Lot 20: Bentley 3�-LITRE SALOON BY MANN EGERTON

Following their acquisition by Rolls-Royce Motors in 1931, subsequent Bentleys were built as luxury sporting motor cars of a more refined character than had become associated with the earlier Cricklewood built models of the Vintage era.� First offerings of the new regime were to debut in 1933 with the introduction of the 3�-Litre.� Dubbed 'the silent sports car', this model had been developed from Rolls-Royce's 18hp experimental Peregrine chassis.� The great tradition of the sporting Bentleys was to be maintained as the new cars were capable of some 90mph and for long distance touring the 3�-litre had a few peers, whilst W O Bentley himself was to acknowledge that this new car was the finest ever to bear his name. �Using a slightly shorter chassis than the Rolls-Royce 20/25, the 3�-Litre featured coil ignition, a hypoid rear axle and twin carburettors.� From 1933 until the introduction of the 4�-litre model in 1936, some 1177 chassis were produced.� Chassis number B48FB was completed and finally tested on 17th September 1935, before being delivered to Mann Egerton of Wimbledon where it was to be fitted with four-door sports saloon coachwork.� Finally completed on 2nd December 1935, it would appear that the motor car was eventually delivered on 19th May the following year.� Details show the guarantee being effective from this date and the London registration number of CXV 16 being allocated.�By early 1953, the motor car was in the hands of Wokingham Motor Company Ltd, Finchhampstead, before being acquired by a gentleman in Exeter.� It was to remain in the West Country for several years before being registered aSome twenty years ago the engine underwent work which included fitment of new pistons.� Clearly the subject of some refurbishment a number of years ago, this Bentley remains in good presentable order and is seemingly extremely sound.� It is finished in British Racing Green over Woodland Green, retaining its original light tan interior trim (which would benefit from sympathetic refurbishment and some re-stitching to the front seats).�t an address in Bosham, West Sussex, with the final entry of the copy of the RF60 logbook showing it as residing in Westcliff on Sea, Essex.�We are assured that the mechanical condition is good in all departments and the car has been driven to the sale from Yorkshire, being said to cruise very comfortably at 65-70mph.In largely original order, this elegant Bentley saloon is offered with documentation which includes a continuation RF60 logbook dating from January 1953, details of original build and despatch etc., a V5C registration document and current MOT certificate valid until 21st September 2008.