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31 of 48 lots
Lot 31
1936 Bentley 3 1/2 Litre Sedanca Coupe
Estimate:
£150,000 - £200,000
Starting bid:
£80,000
Sold for
£95,000
Live Auction
London Auction 2023
Description
Coachwork by Gurney Nutting

Chassis: B18FB
Engine: D7BC

Masterfully Proportioned Gurney Nutting Sedanca Coupe Coachwork
Retains Original Engine per Factory Build Record
Documented Multiyear Restoration by Fiennes Restoration Completed in 2012
Over 30-Year Ownership as Part of a Noteworthy Collection of Bentleys
An Outstanding Choice for Concours and Touring Events

3,669 CC OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
110 BHP at 4,500 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Mechanical Drum Brakes
Front Beam Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs

*
UK V5
See UK Registration/Import Status Guide in catalogue.


This 3 1/2 Litre Bentley, chassis B18FB, was built near the end of the model’s production run with an off-test date of October 1935. It was delivered in January 1936 to B.G.K. Allsop, with Gurney Nutting coachwork. Elegant styling details include bonnet louvers which extend into the cowl, a prominent crease atop the midline of the front and rear wings, and a boot capped by the rear-mounted spare.

According to Bentley Register ownership records, B18FB was in the US Midwest in the mid-1960s, and later in Austin, Texas. The Bentley was acquired by its current owner in 1992, and a multiyear restoration by Fiennes Restoration of Lechlade-on-Thames, UK, was completed in 2012. During the restoration the Gurney Nutting body number, 1691, was found in several locations on the coachwork. It is finished in a rich deep blue with a black hood, accented with chrome brightwork. The interior is finished in light blue leather beautifully accented by highly polished walnut trim.

An extensive file of receipts documents the restoration process and the car is accompanied by a proper set of tools fitted inside the bootlid. It was awarded the Denis Ferranti Prize upon its debut at the 2013 Gawsworth Hall Classic Car Show and, more recently, it appeared at the 2021 Capesthorne Hall Classic Show. Featuring one of the most prized body styles for Derby Bentleys, B18FB benefits from a thorough restoration and respectful ownership.