A history, description and analysis of the 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 Litre
Bentleys built by Rolls-Royce during the 1930s following their surprise
takeover of Bentley Motors early in the decade.
Promoted as "the silent sports car", these cars proved to be an
extraordinary success due to their performance and manners, the
excellence of their engineering and construction, the wonderfully
attractive coachwork offered on the Bentley chassis, and the association
of the Bentley with the illustrious reputation of Rolls-Royce.
After outlining the story of Bentley Motors and the Rolls-Royce
takeover, the author gives a thoroughgoing account of Rolls-Royces
search for a car with which to relaunch Bentley before the earlier
glories began to fade. Then he gives a highly detailed technical
analysis of the 3 1/2 Litre, covering every aspect of the chassis,
running gear, engine and transmission. This is followed by equivalent
coverage of the succeeding 4 1/2 Litre and the short-lived Mark V. Each
of these receives comprehensive treatment, including information on
differences from previous models, revisions, the range of bodies
available from coachbuilders, performance and behavior, and appearances
in competitive events.
There are also chapters on using the cars today and on the
practicalities of ownership, with advice on parts availability,
maintenance and preservation. The 70 color photographs, some of them
specially commissioned, feature outstanding examples of the
coachbuilders art, and are backed up by some 140 images from the
archives.
