports Car', as it was swiftly dubbed, had few peers as a tireless long-distance tourer, combining as it did traditional Rolls-Royce refinement with Bentley performance and handling. Even W O Bentley himself acknowledged that the 3½-Litre model was the finest ever to bear his name.

As befitted its sporting nature, the Derby Bentley was almost always fitted with owner-driver saloon or drophead coupé coachwork, the standard designs being the work of Park Ward. Chassis number 'B67DK', however, was bodied by Barker & Co, one Britain's finest coachbuilders, who were commissioned to provide bespoke fixed head coupé coachwork for this Bentley by its first owner, Sir Frank Bernard Sanderson, MP, our vendor's great grandfather. The car was delivered in June 1935 and registered as 'BXY 80'. Out of the family's possession from 1967 until its return in the 1980s, it was restored at around that time and is described by our vendor as in generally good condition, with fair interior and excellent bodywork and paint. Accompanying paperwork includes numerous invoices; copies of factory build sheets; letters to coachbuilder; and an original owner's manual. Offered with an old-style logbook.