1935 Bentley Shooting Brake

3.5 Litre Other

6 - Cyl.

Manual

B-80-DG

Gasoline

Here's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase a very rare and beautiful example of a by-gone motoring era. This exceptional illustration of Jones Brothers’ coachwork offers the “proper motor car” enthusiast the opportunity to combine the elegant lines of a pre-war Bentley with the fun and functionality of a wood paneled Shooting Brake. Runs great-driven last on 4 Sep '11. How rare is this car? According to All the Pre-War Bentleys-As New by Stanley Sedgwick and Hugh Young, published in 1976 by the Bentley Drivers Club and Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd: “There were 1,177 3.5 Litre Bentleys produced in Derby [England]. Chassis B-80-DG; Engine No. R 7 BL: Was delivered April 1935; Body style: Coupe Cabriolet; Original owner: Col. C. J. Hirst.” Originally built as a drop-head coupe, this Derby Bentley was converted circa 1937 to its current coachwork. With these established facts, comes the inevitable legend that surrounds all cars of this type and vintage: It is purported that Hirst, a Scot, loved to drive fast, and routinely did. Soon after he acquired the car he crashed, seriously damaging the body, and probably bending the front axle, [replaced, many years later]. As World War Two approached, the British government enacted austerity measures in order to conserve materials and build a "war chest" for the impending conflict. This included a very high "luxury tax" on non-essential sports coupes, as this car started life as. Consequently, possibly to avoid paying more taxes, or in a fit of patriotism, Col Hirst had the coupe rebuilt as a "Utility Vehicle" (much less in taxes), ostensibly a "Milk Delivery Truck" but in reality, a gorgeous example of a wood-sided "Estate Wagon" used for hunting trips. After being re-bodied as a Shooting Brake at Jones Bros. in London, the car was purchased by a Canadian in Ottawa, where my grandfather bought the car, in 1960, and then sold to my father in 1980. The original oak frame supports rich paneling that was replaced in 1995. The 3 1/2 litre in-line six cylinder engine was rebuilt by the Clark Brothers (Springfield, MA) in 1991-92, and runs well. Upholstered in soft, caramel-hued leather, the interior remains true to its original design, with an aircraft cockpit-like instrument panel complementing the right-hand drive driver’s position. The exterior is also in fine condition, finished in hunter green, with black wire knock off wheels, new tires, and a black roof. A well cared for vehicle, always garaged, awaiting an owner who can appreciate unique excellence in the form of a very rare, historic motorcar. Payment must be completed with in 7 days of the close of the auction, including using the "Buy it Now" option. Shipping is responsability of buyer, however; terms are negtioable with seller.