A history, description and analysis of the 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 Litre Bentleys built by Rolls-Royce during the 1930s following their surprise takeover of Bentley Motors early in the decade.Promoted as "the silent sports car", these cars proved to be an extraordinary success due to their performance and manners, the excellence of their engineering and construction, the wonderfully attractive coachwork offered on the Bentley chassis, and the association of the Bentley with the illustrious reputation of Rolls-Royce.After outlining the story of Bentley Motors and the Rolls-Royce takeover, the author gives a thoroughgoing account of Rolls-Royces search for a car with which to relaunch Bentley before the earlier glories began to fade. Then he gives a highly detailed technical analysis of the 3 1/2 Litre, covering every aspect of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This is followed by equivalent coverage of the succeeding 4 1/2 Litre and the short-lived Mark V. Each of these receives comprehensive treatment, including information on differences from previous models, revisions, the range of bodies available from coachbuilders, performance and behavior, and appearances in competitive events.There are also chapters on using the cars today and on the practicalities of ownership, with advice on parts availability, maintenance and preservation. The 70 color photographs, some of them specially commissioned, feature outstanding examples of the coachbuilders art, and are backed up by some 140 images from the archives.

Nick Walker studied engineering at Cambridge, but then pursued a career in business management and marketing. He is Honorary Librarian of the Vintage Sports-Car Club, Honorary Archivist of SAE-UK (formerly IBCAM), and a member of the Society of Automotive Historians. His special allegiance is to the Alvis marque, and he has owned examples bodied by both Vanden Plas and Cross & Ellis as well as serving as Chairman of the Alvis Owner Club. Now retired, he has in recent years written a number of books and articles on automotive history.