Three year after Bentley (famous for its large, luxury sports cars) was acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1931, Alexander Walker commissioned a 1934 3.5-liter automobile, with the body to be built by the U.K.'s best coachwork, Mulliner & Company. Sir Alexander, grandson of the famous 'Johnnie' Walker of whiskey fame, specified that the new automobile must have the finest accessories of the 'modern age', including an AM radio, cigarette lighter (to complement the Whiskey), and a rumble seat to 'runabout' with guests.

This model Drophead was built in Derby, England at Rolls-Royce's factory. A young boy in Derby, Merv Wright, admired this model of Bentley as a child and is said to have told friends that if he ever could afford to buy one, he would one day own one.

As fate would have it, Merv Wright grew up to become a world-renowned motorcycle racer and World Championship team manager. He moved to California in 1962, and about three decades later, a 1934 Bentley Derby 3.5 Litre Drophead, exquisitely restored through a total renovation down to each piece of steamed wood, bolt and wiring harness, came available through auction. Merv bought it. His dream had come true. He proudly owned the car, until some year later it was sold to two additional automobile aficionados, each making further refinements.