Bentley 3.5 Litre

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Bentley 3½ Litre

Also called:	Bentley 4¼ Litre
Manufacturer:	Bentley
Production:	1933–1939 2411 produced
Predecessor:	Bentley 4 Litre
Successor:	Bentley Mark V
Class:	Luxury car
Engine:	3.7 L I6 4.25 L I6
Wheelbase:	126 in (3200 mm)

The 3½ Litre (and later 4¼ Litre) was the first Bentley to be developed by new owner Rolls-Royce. Released in 1933, it became the "entry level" car that the 4 Litre failed to become. With good performance and a low-profile look, the 3½ Litre became known as the "silent sports car."

[edit] 3½ Litre

Based on an experimental Rolls-Royce with a supercharged 2¾ L engine, the 3½ Litre was finally fitted with Rolls' straight-6 from the 20 H.P.. Despite that name, power output was roughly 110 hp (82 kW) at 4500 rpm, allowing the car to reach 90 mph (145 km/h). The engine displaced 3.7 L (3669 cc/223 in³) with a 3¼ in (82.5 mm) bore and 4½ in (114.3 mm) stroke. A 4-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel semi-elliptical suspension, and 4-wheel brakes were all common Rolls-Royce parts.

1177 3½ Litre cars were built.

[edit] 4¼ Litre

Beginning in March, 1936, a 4¼ Litre version of the car was offered as an option. The engine was bored to 3½ in (88.9 mm) for a total of 4.3 L (4257 cc/259 in³). The transmission now included an overdrive gear as well.

1234 4¼ Litre cars were built.

A Drophead 4¼ Litre was featured as James Bond's car in Never Say Never Again.

Bentley road car timeline

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1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s