EX LORD CASEY CAR - GOVERNOR GENERAL OF AUSTRALIA
6 cylinder OHV 3669 cc 105 BHP @ 3750 rpm
There are three distinct types of Bentley. The "Vintage" Bentleys, built between 1919 and 1931; the "Derby" Bentleys, built at the Derby factory of Rolls-Royce up to the outbreak of WWII; and those produced after the war at the new factory at Crewe (the "Crewe" Bentley).
Almost without exception, all "Crewe" Bentleys have been slightly modified versions of contemporary Rolls-Royce models.
The 3.5 litre was the first of the Rolls-Royce produced Bentleys following the takeover of the Bentley company in 1931 and WO Bentley himself took no part in the development of the design, which was assisted by Sir Henry Royce.
Production started in 1933 and the cars were fitted with a more powerfully tuned twin carburettor version of the Rolls-Royce 25/30 hp engine, used a different cylinder head and camshaft, and had a higher compression ratio.
Launched as the "silent sports car" the cars carried a three year warranty and a total of 1,191 3.5 litre "Derby" cars were produced in chassis form only between 1933 and March 1936.
A road test in 1934 by Autocar Magazine listed the top speed as 92 mph (150 k/ph).
In 1934 a 3.5 litre model was raced in the Ulster Tourist Trophy by Eddie Hall, featuring higher compression and larger inlet valves. The race was run at an average speed of 78 mph (125 k/ph) and the car recorded a fastest lap of 81 mph (130 k/ph), placing second overall. In 1935 a 3.5 litre model again finished second, averaging 80 mph (129 k/ph).
This particular vehicle was purchased as a running chassis in 1935 by Major Richard Gairdner Casey (Later Lord Casey), who ultimately became Governor General of Australia in 1965. The chassis was forwarded to Rootes in Australia, for delivery to Major Casey, on 11 June, 1935 aboard the S.S. Port Dunedin, sailing from London to Sydney.
He had a close-coupled four door sports saloon body built to his own design and fitted to the chassis by Diskon and Molyneux of Sydney.
When he was appointed Australian Minister to the United States in 1940 the car went to Washington with him. When he was posted to London in 1942 the car was shipped back to Australia, where it remained unused until the Caseys returned to Australia after the war in 1946. On Casey's retirement in 1960 he accepted a life peerage. He was now Baron Casey of Berwick, Victoria, and took his seat in the House of Lords. In 1965 at the age of 74 he was made Governor-General. At the end of his five-year term he and his wife retired to their farm in Victoria. In the same year he was named Australian of the Year.
The vehicle was used by the Caseys until 1961, when it was sold to Dr Ian Wardrop of Victoria. At that time the vehicle had covered 110,000 miles (177,000 km) and the Rolls-Royce agent in Melbourne pronounced it "in good order".
In 1964 the vehicle was sold to Mr S. Harrison, 11 Orania Crescent, Bullcreek, Western Australia who embarked on a partial restoration in 1966, liaising closely with the Bentley works to obtain correct parts and information. After completion of the restoration in 1973 it was used for some time in Western Australia, before being deregistered and stored on blocks until 1976. At that time the vehicle had travelled only 126,000 miles (203,000 km).
In 1976 the vehicle was purchased by Mr Tony Packer of Mosman Park. He further restored the car, including work on the coachwork, upholstery and suspension. This work took approximately 12 months.
In 1979 the vehicle was purchased for display at the York Motor Museum.
Now offered for sale by private treaty for the first time in over 30 years this desirable Bentley is of outstanding provenance and history and in superb overall condition, still featuring its unique original body and original engine.
For more information or high res images please contact
James Nicholls
National Head of Collectors' Motor Cars
+61 (0)2 9362 1000
[email protected]