The Bentley 3 ½ Litre was first suggested by Rolls-Royce & Bentley Motor Works’ manager, E.W. Hives in the early 1930’s. Hives specified that while the new car should have a top speed of 90 miles per hour, concentration should be placed on acceleration, handling and breaking with controls that are easy to operate. The new engine was derived from the straight-6 that powered the Rolls-Royce 20/25 and featured an increased displacement to 3669cc, a cross flow cylinder head with higher compression, larger camshaft, and twin SU Carburetors. The combination produced a generous 110hp. A four speed gearbox was standard with synchronized 3rd and 4th gears, while 4-wheel suspension and servo assisted brakes ensured adequate handling and braking. The new chassis was constructed from nickel steel and featured drops around both axles to ensure low profile body styles. The drivable chassis was relatively lightweight compared to other contemporary marques, weighing it at just over 2,500lbs. The incredible performance and drivability of the 3 ½ litre quickly earned the new Bentley the name “The Silent Sports Car.” Only 1,177 Bentley 3 ½ Litre chassis’ were constructed, approximately 50% of which were bodied by Park-Ward with coachbuilders including Mulliner, Freestone & Webb, James Young and others also sculpting lines for the Bentley 3 ½ Litre.

Chassis number B111FC is one of only nine 3 ½ Litre Bentley’s that was sent new to Windovers Coachworks of London. The vehicles’ custom, one off body work mimics the look of a traditional Drophead coupe, however only the roof that covers the front seats rolls away to turn the gorgeous coupe into a well appointed Sedanca. The first owner, a Mr. Gootnick, specified that the car was constructed with town work and touring in mind as he planned to use the Bentley in the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Rally. Records from the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club (RREC) show that Mr. Gootnick was particularly concerned with torque and acceleration as the chassis tests indicate. Mr. Gootnick took delivery of B111FC in March 1936 wearing the registration CUW 777, which it still shows today. Unusual body features include wheel discs covering the wire wheels undoubtedly for aero dynamic purposes; while an integrated rear trunk with rear mounted spare add a particular continental touch. B111FC has been collector owned since the 1970’s and was acquired from the estate of Dr. Mark Sheppard in 1978 by renowned collector Herbert Boyer. Boyer, a respected bio-chemist is credited with co-creating the field of genetic engineering and is the co-founder of the biotechnology company Genentech. Besides his award winning work in the field of medicine, Mr. Boyer is also known for his love of classic and rare automobiles and showed B111FC at the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance in 1983 before commissioning a fresh body off restoration and returning the Bentley to Pebble Beach in 1993. By 2003 B111FC was in the hands of another California based collector who returned the vehicle to Pebble Beach for another showing. Considering how rare it is to have a vehicle is invited back to the Pebble Beach Concours having a single car shown three times over 30 years is nothing short of astounding and a true testament to the provenance of this incredible one off 3 ½ Litre Bentley. To date B111FC remains in gorgeous restored condition and is well respected in Bentley circles. The vehicle has been featured in numerous marque publications including the 2003 edition of Johnnie Green’s “Bentley: Fifty Years of the Marque” and would make a welcome addition to any premier collection.

The 1936 Bentley 3 ½ Litre Sedanca Coupe by Windovers featured here is finished in stunning all black with a gorgeous deep red leather interior. This one-off, special ordered Sedanca Coupe is unquestionably one of the most well designed 3 ½ Litre Bentleys ever produced; it has been displayed at Pebble Beach on three separate occasions and has also been featured in multiple marque publications. A magnificent, no-expense-spared restoration was commissioned and this 3 ½ Litre is now ready for the concours circuit. We are extremely proud to offer this incredible 1936 Bentley 3 ½ Litre Sedanca Coupe by Windovers to the most demanding collector, investor or enthusiast who desires to own the best. Classic cars have proven to be among the most resilient and rewarding investments in recent years with the Historic Automobile Group Index (HAGI) jumping 39% in 2013, 16% in 2014 and 17% in 2015 while posting gains of 467% over the last 10 years. Ready to make an investment you can actually enjoy? Please contact one of our expert sales consultants for more information. They will be happy to give you a complete walk-around, supply you with a more detailed description, and answer any questions you may have. This is an incredible opportunity to own one of the best examples in the world at an investment price. Buy with confidence.