1937 Park Ward Sports Saloon 4 1/4 Derby Bentley
NOW SOLD
Chassis Number B71KU Engine Number M7BA
From the Anderson Historic collection, the Bentley of the world renowned A-list actor Sir Ralph Richardson who starred in the films Dr Zhivago and the Battle of Britain. This stunning car comes with a painting of Sir Ralph that featured in one of his films. The Bentley has had a recent front suspension overhaul and is running superbly.
The Car comes with a very large history file and various manuals.
The Car comes with a very large history file and various manuals.
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Spying Sir Ralph park his Bentley outside a film studio, Charlton Heston saw him pat the car as he left, saying reassuringly, "Goodbye, old girl. Back soon."
From the Independent Newspaper on a review on the radio programme “ My nights with Ralph Richardson” Sunday 20 October 1996.
The painting below comes with the Bentley.It was commissioned by ATV as a prop for ‘Comets among the Stars’ which featured Nigel Havers and Alan Howard, with Ralph Richardson playing the part of Professor Macleod |
Starting the Bentley
A cold day with low winter sun was the perfect excuse to take the Bentley for a drive to take some pictures. Starting the Bentley is a wonderful experience that becomes second nature with time. Before attempting to start up press down the 'one-shot' lubriucation lever with your foot from inside the cockpit. This lubricates the chassis and builds up pressure in the steering system and suspension. Turn on the battery isolator, move the centre switch to I&C and you'll hear the fuel pump filling the carbs. Then on the centre dial of the steering wheel move the lever halfway between advanced and retard, move the start/run lever to start, put the throttle lever midway then make sure the suspension lever is set to hard. Now you press the starter. When the Bentley bursts into life move the advanced/retard lever to advanced. put the start/run lever to the run position then adjust the throttle lever to get the Bentley running smoothly. As the car warms up you can close the hand throttle and the car will tick over beautifully. You are now ready for a drive
Interesting features of this bentley
TÜV READY
Prior to our ownership the Bentley had been prepared for the European TÜV test. So it has the sensible benefit of indicators and hazards. These are operated from the timed trafficator switch and the hazards have a separate control that is out of sight. The driver can select hazzards, indicators, trafficators or trafficators and indicators together.
SLIDING SUN ROOF
This is an amazing feature on a Bentley Park Ward Sports Saloon that transforms the driving experience in summer. The sun floods through the roof on blue sky days and is perfectly positioned that both front and rear passengers can benefit . It is beautifully appointed and operates flawlessly.
TOOL KIT
This is located in the passenger front footwell on the left hand side of the body. The kit is complete.
THERMOSTATIC FRONT GRILLE SLATS
The beautiful chrome radiator slats are operated by a thermostat that operates a mechanical lever system that opens the slats up as the engine temperature rises. The system on this Bentley works perfectly.
Prior to our ownership the Bentley had been prepared for the European TÜV test. So it has the sensible benefit of indicators and hazards. These are operated from the timed trafficator switch and the hazards have a separate control that is out of sight. The driver can select hazzards, indicators, trafficators or trafficators and indicators together.
SLIDING SUN ROOF
This is an amazing feature on a Bentley Park Ward Sports Saloon that transforms the driving experience in summer. The sun floods through the roof on blue sky days and is perfectly positioned that both front and rear passengers can benefit . It is beautifully appointed and operates flawlessly.
TOOL KIT
This is located in the passenger front footwell on the left hand side of the body. The kit is complete.
THERMOSTATIC FRONT GRILLE SLATS
The beautiful chrome radiator slats are operated by a thermostat that operates a mechanical lever system that opens the slats up as the engine temperature rises. The system on this Bentley works perfectly.
How does it drive?
This Bentley is a superb starter. On the button every time. The engine is strong, pulls well and climbs hills with ease with no issues. Perfect for the Alps. Smooth gear changes are mastered with some practice. From first to second can be very smooth changing up. Changing down into second takes practice if you don't want a crunch sound but after a few drives you'll have it mastered. Third and fourth gears are effortless and once settled in top gear the Bentley quietly drives with enthusiasm. For a car that is 84 years old it is reassuringly rapid as you would expect from a Sports Saloon. Make sure you watch the video to see this car on the road. The Bentley benefits from a recent £8,000 front suspension overhaul and handles the road well. The foot and hand brakes work well. All electrics are in good condition and operational.
Paint and interior
The condition of the paint is very good and shows signs of a matured patina. There are small areas that could be brought on but nothing that takes away the presence of this magnificent Bentley. The interior is superb and it compliments the black and primrose body colour very well. The interior cord rope handles are in perfect condition. The wooden dashboard and trim mappings are very good and the wood is in excellent condition and presents very well. The inside of this Bentley is a truly magnificent experience. The engine bay is very tidy and clean with paint in excellent order.
Chrome work.
The chrome work on this Bentley is excellent all round. The front end with the radiator and lights look very impressive and the chrome work shows it off at its best.
The paperwork
This Bentley has a long history file with many photographs. There are 4 folders that come with the car with many receipts for works completed. There's a full set of workshop manuals and a file bound edition. The drivers handbook is in excellent condition. The factory records also come with the car as well as 2 sets of keys and some magazine articles that feature the car..
'Drive it Day' Sunday 25th April 2021
The Bentley was given an airing for the 2021 'Drive it Day' and completed a 40mile round trip all without issue. Temperatures and pressures were all where they should be and the Bentley devoured the miles effortlessly. The picture was taken after returning from the jaunt out. It really is an incredible looking Bentley that drives superbly. One onlooker today commented "If ever there was a perfect car for a two tone paint scheme this has to be it".