1934 Bentley 3½ Litre Drophead Coupé by Thrupp and Maberly
- Engine
- 3.67L OHV inline-six, twin SU carburetors, ~100 bhp
- Colour
- Black
Chassis B75BL is a 1934 Bentley 3½-Litre Drophead Coupé wearing original coachwork by Thrupp and Maberly, commissioned by M.S. Spencer-Nairn of Fife, Scotland, heir to a prominent linoleum manufacturing family. Built to several personalised specifications, it was laid up during the Second World War and subsequently passed through documented ownership in both Britain and California. The car retains its original body, a brown leather interior, and is accompanied by factory build sheets, English log books, and an owner's handbook.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$231,000
- 2019-01-17Auction saleSold US$150,000
- 1934-06-18 →Factory deliveryM.S. Spencer-Nairnfull documentation
Heir to a linoleum manufacturing fortune based in Fife, Scotland; specified several bespoke features at the time of order. Vehicle was laid up throughout the wartime period, after which a different Bentley saloon was acquired.
- 1934-06-18 →Factory deliveryM.S. Spencer-Nairnfull documentation
Heir to a Scottish linoleum business; took delivery with several bespoke specifications. Drove the car extensively before wartime storage; parted with it after the war due to family size requiring a larger vehicle.
- → 1984Acquisition unknownR.E. Merchantpartial documentation
Based in Derby; held the car for an unspecified period concluding in 1984.
- 1984 → 2008Acquisition unknownHoward Brownpartial documentation
A Californian residing in London at time of purchase; undertook a repaint and refreshed the chassis and mechanicals. Later relocated to California with the car; began a bare-metal respray in 2008 but passed away before it was finished.
- 1984 → 2008Private saleHoward Brownpartial documentation
American owner based initially in London, subsequently relocated to California with the car. Undertook a full repaint and mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment during ownership; initiated a bare-metal respray in 2008 but passed away before it could be finished.
- → 1984Private saleR.E. Merchantpartial documentation
Derby-based owner; no details given regarding any work carried out during this period.
- 2008 →InheritanceKathie Brownpartial documentation
Widow of Howard Brown; retained the car in an unfinished state following his death until selling it to the most recent owner.
- 2008 →InheritanceKathie Brownpartial documentation
Retained the car following her husband's death; subsequently sold it to the consignor.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Completed the bodywork freshening left unfinished at Howard Brown's death; car presented in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Completed the interrupted cosmetic freshening begun by Howard Brown; consigning the car at auction.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2008Bodywork
Bodywork was stripped back to bare metal in preparation for a full repaint, but the project was left incomplete following the owner's death.
Initiated by Howard Brown; the work remained unfinished at the time of his passing.
- —Restoration
Chassis, mechanical systems, and cosmetic elements were comprehensively refurbished, and the car was repainted, resulting in a dependable and enjoyable driving condition.
Work carried out during Howard Brown's ownership while he was based in London.
- —Restoration
Cosmetic freshening was completed by the subsequent owner, encompassing the interrupted repaint and related finishing work.
Completed by the current owner after acquiring the car from Mrs. Brown.
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