1939 four and a half
Vanden Plas
The Silent Sports Car

   Cricklewood was closed and sold. W.O. had taken a position at Rolls. An unhappy interim, Lagonda awaited. Two years after the shadow acquisition by British Central Equitable Trust in 1931, Rolls Started production at Derby of the ‘Silent Sports Car’.
   With marketing designation attached, an engine derived from the anemic overhead valve three liter of the 20/25 and coming from Derby, the expectations were low. The only meager prospect was that the quality of construction should be of highest caliber, coming from Rolls during this period when they machined and fit every piece and sheet. Bentley enthusiasts were drowning their sorrows by the pint, but it was two years into the depression, so there was plenty of reason.
   In the event, the Bentley name was attached to a car of individual character.  The Rolls ‘economy’ engine was fitted with a new head, twin carbs, numerous fine points attended to and putting out a respectable 110hp. It was then dropped into an experimental chassis developed for a 2.75 liter performance Rolls that was only now seeing the light of day. Here bodied with its popular British Vanden Plas sheet. It was fit and nimble.
   After 1936 the three liter was brought up to four and a half, and reality met the promise of marketing.