1935 Bentley

• Delivered new to His Highness Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur
• Retained by the Maharajas two sons until 1954
• Sold to Lr General Wadalia, Deputy Chief of Army Staff in New Delhi in 1954
• Repatriated to the UK in 1970
• Restored by Alpine Eagle to a very high standard both mechanically and cosmetically
• One of just four cars built to this very stylish design by Gurney Nutting
• One of the most attractive closed designs by any coachbuilder from the 1930s

Chassis No B183EJ was completed in November 1935 and delivered to its first owner, His Highness Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur. It was finished in black and ivory with black woodwork. The car remained with the family, passing in turn to his two sons, until 1954 when it was sold to Lieutenant General Wadalia, Deputy Chief of Army Staff in New Delhi. It was retained by the General until 1960 when sold to Major F.H.Moore who was based in Calcutta. At some point during its time in India it was repainted in two tone green prior to returning to the UK in 1970, to Major Moore’s domestic residence in Beaconsfield. Upon its return to the UK the car was overhauled and prepared by Hoffman & Burton. In the 1990’s the car was completely restored into its present livery by Alpine Eagle in Oxfordshire. In more recent times B183EJ found its way to a large collection based in the UK where it received further works by Alpine Eagle, preparing the car to show condition. Chassis No B183EJ is one of only four examples created to Gurney Nutting’s exotic aerofoil design, this being one of two cars delivered new to India, both of which did not have a front quarter light window. The design has a waistline falling sharply behind the door, with the back of the rear side window ending in a point. The swage line crosses the scuttle and then follows the bottom of the window line across the door and rear quarter, curving elegantly round the back of the roof and below the rear window meeting at the earlier mentioned point. This effect created an opportunity for two-tone paintwork contributing to the rakish feel of the design. The lowered roof also added to the sporty look of the aerofoil design. The rear screen is split in two and echoes the rear side windows. Chassis No B183EJ is in wonderful condition following recent preparation works both mechanically and cosmetically and comes complete with a beautiful small tool set stowed in the boot. It also comes with copy chassis cards and extensive records dating back to its time in India. This top-class motor car is one of the most exotic pre-war cars we have been fortunate enough to handle and is ideal for high level concours participation. 

During the late 1920’s and early 1930’s Bentley ran into grave financial trouble and by 1931 Rolls-Royce had stepped in and bought the assets and goodwill of the defunct company and formed a new one, Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Rolls-Royce had considered the Bentley marque to be a growing threat to their future success, but following their purchase decided to continue the Bentley name, albeit under their own stewardship, taking the company in an entirely new direction with the creation of the “Silent Sports Car” or Derby Bentley. It was a hugely significant model in Bentley’s history, marking a new era for the brand under the ownership of Rolls-Royce, with careful consultation taken and the blessing given by W.O. Bentley himself. In 1933 the new Bentley 3 ½ Litre model was released and was an instant success, quickly becoming a favourite among the wealthy car buyers of the early 1930’s. The combination of effortless power and style met with almost universal praise, it was considered one of the best cars of its era by many. This was a time of transition, as Bentley had been previously known for its large, robust, and racing-oriented cars, while Rolls-Royce was recognized for its luxury vehicles. The new model encapsulated the best of both companies in our opinion, the sporting nature of the Bentley name combined with the luxury and refinement of Rolls-Royce. It was powered by a developed twin carburettor version of Rolls-Royces own 20/25 model. The 3 ½ Litre six-cylinder inline engine and was capable of around 100bhp and featured overhead inlet and side exhaust valves, a relatively advanced configuration for the time. This was paired with a very easy to operate four speed manual gearbox, with synchromesh present on third and fourth gears. This was all installed in a low 126-inch wheelbase chassis that featured semi-elliptic leaf springs at both the front and rear, which provided a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. Superb servo assisted drum brakes were also fitted, providing even the most sporting of drivers with the stopping power required. The range of coachwork available to a buyer of a new 3 ½ Litre Bentley was extensive, from a conservative but very smart saloon to a super stylish drophead coupe with flowing wings and sporting lines. The one constant was the quality of the cars, built to the very highest standards and fitted with luxurious and well-appointed interiors. The changeover period for the Bentley name in the early 1930’s must have been difficult at times for all involved, but from the ashes of the old company came a new and highly successful chapter for Bentley which began with the 3 ½ Litre.