126 hp, 4,257 cc OHV six-cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox, front and rear semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension with live rear axle, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes with power assist.

Wheelbase: 126 in.

Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley Motors from W.O.

Bentley in 1931, with the promise to continue building Bentley automobiles.

It was easier said than done, as the company struggled for two years to build a sporting car that would attract new buyers.

The personal notes of the works manager, E.W.

Hives, at the factory in Crewe (Derbyshire), record the tall order: “Answer to the moods of the driver…be driven fast with safety, or will tour without fuss and noise…maximum speed should not be obtained at the expense of acceleration…controls, steering, and brakes shall be light to operate, and the braking shall be adequate for a fast car…maximum speed of the car on the road should be 90 mph, 75 mph in third gear…” The original “Derby Bentley” was the 3-...