Postwar, Hall’s last event was LeMans in 1950, where the Bentley averaged 82.951 mph and finished 8th overall amidst a field dominated by brand-new cars.Speculation is idle, but one is tempted to wonder what might have been the result had Rolls-Royce decided to forget its dignified image and go racing seriously in the 1930’s.

firm crashed in 1931 and was taken over by Rolls-Royce. 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. Founded in 1919, Park Ward had had forged its not inconsiderable reputation bodying Bentleys, Rolls-Royces and other quality makes, and in 1933 received the ultimate 'vote of confidence' when Rolls-Royce bought a minority stake in the Willesden-based coachbuilder, taking full control six years later. Based on the contemporary Rolls-Royce 20/25hp, the 3½-Litre Bentley was slightly shorter in the wheelbase and employed a tuned (115bhp) twin-SU-carburettor version of the former's overhead-valve six. It was also pictured with potential customers such as the Earl of March, later the Duke of Richmond and Gordon (copy articles in history file). Campbell continued his piece for The Field by declaring: 'The engine steering, suspension and brakes are absolute perfection. It carried the first standard Park Ward saloon body, number 'C.602,' and the registration 'ALU 323' both of which it retains. Launched at Ascot in August 1933, the first of the 'Derby Bentleys', as they would come to be known, continued the marque's sporting associations but in a manner even more refined than before. Chassis number 'B15AE' was the first production 3½-Litre delivered in 1933 and was used extensively by Bentley Motors as one of two 'Trials' cars (demonstrators) together with 'B1AE'. You can see both cars at Revs. How can I express my admiration for this new product in more glowing terms than this: I have never driven a car that holds the road so well...' There are also many references to the car in Michael Ellman-Brown's definitive work, 'Bentley, the Silent Sports Car, 1931-41'. Returning home, he convinced Rolls-Royce likewise.

This impression was intensified when I had an opportunity of handling the car under very adverse road conditions.' 'B1AE', which carried an open Vanden Plas body and was registered 'ALU 321', appears alongside 'B15AE' in period shots and although it was the first chassis built, 'B15AE' was the first car delivered, being issued with its manufacturer's guarantee several weeks earlier. fiberglass body on a 1973 volkswagen chassis.starts right up and idles fine..well maintained 1600.cc.very cool in excellant shape..paint is

Mit der Nutzung unserer Dienste erklären Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass wir Cookies verwenden. Compared with earlier Bentleys, this was the "Silent Sports Car" -- softer in character, more refined, and even better built. But the obvious advantage of owning a rival notwithstanding, the Bentley purchase was opportune because Rolls-Royce had already decided to build a sporting model. K3 Magnette.

- Sir Malcolm Campbell, writing in The Field.Although Rolls-Royce's acquisition of Bentley Motors in 1931 robbed the latter of its independence, it did at least ensure the survival of the Bentley name. 'One's impression, when seeing the new 3½ litre Bentley for the first time, is that here we have an absolute thoroughbred. one of the rarer kit cars...1933 model bentley convertable.

Both the 20/25HP and 3½ Litre were built at the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby England as a rolling chassis, complete with scuttle and radiator to be bodied by a coach builder of the customer’s choice. In 1934 Hall’s 78 mph average was 9 mph faster than ever recorded by a W.O.-era Bentley; in 1936 the Rolls-Bentley’s 80.81 mph average was the fastest yet recorded in the Tourist Trophy.Prewar, Eddie Hall and this Bentley never lost their class anywhere, putting up particularly impressive performances at Shelsley Walsh.