Lot 61: Bentley 4.25 litre Park Ward saloon

The 2,422 Bentleys produced between 1933 and 1939 are known as the 'Derby Bentleys' after the Rolls-Royce factory in which they were built. Rolls had acquired Bentley Motors from the receiver in 1931 and was determined to honour the magnificent sporting heritage that came with this illustrious brand. Although the cars were based on the existing Rolls-Royce 20/25 and 25/30 models, they were much more than a badge-engineering exercise with considerably more powerful engines and a more sporting chassis.  Dubbed 'The Silent Sportscar' the first Derby Bentley had a 3.5 litre six-cylinder engine with a new cross-flow cylinder head, twin SU carbs and twin fuel  pumps. Feeding its 105bhp through a four-speed synchromesh gearbox, the car was good for a genuine 90mph and was widely praised for its combination of speed, refinement and handling prowess.In 1936 the car got better still as the engine was enlarged to 4.25 litres and gained another 21bhp, sufficient to push it well past the magic 100mph barrier. It could now easily hold its own against its rivals on the new autobahns and autostradas of the Continent where sustained three-figure speeds were now expected of top flight motors.First registered in 1937, this Park Ward bodied Derby Bentley saloon was first owned by a firm of London solicitors, James Ferguson & Sons. The car moved to Wales in 1956 when she was purchased by Dr Arthur George Davies of Llandough Castle, Cowbridge. In 1961 the car found her way to Aberystwyth where she was purchased by the current vendor about 14 years ago. He treated the car to a total, ground up restoration which included a completely new interior, rebuilt chassis, coachwork and wheels and a £10,000 full engine rebuild.Since the restoration was completed about ten years ago, the car has covered less than 3,000 miles and is still said to be in excellent condition throughout and to drive beautifully.