1936 Bentley 3 ½ Litre Derby Sports Saloon

This Bentley 3 ½ Litre, also known as the ‘Derby Bentley’, is a well-preserved example of the luxurious 1930s saloon, which is reported to have been used in the making of ‘Unbroken’, produced and directed by Angelina Jolie. Power comes from a twin carburettor-fed 3.7-litre straight-six derived from the Rolls-Royce 20/25, producing approximately 82kW, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the third and fourth gears. This 3 ½ Litre is reported to have been imported into Australia by an American living in Melbourne in the 1970s. It was then acquired by Rolls-Royce specialist Robert McDermott in the 1980s, before finding a new opener in Castlemaine, Victoria, in the 1990s, when it underwent refurbishment by vintage Bentley specialist Up The Creek Garage, Castlemaine. In 2012, the car was sold to its next owner, an avid car collector based in Bundanoon NSW, and during his ownership it was used in the making of ‘Unbroken’. The seller notes that the car is being sold unregistered, and it is currently on QLD club plates. The badges mounted to the front plate are not included in the sale. The odometer shows 92,670 miles, but this is not warranted. Build year: 1936 The aluminium Park Ward coachwork of this 3 ½ Litre Derby Sports Saloon is finished in black, over a green leather-trimmed interior with elegant wood inlays. It rides on a set of black 18-inch wire-spoke wheels with chrome spinners, wrapped in Goodrich Silvertown Cord tyres. Equipment includes leaf spring suspension, a sunroof, and a four-spoke steering wheel. Accompanying the vehicle will be two workshop manuals and some maintenance invoices. Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. Specific notes from the seller include: it was repainted many years ago; the bodywork is sound but the paintwork is patinated with scratches and star cracks; it has had an older re-trim; the seats show some patina. The seller also notes that the engine holds good oil pressure and does not overheat; first gear is not quiet but is perfectly serviceable, the chassis retains its working lubrication system with leather gaiters fitted to the springs. The car’s last technical inspection was completed in March 2025. The most recent service was completed in November 2024 at around an indicated 92,300 miles. The fuel pumps have been reconditioned during the seller’s ownership. The seller states that the engine is fitted with a modern spin-on oil filter conversion; the car has been completely rewired with armoured cable to the correct pattern; the dynamo and regulator have been rebuilt; the original and working trafficators have been retained, and flashing indicators have also been fitted It is also noted that a new propshaft has been fitted using modern universal joints; a new aluminium petrol tank has been made to the original dimensions and fitted; the road wheels have been rebuilt; the sunroof has been rebuilt and recovered; the radiator has been fitted with a new correct-pattern core and the shell has been rechromed. This Bentley 3 ½ Litre, also known as the ‘Derby Bentley’, is a well-preserved example of the luxurious 1930s saloon, which was reportedly used in the making of ‘Unbroken’, produced and directed by Angelina Jolie. Combining elegant Park Ward coachwork with a smooth 3.7-litre straight-six, it would make a refined weekend cruiser, and a crowd-pleasing car show companion.