The original owner of this 1934 Bentley 3 1/2 Liter Sports Tourer was the Prince Bira of Siam. Bira, is remembered for his skillful and charismatic driving. He required the best, and certainly got it, when he purchased this elegant and highly sophisticated machine. It was among the best vehicles money could buy at the time, with its Rolls-Royce designed chassis and racing heritage.
This car was used by the Prince to travel between the international racing circuits. The car wears coachwork by Vanden Plas and is powered by a six-cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors. The 105 horsepower is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh. The four-wheel servo drum brakes provide ample stopping power when needed.
Besides its use as a road-going vehicle, Bira used the Bentley in competition. It competed in the Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb event in 1936. It was even used, in an unofficial capacity, in the night practices at LeMans in 1937.
When WWII broke out, the Prince sold the Bentley. At one point in its history, it was owned by the British politician and government minister, the late Hon. Alan Clark.
In 1991, the car was used in the Mille Miglia.
In 2008, this 3.5-Liter, Siamese Blue livery, Sports Tourer was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $500,000 - $750,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for $429,000, including buyer's premium.