1934 Hooper Derby Bentley 3.5 Cabriolet

Chassis number: B-92BN

Registration Number: BLN33

Ordered new from Hooper in 1934 by one Doctor Barbara Sprott of Onslow Square. The car comes with the original Hooper blueprints for an elegant Derby 4 door saloon. In 2005 The cars' roof was removed & the car converted to 4 door cabriolet specification with a cunningly concealed hood folding away into the former luggage area under a flip-up lid. Roof up the Luggage area is still useable for a pair of suitcases. Pleasingly the original doors, handles & body structure from Hooper was retained so in effect the car carries its original coachwork which has been modified to cabriolet form.

The coachwork is finished appropriately in British racing green. To the interior is lightly patinated tan leather along with tan carpeting & a matching tan roof.

Masses & masses of bills come with the car....far too much to photograph in its entirety; the bills being from all the right people. To wit: Fiennes engineering for a full & comprehensive engine rebuild. Hofmann's of Henly for a high ratio rear axle giving the car 12.5% more top end making it very relaxed at modern speeds. Sargeants of Goudhust for years & years of regular servicing. Kingham restorations for the coachwork modifications. Marque specialists Frank Dale & Step Sons for recent servicing.

The best part of this car is the way it drives. Very long legged due to the rear axle gearing change the car might well be mistaken for a 4.25 litre car & is certainly as quick or quicker than much heavier bodied 4.25 litre cars. The one-shot system has had attention & is functioning as intended. The car starts readily & pulls strongly in all gears.

Eminently practical as a 4 door cabriolet the interior when the roof is up is a snug & pleasant place to be. 4 good Blockley tyres are fitted to the 4 corners which have ace wheel discs fitted as when new. The spare is in situ to the rear covered in an aluminium disc as when new.