Lot 026: 1934 BENTLEY 3.5 LITRE THREE POSITION DROPHEAD COUPE

Finished in green with black swage moulding and maroon leather upholstery, this particular 'matching numbers' example carries three-position drophead coupe coachwork by an unknown supplier (its Thomson & Taylor coachplate is considered erroneous). According to Bernard L King's book 'The Derby Built Bentleys' chassis B-120-AH was originally ordered as a Park Ward Saloon (though, the same source lists the car as currently being a Thrupp & Maberly Drophead Coupe). Whereas, Michael Ellman-Brown's tome 'The Silent Sports Car' suggests that it began life as a Thrupp & Maberly Coupe (but stresses that the relevant T&M records are incomplete). Whoever is responsible for its versatile two-door body seems to have done an admirable job, the tri-hinged doors showing no discernable drop and enjoying particularly deep recesses etc. First owned by Herman Rawlinson Esq, the Derby is reputed to have passed through the hands of Adams & Oliver in the 1960s before disappearing to America. Re-imported by the vendor, it is missing a front bumper and rear window but otherwise appears to be substantially complete if a little cosmetically challenged. Running and driving upon a recent inspection, it will require further recommissioning prior to road use. Benefiting from fresh tyres, this potentially rewarding project has yet to be re-registered in the UK. However, it is accompanied by the relevant import documentation.