Under Rolls-Royce’s ownership, Bentley’s model portfolio became more refined—but they were always marketed as being sportier than most luxury cars, aimed at wealthy owners who wished to take the wheel.

One member of European royalty who greatly enjoyed driving was HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, who is understood to have taken delivery of this desirable Drophead Coupé while the family took refuge in England during World War II.

The Bentley had first been sent to Vanden Plas for finishing, and had a handful of early private owners before falling into the hands of Jack Barclay, the Bentley dealer.

It was then acquired by Prince Bernhard in an extraordinary period, with the nobleman actively involved in flying Spitfires and bombers in combat, and eventually becoming Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces ahead of Operation Market Garden.

Still enamoured by his Bentley, he drove this car back from England to a liberated Netherlands.

With the car then kept in the grounds of Soestd...