Historic Bentley up for grabs

| 20 Apr 2012

A Derby Bentley once owned by Bentley Boy, three-times Le Mans winner and former company chairman Woolf ‘Babe’ Barnato, will be auctioned at the Historics’ Summer Sale at Brooklands Museum on 26 May.

An early first-series 3.5-litre, the car was fitted with an all-aluminium saloon body before being delivered to Barnato – the man WO Bentley described as “the best driver we ever had” – in 1934.

The present owner bought the car in 1967, but it has since lain dormant after the engine block was sent for repair and subsequently lost.

Much of the car’s history went missing with the engine, but the visible chassis number has been confirmed to match records held by the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club and Bentley Drivers Club.

Due to its history, the Derby is expected to generate lots of interest despite its condition and will be sold with no reserve. You can find out more here.